The medieval building game Foundation by Polymorph Games is set to release on Steam after 5 years of Early Access. The announced release date of January 31, 2025, has fans filled with anticipation, especially given the promised freedom in building.
What makes the new building game unique? Foundation is a building game that focuses on medieval environments and structures. Players construct buildings ranging from small huts to massive monuments, manage resources and the needs of residents, and shape the surrounding environment where all of this takes place.
Polymorph Games lists their sources of inspiration on the game’s website, including the Anno series, The Settlers, and SimCity. The studio aims to create an authentic city-building simulation that has excited fans for years due to its freedom in building.
The release date trailer for Foundation showcases not only the art style but also the building and city construction aspects of the game.
Freedom instead of Building Regulations
How does the game intend to provide as much freedom as possible? Foundation aims to minimize restrictions on the construction and design of its buildings and environments. Therefore, the game does not utilize a grid system, which typically brings order and straight-line designs but can also impose limits on execution.
By avoiding such a system, Foundation wants to offer not only more creative freedom but also allow for organic growth, representing the real growth of medieval cities in the past (Source: Polymorph Games).
What can players expect at the official launch? Foundation has been in Early Access since February 1, 2019, for over 5 years now. The initially planned 1-year duration has been extended “by a few additional years” as the relatively small development team wanted to deliver exactly the game they envisioned.
With the full version set to release on January 31, 2025, additional content such as new buildings, production chains, habitats, aesthetic overhauls, modding opportunities, and deeper narrative content will be available. So far, only 60% of the planned content has been showcased during Early Access.
What is the fan reaction to the long-awaited full version of the game? Although Foundation has only been in Early Access thus far, reactions on various social media channels and reviews on Steam are very positive (87% from about 14,000 reviews). Many fans express their excitement:
- Devilish Simmer comments on Steam: “I have been following this game since its first year in Early Access. It has been a great development process, with a team that has really listened to feedback. (…) I hope that development and improvement continue post-launch and that the game continues to expand.”
- ShadowSpade says on Reddit: “I love the gridless building. It has spoiled other builders for me, where you have to place roads.”
- RoboHo-BO expresses on Steam: “I don’t want to start a turf war, but Manor Lords wishes it could be Foundation. This game makes city management fun, and it looks great (Manor Lords’ realistic graphics with this polished and fun gameplay would be unstoppable).”
Those who cannot wait until January 31, 2025, can play the free demo of the full version on Steam. The previously mentioned Manor Lords is also a medieval building game that shares many parallels with Foundation, but has taken a more realistic art style visually. For more information about Manor Lords, one can read further on MeinMMO: Steam: The new building game wants you to experience your cities instead of just looking at them.
