«Build and defend colonies to survive against the billions of the infected that seek to annihilate the few remaining living humans. Can humanity survive after the zombie apocalypse?». We’ll see what it’s about.
Story and Gameplay:
They Are Billions isn’t your typical real-time strategy (RTS) game. Sure, you build a base, research technologies, and command an army. But unlike most RTS titles, here the enemy isn’t another human commander with equal resources. In this game, you face a relentless horde of infected humans, billions strong, driven by a singular purpose: to consume everything in their path. This review delves into the unique blend of city-building, survival, and strategy that this game offers, exploring it´s story, gameplay, graphics and sound design, and ultimately, it´s place in the gaming landscape.
This game doesn’t present a grand narrative with sprawling cutscenes and character development. Instead, it paints a bleak picture through environmental storytelling. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious illness that turns humans into ravenous, insatiable creatures. Humanity clings to survival, with the last remnants scattered across a desolate landscape. In this sense, the story unfolds through short snippets of text that introduce each map and game mode. These snippets detail the struggles of surviving colonies and the desperate measures they take to hold back the infected. It’s a story of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, where even a small victory feels like a triumph.
They Are Billions thrives on it´s unique blend of genres. At it´s core, it’s a city-builder. You start with a small colony and must expand your territory, build resource generators, and establish production chains. However, unlike traditional city-builders, the focus here is on efficient resource management and rapid expansion. The ever-present threat of the infected forces you to prioritize defense heavily. You’ll need to build walls, towers, and military structures to create a robust defensive network. The game utilizes a real-time with pause system, allowing you to meticulously plan your base layout and troop movements during the paused state before unleashing your commands and watching your carefully crafted strategy unfold.
In this sense, the infected come in various forms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are fast and agile, while others are slow but incredibly resilient. This necessitates a diverse military force, with soldiers wielding ranged weapons to deal with fast-moving swarms and tougher units to hold the line against the bruisers.
One of the most compelling aspects of this game is the constant pressure it creates. There’s always a sense of urgency, pushing you to optimize your production, research new technologies, and expand your defenses. The infected relentlessly attack in waves, increasing in frequency and intensity as the game progresses. A single breach in your defenses can snowball into a catastrophic failure, forcing you to restart the entire map.
For it´s part, the game offers several modes to cater to different player preferences. Survival mode is the heart of the experience, where you must build a colony and hold out for as long as possible against the infected hordes. Campaign mode presents a series of pre-defined maps with specific objectives, offering a more structured experience. Additionally, there are tactical and challenge missions that provide bite-sized scenarios with unique twists on the core gameplay.
Graphics and Sound:
This game employs a visually distinct, comic book-style art aesthetic. The environments are beautifully rendered, with a grimy, post-apocalyptic atmosphere accentuated by the use of dark colors and industrial architecture. The steampunk theme is seamlessly integrated, with towering structures powered by pistons and gears, adding a touch of unique charm to the otherwise bleak setting. For it´s part, the infected are grotesque and visually unsettling, their twisted forms effectively conveying the threat they pose. Unit animations are smooth and detailed, with satisfying feedback when your troops engage the enemy.
The game’s sound design is equally impressive. The haunting, industrial soundtrack perfectly complements the oppressive atmosphere. The clanging of machinery, the screams of the infected, and the booming sounds of gunfire create an immersive auditory experience that keeps you on edge throughout your struggle for survival.
Conclusions:
They Are Billions isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging game that demands strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and a healthy dose of perseverance. The constant pressure and potential for sudden failure can be frustrating at times. However, for those who enjoy a good test of their strategic prowess, this game offers a deeply rewarding experience.
The sense of satisfaction derived from successfully defending your colony against overwhelming odds is unparalleled. Mastering the game’s complex mechanics, optimizing your production chains, and watching your meticulously crafted defenses repel wave after wave of the infected is a truly gratifying experience.
In summary, this game is a unique and compelling strategy title that carves it´s own niche in the RTS genre. It offers a thrilling blend of city-building, survival, and real-time strategy, constantly testing your ability to plan, adapt, and overcome. While the steep difficulty curve and unforgiving nature might not be for everyone, for those who persevere, They Are Billions provides an incredibly rewarding experience that will keep you coming back for more, even after countless defeats.
In this sense, we found a must-play for strategy enthusiasts seeking a challenging and rewarding experience. It´s unique blend of genres, bleak atmosphere, and emphasis on survival create a game that is both stressful and deeply satisfying. Just be prepared to face the billions and emerge victorious, or fall under the relentless tide of the infected.
My Score is 8.0
Hen Games 