Technotopia is a minimalist city-building strategy game with a quirky visual style that successfully blends with the mechanics of Reigns series. Its gradually unfolding story keeps you engaged and can be completed in a single evening. The game surprises with a cleverly implemented roguelite system, occasionally frustrates with its reliance on randomness, and ultimately disappoints with the lack of any non-story mode. However, for its modest price, it offers an enjoyable few hours of entertainment.

As someone who predominantly plays games antithetical to this experience, the fact it blew me away should speak volumes on how confidently it presents itself. It’s by far one of the best things I’ve played this year, and it just works in a way that is almost magical when considering how many bigger titles have fumbled the fundamentals Technotopia handles with ease. Whether one loves or hates card-based games, this is one worth playing, hands down.

Technotopia is an atypical city builder that understands what makes the genre appealing. It is turn-based and built around cards, but it manages to give players freedom while making it clear the pressures of constant development. The narrative framing is good, although the characters do not shine, and the presentation is impressive. Its run-based structure keeps things interesting, although I would have liked a slightly faster pace of unlock for new buildings. A clear list of everything players can get and hints about how they can reach their aims is also needed. Despite these small issues, Technotopia is a very good game that should attract a wide audience.