Nova Lands Reviews

An excellent factory sim for the Steam Deck.

Honestly, this game is great if you like automation. And I was really enjoying it, but after losing a save I had pt 18 hours into, that was really fucking annoying. If you are still planning to buy it, disable Steam Cloud Saves!!!

Forager but full on automation + space content

very dissapointing and boring gameplay, core keeper did it better

Ugly characters, linear gameplay, grindfest.

A fun answer to Forager with some serious pacing issues in the endgame. I don't understand why some games do this - we've BEEN playing the game. It's not a subscription model. The endgame items do not NEED to take 8 hundred thousand minutes to craft compared to other items. There's "incentivising the upgrade system" and then there's "torture". The early game is still fun so I'm not giving it a thumbs down, but I am firmly declaring that the pacing for the endgame items was the result of a stupid decision.

Perfectly scratches that crafting itch. The pixel are is awesome too. Great little cozy game.

Other negative reviews say the same thing, it's good but the end leaves for improvement. You automate entire islands, ensure production is at it's highest capability. All for, a health upgrade that I don't need? Could be insanely good, but right now it's just not bad

Nova Lands is an ambitious blend of survival, exploration, and colony-building set against the backdrop of a mysterious alien planet. Developed by Mindstorm Studios, the game challenges players to not only endure harsh environmental conditions but also to establish and expand a thriving outpost amid the unknown dangers of Nova Lands. With its deep crafting systems, dynamic ecosystems, and a strong emphasis on player choice, the game offers a richly immersive experience that demands strategic thinking and adaptability. The gameplay in Nova Lands revolves around resource management, base construction, and exploration. From the moment you crash-land on this uncharted planet, survival becomes your primary objective—gathering food, water, and materials while fending off hostile wildlife and unpredictable weather. What sets the game apart is its attention to ecological detail; flora and fauna interact in complex ways, and the environment itself can influence your settlement’s success. Seasons change, weather can shift rapidly, and natural disasters may strike, forcing players to plan ahead and design their bases to withstand a variety of threats. This dynamic world feels alive, making each decision—from where to build to what crops to cultivate—carry real weight. Building and expanding your colony is a satisfying and intricate process. The game offers a wide array of construction options, from simple shelters to advanced laboratories and defensive structures. Each building serves a clear purpose, contributing to the survival and growth of your community. Crafting is detailed and multifaceted; players must research technologies, gather increasingly rare resources, and manage their workforce efficiently. The management aspect extends to your colonists themselves, each with unique skills and needs that affect productivity and morale. Balancing these human factors alongside environmental challenges adds a compelling layer of depth. Exploration is another cornerstone of Nova Lands. The planet is vast and filled with secrets—ancient ruins, alien artifacts, and hidden caves beckon the curious, promising valuable rewards but also dangers. Venturing beyond your base requires preparation and caution, as hostile creatures roam the wilderness and hazards like toxic swamps or volatile gas pockets pose constant threats. Exploration not only yields resources but also expands the story and lore, gradually revealing the mysteries behind the planet’s origin and the fate of previous expeditions. This narrative undercurrent enriches the gameplay and motivates players to push further into the unknown. Visually, Nova Lands strikes a balance between realism and stylized art. The environments are lush and varied, ranging from dense forests to arid deserts, each biome rendered with attention to detail. Day-night cycles and weather effects are well-executed, enhancing immersion and adding tactical considerations. Character models and animations are functional, with a focus on clarity over complexity, ensuring that gameplay remains smooth even during large-scale colony management. The UI is comprehensive but well-organized, presenting complex information without overwhelming the player. The sound design complements the visual experience with ambient noises that capture the alien world’s atmosphere—wind rustling through strange foliage, distant animal calls, and the hum of machinery in your base. The soundtrack is subtle yet effective, underscoring moments of tension and discovery without becoming intrusive. Audio cues also play a vital role in alerting players to threats or events, such as approaching storms or enemy attacks, which is crucial given the game’s survival focus. One of the challenges of Nova Lands is its steep learning curve and the density of its systems. New players might find the early game daunting as they navigate resource scarcity, complex crafting trees, and survival mechanics simultaneously. However, the game rewards patience and experimentation, with a well-paced progression system that gradually introduces new mechanics and technologies. Occasional bugs and balance issues can arise, but the developers have shown commitment to patching and improving the experience through updates. Overall, Nova Lands is a compelling survival and colony simulator that delivers a richly detailed, challenging, and rewarding experience. It shines in its integration of environmental storytelling, resource management, and base-building, offering players a chance to carve out a foothold in a hostile alien world. For fans of survival games who appreciate strategic depth and exploration, Nova Lands provides countless hours of engaging gameplay, where every decision can mean the difference between thriving and perishing on a strange, beautiful planet. Rating: 8/10