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What is it? A steampunk game based on 1990s city-building simulations. Influenced by: Caesar (the game) and Boneshaker (the book) Reviewed on: Windows 7 Ultimate, Core i7, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M Play it on: Intel Core i3, 2GB RAM, budget graphics card (does not support Intel Integrated Graphics) Alternatively: Cities: Skylines Copy protection: Steam Price: $20/£15 Release date: Out now Publisher/Developer: Triskell Interactive Multiplayer: None Link: Official site

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Lethis: Path of Progress bills itself as a steampunk fantasy 'city-building' strategy game. I wouldn't call it that, although it's true—technically—that you can, and do, build cities. (Brass ones! Steam-powered ones!) Instead, I'd describe Lethis: Path of Progress as a management sim, in the worst possible way. This is a game about spinning plates.

Before I let loose with my litany of gripes, though, I should stress that Lethis: Path of Progress's art is very, very special. If I could recommend any game on aesthetic alone, this would be the one. It's splendidly detailed and sweet, and cartoonish, with all these teensy-tiny cobblestones everywhere. Professor Layton would live here. A Miyazaki movie would be filmed here.

The first time I encountered an elaborate new animated model, the effect was breathtaking. That initial magic is eventually dampened—there are maybe too many hot air balloons, too many giant silkworms, all strangely static and unchanging—but the first time, oh boy.

Another strength is its musical score—which is fortunate, since the player will invariably be hearing these ditties a whole lot. Really, it's some of the best game music I've ever heard, striking this perfect ineffable chord between Joe Hisaishi and George Gershwin POE currency buy .