“Dystopika” is a PC game developed by Voids Within Studio Inc and published by Voids Within Studio Inc/UNIKAT Label, which has been officially distributed on the PC game portal site Steam since June 21, 2024. It is a modeling simulation game that allows you to freely create and enjoy a cyberpunk city.
A must-see SLG title that features an extremely convenient game system that allows anyone to create a futuristic city with any layout they like, a number of asset buildings and signboards that allow you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of a cyberpunk city, such as neon lights and night views, and exciting play elements that allow you to freely move the camera and create the best futuristic city.
Recommended for those who love the monumental sci-fi movie “Blade Runner'' series and the numerous cyberpunk movies that followed them, those who like scenes of chaotic skyscrapers and high-tech vehicles moving in the air, and those who are looking for a construction-related simulation game.
- create a cyberpunk city
- Easy operation and great atmosphere
- MOD support is also planned
A science fiction SLG that can create a near-future city
“Dystopika”, which is currently being distributed on the PC game portal site “Steam” store, is a recommended new PC game that allows you to create a “near-future city” that everyone has seen in science fiction movies and game works. This is a simulation game where you can create your own landscapes using an intuitive operating style, and then save and enjoy the images.
The work has realistic game graphics, and you can enjoy the process of selecting various 3D modeled buildings, signboards, etc. and placing them on the map to create your favorite layout. The neon lights shining in the rain-drenched nightscape is a perfect atmosphere, and if you like the world of science fiction, you're sure to fall in love with it.
This game, which fits into the sandbox game genre, focuses primarily on creating landscapes, and elements such as “population,'' “economy,'' and “infrastructure'' that exist in typical city construction simulation games are omitted. On the other hand, this means that you can play “intuitively'' without being confused by complex interrelationships.
In the case of city construction simulation games, although there is a mechanism that allows you to freely build urban areas to a certain extent, it is necessary to provide a “guidance'' to the people who will live there while developing the infrastructure, and there are many considerations similar to those in the real world, such as traffic congestion and the location of facilities, so the barrier to entry is often quite high.
On that point, this game allows you to ignore these elements and proceed with the play, creating an environment where even people who have never played a sandbox game can play with confidence. Show off your artistic sense and create a scene that looks like a cyberpunk city by making various buildings pop up.
Please note that this work is specialized in building a futuristic city like a miniature set, and it is not possible to walk around inside the completed city or move around by vehicle. Also, it does not have any kind of gameplay, so those who are interested should make sure to understand what kind of simulation game this work is.
At the time of writing, there are 575 user reviews on the Steam store, and the overall rating is “overwhelmingly positive,” making it a great start. It seems that fans of sci-fi movies and sci-fi games like this game and are buying it, and the ability to continue building cities “intuitively'' without having to think about difficult things seems to be a major factor in its high reputation.
The game was developed by indie game developer “Voids Within Studio Inc.” Although it has a studio name, it is actually a project by Matt Marshall, an individual developer, and the work is published jointly with UNIKAT Label. This is a must-see developer that makes you feel that we are entering an era where even one person can develop games.
By the way, this work has a history of being distributed as a “free demo version'' before the official version was released, and the author has carefully upgraded and modified it and released the official version “1.0''. It's a new game with a sense of security that it didn't start being distributed on Steam all of a sudden, but has been developed in stages.
This PC game is recommended to people who have an aesthetic sense of the near-future world and urban areas, and it can also be said to have elements that will appeal to people who are looking for a city-building simulation game with a slightly different flavor. On the other hand, there is a high possibility that it will be of no use to people who love nature, so those who fall into this category should leave this page immediately.
Game features
The feature of this work is that it is “a small-scale city-building game inspired by cyberpunk and the desire for a city that never sleeps.'' Players will create their ideal near-future city world on the screen by combining prepared assets. It's a city-building simulation game with a casual feel.
It is possible to place buildings, large billboards, giant holograms, etc., and the scenery, traffic, lights, etc. can be harmonized with the “procedural (automatic) generation'' that is preset in the game. When this semi-automatic generation system works well, it is possible to create a “futuristic city full of atmosphere.''
What you can create is not a vast landscape, but a small city that can fit within the camera, but by devising the layout, you can use “visual tricks” to make it look like a gigantic monster city, which requires skill on the part of the player. Let's remember “that method” of creating perspective on a movie set.
Science fiction movies from the era before the heyday of 3DCG, like today, often recreated urban areas using miniature scale models for filming, and “Blade Runner,'' which carved its name in history as a monumental science fiction movie, also used this method. I would like you to think about how you created a “vast landscape'' within the limited scope of the stage set.
The most effective technique for shooting studio sets is to intentionally make the buildings in the back smaller in size, which becomes a “visual trick'' that creates a sense of perspective. Realism is also created by blurring the distant scenery, and the viewer perceives the buildings as continuing into the depths of the screen. At that time, there were people who were skilled in these techniques.
The technology that makes a limited area of a building appear larger than it actually is is the same in the world of 3DCG. Placing assets over a wide area places a corresponding burden on the computer to draw them, so the development of technology to optimize this process is also progressing considerably. As you know, the latest 3DCG tools such as Unreal Engine 5 are good at this.
It is expected that these tools will actively incorporate AI in the future, so I feel that there is a high possibility that even more detailed landscape drawings will be created than now. The emergence of landscape depictions that have not been possible in the past and present is a long-cherished desire of various creators, so I hope that the world of ever-advancing 3DCG tools will continue to expand.
This is a little off-topic, but there is no clear “goal” in “Dystopika”, and it is up to the player himself to acknowledge the completion of the work. There is no “win or lose'' in this game, and if there is a competition, it is “one's own creativity.'' It is important to clearly recognize what you want to create while using this game.
For example, if you're a fan of science fiction movies, you might want to recreate the memorable opening scene of Blade Runner mentioned above. Although the film is set in a gloomy futuristic city where pollution has increased, the weather is always bad, and the city is full of harmful smog, this scene is also famous for leaving a strong impact on many fans and film-related people.
This work is also recommended for those who want to create scenes similar to those in “AKIRA'' by Katsuhiro Otomo, who has had a great influence on the world. However, since the buildings that appear as assets within the work are designed in an overseas style, it is currently impossible to recreate that style exactly, but it can be said that future possibilities remain.
The basis for saying that “future possibilities remain'' is the roadmap set forth by this work. The author has clearly stated in the roadmap that this work will be mod-compatible by the end of the year, so if this includes a mechanism that allows you to import your own models and textures, you will be able to build urban areas using other than existing assets.
However, I would like to reiterate that this work is simply a simulation game work that uses tools to create scenery, and there is no narrative or action element at all. You may be able to find some kind of story while creating a scene, but please understand that it is simply a tool for the PC to create a beautiful cyberpunk world.
In that sense, the players this game is suitable for are those who are good at creating something while thoroughly immersing themselves in sandbox game elements, or those who are passionate about the science fiction world. You can also use it as a “dry run'' to learn how to assemble background maps and other materials when making your own games.
It may be a bit wrong to introduce this work, which is a background generator, under the category of “game,” but there are now a variety of subgenres of games, and there are many works that deviate from existing categories. My hope is that you can understand that there are many different indie games out there, and that many people are enjoying them.
road map
“Dystopika'' has already been released as an official distribution version, but a detailed “roadmap'' has been posted on the Steam store. What is currently clear is the roadmap until December 2024, and the future is not disclosed, but the developer intends to continue to grow this work while taking care of it.
The first update is game version 1.1, which includes the implementation of new props (a term used to refer to objects such as structures), further multilingual support, and bug fixes and usability features. It is expected that the system will be improved and the game expanded, so this is a very exciting update.
Version 1.2, scheduled for September and October, will mainly include enhancements related to photo mode. This update is predicted to include the implementation of a new camera mode, the addition of an accompanying control system, and the addition of city presets. This is a great read for people who collect a lot of screenshots.
Version 1.3, scheduled for November and December, will be an update for district areas. This version will add new districts and huge structures, making the futuristic city look even more flashy. Furthermore, this version is scheduled to have the “MOD” feature set to “1.0”, which can be said to be very exciting content.
As most people know, “MOD” is a term that refers to the general act of a user modifying a game system or assets, and in Japanese it is used with the nuance of “modification.” There are quite a number of studios and companies that allow mods for their games, and one of the most representative of them is Bethesda Softworks, known for “Skyrim'' and “Fallout.''
The advantage of allowing MODs is that volunteer users can create and publish content, textures, systems, etc. that the developer never imagined, and the game may gain explosive popularity from there. It's no exaggeration to say that Skyrim, which has been popular for over 10 years, is supported by users who want to play MODs on PC.
If this game allows MODs for a wide range of uses, it is unknown at this point what kind of mods they will be, but as far as I can imagine, they could be used to add variation to neon signs and billboards, adjust colors, etc., or create realistic images with a drawing program supported by the graphics board.
Or, it's possible that someone will go a step further and create a MOD that creates a landscape that is the exact opposite of the near future or cyberpunk, while still retaining the basic system of allowing assets to be placed on the map. MODs are modification programs that must be installed at your own risk, but they are attractive because they allow you to create things that deviate from the original worldview of the game.
The author, Matt Marshall, is trying to create a fan community for this game on the official Discord server, so if you have an idea for a crazy mod, update to version 1.3, put it into action, and share your results with the creator and community members.It will be an interesting experience.
It would seem like it would be a good idea to end the update at the official version 1.0, but the author of this work has a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for his work, and is dedicated to further developing and improving it. Indie game developers with a passionate development spirit are an asset to the game industry, and we sincerely hope that they will succeed.
Japanese interface implementation
The selling price on Steam is 800 yen, and it is currently on sale at 720 yen, a 10% OFF release commemorative sale price (limited time price until July 6, 2024). It is an inexpensive indie game title that can be purchased at a reasonable price range of 1,000 yen or less, but if you want to buy it as cheaply as possible and play it at a bargain price, it would be a good idea to purchase the product now.
The game has a Japanese interface as standard, so the barrier to entry is low. It's a new PC game that even people who aren't good at playing foreign games can download with confidence, so it's a perfect title to give as a gift to a friend. By the way, the game currently supports seven different languages.
There is no description on the store page regarding compatibility with Valve's portable game console “Steam Deck”. This may be due to the fact that the review of new games that are being uploaded in large numbers every day has not been completed in time, or the author of this work may have intended it to be played on a PC monitor, but the beautiful futuristic city looks great on a large monitor, so let's think about it that way.
Kind developers may test compatibility with Steam Deck in their own environment and list the situation on the store, but this is a work that was developed by an individual, and as mentioned above, the author may not have expected it to work on a small monitor, so it's probably safe to consider playing on Steam Deck as an “extra”.
There are a total of 15 types of Steam achievements that can be unlocked. It may not seem like much at first glance, but it's great that a product in such an inexpensive price range is equipped with such a solid track record. Among the other titles uploaded to Steam, there are some that do not have any achievements installed, so it can be said that this is a very user-oriented indie game work.
The work is a solo play-only title and does not support local or online multiplayer modes. Since the style of the game is one in which one person carefully builds a city, a multiplayer mode is considered unnecessary in the first place. If you want to share your favorite scenery, please use the official Discord server or Steam community hub.
The game currently does not officially support universal controller control, and there are no plans for future updates. Unlike action games that require intense operations, this is a title where you move the cursor over the interface to perform operations, so this shouldn't be much of a problem as you play.
Required specifications
The required specs for “Dystopika” are in a medium to slightly low position. The recommended graphics board listed in the system requirements section of the Steam store is an Nvidia GTX 760 class or AMD Radeon R9 270 class part, so the barrier to entry for PC gamers can be said to be quite low.
The same is true for the graphic boards presented in the minimum operating environment, and it is possible that the author is not able to experiment with parts configurations beyond the above in this area, but the fact that the graphics board parts of older generations work can be said to lead to an increase in the number of users who can participate, so this low threshold is a high point.
The recommended CPU model is Intel's i5 series or AMD's equivalent performance product, but since there is no specific generation or model name in this part, players may need to make some guesses and prepare. What is clear is that there is a possibility that cars such as the i3 class may not be suitable, so those who fall into this category should be careful.
The installation size is 1GB, which is as light as a smartphone app. This seems to work well with the game's structure; there is no existing data in the game immediately after installation, and the player uses tools to create a futuristic city in the game world. Of course, if you create various cities, you will need more data space than this.
Overall, it's a game that puts a very light burden on the PC, and it's great that even people with low-end gaming PCs can install it with confidence. It is a title that can be easily introduced even by people who have purchased various games on Steam and are short on storage space, and combined with the low price, it can be said that it has become a typical indie game.
“Dystopika'', a modeling simulation game where you can freely create and appreciate a cyberpunk city, is currently officially available on the Steam store. It is a title that is already being played by many Japanese players, and is a PC game that has received high praise for its ability to create various variations of futuristic cities with simple controls.
It's a game that's so addictive that people who've watched a number of science fiction movies and been fascinated by its style and worldview have been drawn to it, and the fact that you can save the scenery you've created in photo mode is also a high point. The chill background music is also great. If you are interested, please visit the Steam store now and check out detailed game information.
[Recommended points]Let's create a cyberpunk city!
Overall review: Expectations for the game that will be created
Games are basically activities that take place within a “given worldview,'' and this trend has remained universal throughout the ages. However, on the other hand, games have also appeared that serve as “tools'' for players to create their own worlds, and these certainly have a different appeal. This may be a byproduct of the diversification of genres, but this trend is interesting.
Famous in Japan is the “RPG Maker'' series, which debuted in 1990, and allowed players to create “original role-playing games'' by combining assets, commands, and music. Programming was, so to speak, behind-the-scenes work for games, but this series is significant in that it was made available to the general public and received a great response.
Entertainment works are created in a world where “finished products'' are provided and the user pays for them, but the flow of players purchasing tools and using them to create their own original works is interesting, and can be said to be a very useful method for people who are not satisfied with existing finished products or for those who are looking for “something'' that allows them to express their own creativity.
This trend has spread all over the world, and there are now cases where game companies are providing users with tools to modify existing games. The most famous one is “Creation Kit” provided by Bethesda Softworks, which is a program that allows you to modify the game. Many players are still using this kit.
What attracts players?
There are various differences in the “creation-type games'' developed as products depending on their level, but games that combine prepared assets and instruction sets may have a similar feeling to playing with Lego blocks. The basic idea is probably the expression of a thought process in which one's own “worldview'' is expressed as “form.''
For people who like to imagine things on a regular basis, creating game works is a “perfect playground'', and the same is true for the “craft system'' built into survival games. The human urge to “create something'' can be seen behind the worldwide success of “Minecraft,'' which featured sandbox elements.
In the end, what attracts users to these types of games is their “infinite expressiveness'', and the fact that a completely different worldview is created depending on the person playing the game may be their greatest appeal. Of course, not all users like “creating things,” but Minecraft shows that the total number of users is not small.
Perhaps the appeal of “creative games'' is that they are not 100% free, and there are restrictions on what can be used in advance (assets, etc.). The player is not given a blank slate and is told, “Now, go ahead and create whatever you want,'' but instead is told, “I've prepared these, so you can assemble them as you like,'' which makes it easier to get involved in the work.
It can also be said that the presence of “other people's eyes” is a major factor in stimulating creativity. When someone else's work using the same craft elements is amazing, it is a natural human thought process to observe and marvel at the details, and try to imitate what we can, and we also develop a passion for further evolving the creations we already had.
Once you've completed your work, you'll probably want to make it visible to others in some way. In the world of games, many users upload their finished products, and there are also game titles that have mechanisms that allow them to be downloaded as data. The presence of others stimulates creativity, and in a good sense, you can enjoy creating while working hard.
Returning to the main game “Dystopika'', this is a game that creates scenery, and the content of the scenery created is largely at the discretion of the player. There is also a system that allows players to share their completed works with each other, and in fact, players from all over the world are passionate about editing every day in order to create “amazing works''.
This title has all the characteristics and appeal of the “creative game'' described above, and it is predicted that further chemical changes may occur with the announcement of MOD support. It can be said that this is a must-see indie game that has high expectations not only for its immediate release, but also for its “evolved appearance'' after uploading.
“Dystopika'', a modeling simulation game where you can freely create and appreciate a cyberpunk city, is currently officially available on the Steam store. It's a work that has a system that is easy to get into, so if you haven't experienced it before, please download this work and try out the fun system while creating your own works.
[Recommended points]Unleash your creativity!
