Terra Nil is an intricate environmental strategy game about transforming a barren wasteland into a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Bring life back to a lifeless world by purifying soil, cleaning oceans, planting trees, and reintroducing wildlife, then leave without a trace.
The gameplay revolves around a three-phase cycle to transform a desolate, lifeless landscape into a thriving, balanced ecosystem. In the first phase, you must strategically place Toxin Scrubbers and Irrigators to purify the soil and clear out pollution, laying the foundation for plant life to return.
With the groundwork laid, the second phase challenges you to restore various biomes across the map, such as grasslands, forests, wetlands, and more. You must carefully balance the placement of different plants, trees, and water sources to create the ideal environmental conditions for each biome. Completing optional objectives, like maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels, provides valuable bonuses to aid this delicate restoration process.
The final phase centers around reintroducing native animal species to the revitalized environment. You must study the habitat requirements of each animal and position the necessary biomes accordingly, as some creatures rely on the presence of other species or specific environmental factors to thrive.
A key aspect of the gameplay is the procedurally generated landscapes. Each level presents a unique, randomized map, ensuring no two playthroughs are exactly the same. This adds an element of unpredictability, as you must adapt your strategies to the changing terrain and challenges.
The overall gameplay design aims to provide a relaxing, contemplative experience. The soothing music, calming visuals, and lack of time pressure or fail states allow you to approach each level at your own pace. However, the game still manages to deliver a satisfying sense of challenge, as optimizing the ecosystem to meet all objectives can require thoughtful planning and problem-solving.