It also reminds me of a different era of gaming, where resource limitations required games to stay focused on their subject matter without becoming bloated. I find it relaxing but challenging and I enjoy seeing my little hamlet survive and grow and perhaps even eventually thrive. Personally, I like the game for what it is. I think we'll see those things and I think that may make the game feel more 'complete' for some people.

I wouldn't mind DLC or mods that include larger construction projects or the ability to create flower beds and other beautification projects. Are these limiting factors? Yes and they could have been included but they're not necessary for the core game to succeed. It doesn't have monuments, castles, combat or beautification projects. What it doesn't do is have talent/building trees or progression - but then again a small rural village in the 1700s or 1800s wouldn't expect to progress much from a technology standpoint. Now I didn't see in any previews that suggested anything different or more than what I got in the game. It was the first time that I can remember ever losing a town in any city builder and I've been playing them since the original SimCity. I love the pace and game environment not because it is simple but because it is focused and it is challenging. It's just about keeping a nondescript village going and in that it succeeds totally.

Not a town, a city, an empire or a dynasty. It is simply about growing and sustaining a viable village. Banished is a rather simple premise executed beautifully but without embellishment. It's not SimCity, CotN, CivCity Rome, Caesar, Emperor, Anno, Cities XL or any other number of builders. Not a town, a I think people lament what Banished is not rather than enjoy what it is.

I think people lament what Banished is not rather than enjoy what it is.

Banished pc game reviews