City-building games can be a mixed bag. At first, it’s all about the thrill of bright windows in cozy cottages. But soon, you’re faced with headaches like traffic jams and garbage strikes. Imagine a game where you can build a city, knowing it will eventually be destroyed—that’s a unique twist. Even better? It’s free.
Enter Before The Ash, a browser-based strategy game made for the Godot Wild Jam 79 by Aviv Levy. The jam’s theme was “growing,” but instead of crafting a cheerful garden, Levy took inspiration from the tragic history of Pompeii, the Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
In this game, Vesuvius isn’t just a backdrop; it plays a crucial role. The volcano occasionally hurls flaming boulders that ignite the landscape. You can use your mouse to put out these fires and gain Faith from your citizens, which helps you acquire new building cards. Your existing structures generate resources like stone and food, essential for expansion.
The lava can also clear out unwanted buildings, letting you reshape the city. But there’s a catch: you’re racing against time. Eventually, Vesuvius will erupt, and everything you’ve built will be destroyed. Your goal? Score as many points as possible before the eruption wipes the map clean.
If I were in charge of Pompeii, I’d focus on getting people to safety before planning new structures. Despite that, I can’t help but enjoy the concept of using the volcano as a tool to improve the city. It’s a fascinating blend of collaboration and chaos.
Some recent discussions on social media reveal that players appreciate the game’s unique take on urban planning and disaster management. Many have drawn comparisons to other strategy games, like Laysara: Summit Kingdom, which also explores living alongside natural challenges.
Adding more depth to the theme could elevate this game. Perhaps including historical events or statistics about the actual eruption could enhance the gameplay experience. According to recent studies, volcanic eruptions can disrupt local ecosystems for years, making the game’s depiction of renewal and destruction even more compelling.
Before The Ash keeps players engaged with its blend of strategy and unpredictable chaos, proving that even in the face of disaster, it’s possible to find moments of creativity and fun.
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