This year I was recommended Terra Nil, a "reverse city builder" as the developer Free Lives call it in the store page. From screenshots and what gameplay I did see of it, my mind raced to games like SimCity 3000 and the potential of destroying a run down, or decaying city and returning it to nature.
What I played wasn't really that.
While yes, the last level involves cleaning up a Radioactive city that is flooded. This is less of a reverse SimCity, and more Zoo Tycoon or Jurassic World Evolution, where I am trying to get pens to fit an animal's preferred habitat. The scale is just a lot greater.
What would be a medium size SimCity 3000 map, is now a desolate waste land, where futuristic instant machines and tools clean up the land. Then give the habitat life.
There is also a bit of a Puzzle game element to it too, where you have "optional" objectives that involve changing the environment. Making it more, or less suitable for specific animals, and cataloguing them.
I feel that this is the main crux of the game, and it's fun. With gorgeous visuals, beautiful music, and a fun gameplay loop. I was left wishing there was more. With 4 unique maps, that have a alternative location, there is lots to do here. I picked this up during a Winter Sale, and while it's main asking price of $33 CAD is a bit for how short the game is, the ~$25 CAD I paid for it on sale is perfect for this bite sized adventure.
Terra Nil is definitely a puzzle game and not a reverse city-builder. As a puzzle game, I think it succeeds.
I just wish that's how the devs advertised it. The idea of a reverse city builder sounds good, but if they're going to sell an environmentalism themed puzzle game then just call it that.