Generation Exile: A Solarpunk City-Builder from Former Firewatch and Far Cry Developers
Created by former developers of Firewatch, Gone Home, and Far Cry, Generation Exile is a city-building game focused on restoring a polluted colony ship. It is currently available in early access.
About the Developers and Game Setting
The game is developed by Sonderlust Studios, an independent Canadian team including Nels Anderson (Mark of the Ninja, Firewatch), Karla Zimonja (Gone Home, Tacoma), and Marri Knadle (Far Cry 5 & 6). Generation Exile places players in charge of a small group of humans living on a massive colony ship that contains mountain ranges and lakes.
Game Environment and Inspirations
The colony ship evokes the grand, luxurious vessels from Iain M. Banks's Culture novels but with a darker twist; it is a polluted, dangerous hexagonal wilderness resembling the atmosphere of Scavenger's Reign.
Gameplay Overview
- Players must emerge from below decks to build and repair an outpost.
- The goal is to restore diverse biomes throughout the ship before the journey ends.
- Character dynamics and branching dialogue quests add depth, reminiscent of 11-Bit Studios' management simulators.
- Players also face threats from a mysterious marauding "entity" originating from Earth.
I had a quick go of Generation Exile’s early access build yesterday, and have bleary, late-night thoughts that are very much not a proper review.
The game emphasizes a circular economy model and features a glowing, bacterial aesthetic that stands out visually.
The game operates according to the principle of a circular economy.
While the premise is familiar to fans of titles like Ixion, Generation Exile’s blend of eco-conscious strategy and atmospheric design makes it a compelling experience despite some rough edges.
Author’s Summary
Generation Exile offers an intriguing eco-themed city-building experience with deep character interactions, though its complexity and presentation still feel somewhat unpolished.