New Cycle is a city building game with focus on survival. After an apocalyptic series of solar flares, human society has been thrown into disarray. Establish a settlement and develop it all the way from humble beginnings to industrial metropolis.
Players must carefully manage a wide variety of resources, from basic necessities like food and water to more advanced materials like motors and engines. As the town expands, the production process becomes increasingly intricate, with buildings and facilities interconnected via conveyor belts to automate resource flows. Balancing supply and demand across these interlocking systems requires strategic planning and adaptability.
The game's progression system encourages a slow, deliberate pace of development. Players gradually unlock new technologies and buildings through research, steadily expanding their production capabilities over time. This gradual buildup allows for a sense of sustained engagement and investment in the settlement's growth. As players advance through the eras, they gain access to more complex, high-yield production methods, driving them to restructure and optimize their city layouts to accommodate the increasing demands.
The game introduces a range of survival-oriented challenges that players must navigate. Environmental hazards like sandstorms, wildfires, and shortages of critical resources can disrupt the delicate balance of the settlement, requiring quick decision-making and crisis management. Refugee crises, disease outbreaks, and social unrest further compound the challenges, forcing players to make difficult choices that can impact the long-term viability of their civilization.
The game offers players the choice between a grid-based or free-form city layout, allowing for a high degree of customization and experimentation. The placement and organization of buildings, roads, and infrastructure can significantly impact resource flows and overall efficiency. Players can fine-tune their settlement's design to suit their preferred playstyle, whether it's a tightly organized grid or a more organic, sprawling layout.
The game's post-apocalyptic setting and the dramatic, cinematic presentation contribute to a strong sense of atmosphere and immersion. The moody soundtrack, detailed visuals, and well-written narrative elements help to create a compelling, believable world that players can become deeply invested in. As the settlement grows and faces increasingly dire challenges, the sense of struggle and perseverance becomes palpable, further drawing players into the experience.