Building the Great Wall of China 2 (Collector’s Edition)

Building the Great Wall of China 2 (Collector’s Edition) is a time management strategy game where players take on the role of overseeing the construction of the Great Wall of China. Direct workers, gather resources, and defend against threats like nomad attacks and wizards while managing time effectively to complete each level. The game features various upgrades, boosts, and artifacts to enhance gameplay and provide a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Building the Great Wall of China 2 (Collector’s Edition): Review

Introduction

In the annals of historical simulation games, few structures capture the imagination like the Great Wall of China. Building the Great Wall of China 2 (Collector’s Edition) ambitiously transports players into this grand endeavor, challenging them to construct the iconic wall across diverse landscapes while managing resources and fending off threats. The Collector’s Edition expands upon the original with new locations, achievements, and gameplay enhancements, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Development History & Context

Developed by Lithuania-based Nordcurrent UAB and published in 2016, Building the Great Wall of China 2 was designed to capitalize on the popularity of time management games while offering a unique historical backdrop. The Collector’s Edition bolstered the base game with additional content and improvements. Technological constraints of the era meant the game had to run efficiently on a range of Windows systems, leading to optimized performance even on older hardware. Set against a gaming landscape dominated by casual titles, the game aimed to stand out with its blend of strategy and historical narrative.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The game’s narrative follows Emperor Kong Baotu as he embarks on the monumental task of building the Great Wall to repel nomadic invaders. This framing device not only provides a clear objective but also allows for the introduction of various historical elements and mythical dangers. The thematic core revolves around construction challenges, resource management, and survival against hostile forces.

Key characters include:
– Emperor Kong Baotu: The driven leader whose vision guides the player’s progress.
– Workers: The lifeblood of the construction effort, requiring careful management.
– Nomads and Wizards: Tangible threats that disrupt progress and test the player’s resilience.

The plot unfolds through a series of levels, each representing a different stretch of the wall across varied landscapes. These levels include:
– Golden Plains: The starting point with grasslands and rivers.
– Snowy Mountains: Harsh environments with snow and ice.
– Arid Desert: Scorching dunes and sandstorms.
– Foggy Coast: The final stretch with coastal challenges.

Themes explored throughout the game include:
1. Historical Accuracy: Incorporating elements from ancient China, such as architectural styles, resource gathering methods, and mythical creatures.
2. Survival and Adaptation: Overcoming environmental hazards and enemy attacks through strategic planning.
3. Resource Management: Balancing food, stone, coal, and gold collection with construction needs.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Building the Great Wall of China 2 is a time management simulation where players must efficiently assign workers to gather resources, build necessary structures, and maintain infrastructure while racing against the clock. Key gameplay mechanics include:

Resource Management

Players collect:
– Food: From berries, pumpkins, or fishing
– Wood: By chopping trees or building sawmills
– Stone: From quarries
– Gold and Coal: From respective mines

These resources are used to build sections of the wall, structures like farms and stores, and upgrades to enhance worker efficiency.

Structures and Upgrades

Players can build and upgrade various structures:
– Farm: Provides a steady food supply
– Quarry: Produces stone
– Gold Mine: Generates gold
– Coal Mine: Provides coal
– Storehouse: Increases resource storage capacity
– Lightning Rod: Protects against structure fires
– Fort: Adds defensive capabilities

Upgrades can improve building efficiency, resource output, and worker speed, requiring careful investment of coins earned through level completion and achievements.

Threats and Defenses

The game introduces several dynamic challenges:
– Lightning Strikes: Burn structures, requiring immediate repair
– Nomad Attacks: Freeze time and require defeating waves of enemies
– Wizards: Cause panic among workers and set fires
– Obstructions: Fallen trees, rock piles, and meteorites blocking paths

Defenses include:
– Lightning Rods: Prevent fire hazards
– Forts: Provide protection during attacks
– Bonuses: Temporary boosts like time freezes, resource piles, and 50% wall discounts

UI and Controls

The user interface features:
– A map showing available tasks and structures
– Resource trackers displaying current stocks
– Timers indicating progress and pressure
– Task queue for managing worker assignments

Controls involve clicking on resources, structures, or tasks to assign workers, adding a layer of strategic prioritization.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s world is meticulously crafted to reflect the diverse landscapes of ancient China. Each location boasts unique visual elements:
– Golden Plains: Rolling hills, rivers, and lush vegetation
– Snowy Mountains: Snow-covered peaks, ice caves, and blizzards
– Arid Desert: Sand dunes, oases, and desert structures
– Foggy Coast: Coastal cliffs, mist-shrouded landscapes, and fishing villages

Art direction combines卡通-style animations with historically-inspired architecture, creating a visually engaging environment. Weather effects like storms, fog, and sandstorms add realism and gameplay impact.

The sound design incorporates environmental sounds (birds, wind, water) and ambient music that evokes the era, enhancing immersion.

Reception & Legacy

Building the Great Wall of China 2 received mixed reviews upon release. Critics appreciated the visually appealing environments and engaging time management gameplay but expressed concerns over the pricing structure for the Collector’s Edition. Player reception varied, with many enjoying the strategic depth and historical context, while others found the difficulty curve challenging.

The Collector’s Edition significantly enhanced the base game by adding:
– 5 new locations with 50 additional levels
– New mini-games and storyline videos
– Expanded achievements and bonuses

Its influence on the time management genre is evident in subsequent titles that combine historical settings with resource management mechanics. The game’s legacy continues through dedicated fan communities and periodic sales that introduce new players to the experience.

Conclusion

Building the Great Wall of China 2 (Collector’s Edition) stands as a testament to the marriage of historical majesty and engaging gameplay mechanics. With its extensive content, strategic depth, and immersive world-building, it carved a niche in the time management genre. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a strategy game aficionado, this Collector’s Edition offers an unparalleled experience of constructing one of humanity’s greatest wonders amidst adversity.