Against the Storm

Against the Storm is a city-building roguelike developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse, released in 2023. The game combines traditional city-building mechanics with roguelike meta-progression systems and procedural generation.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game features a unique blend of settlement management and roguelike progression. Players build and manage settlements for different fantasy species, each with distinct needs and abilities. A central mechanic is the "Queen's Impatience" system, which creates time pressure by tracking settlement progress against royal expectations.

Species Management

Against the Storm includes multiple fantasy races that must be managed within the same settlement. Each species has specific resource requirements, housing needs, and productivity bonuses in certain industries. Players must balance the needs of different populations while maximizing overall settlement efficiency.

Environmental Systems

The game features dynamic weather systems that create procedural challenges for settlements. Seasonal changes and environmental hazards require adaptive planning and resource management. Weather patterns affect both settlement operations and available resources.

Meta-Progression

Unlike traditional city-builders, Against the Storm incorporates roguelike progression where failed settlements contribute to long-term advancement. Players unlock new options and abilities that carry over between settlement attempts, creating a cycle of learning and improvement.

Technical Features

The game is built using Unity engine and supports complex simultaneous systems including real-time resource management, multiple species simulation, and procedural map generation. The interface presents these complex systems through accessible design.

Reception and Impact

Against the Storm achieved over 100,000 players within its first six months and has been recognized for successfully merging city-building and roguelike genres. The game has established a dedicated community and influenced discussion about genre fusion possibilities in strategy gaming.