Rapid Video Game Review - Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles

Could you survive the harsh environment of the Great Ursee? 

Bulwark is the second title in the trilogy of games that’ll eventually make up the Falconeer Chronicles. Created by solo developer, Tomas Sala, the trilogy focuses on the inhabitants of the vast water world, The Great Ursee. A few years ago the debut title, The Falconeer took us to the skies on the back of a great falcon as we battled across various scenarios that depicted a war between the various houses that call the Ursee their home. This second game changes perspectives as we leave the skies behind to become city builders on the Ursee’s rocky archipelagos. The third game - when it’s released - will then change the perspective again, but for now, Sala hasn’t revealed much as to how. 

For a bit of perspective, I’ve delved into The Falconeer before for both Geek Culture Reviews and further back, Flickering Myth. While my original review for FM is lost to the annals of time, you can check out my Nintendo Switch review by clicking here. 

With Bulwark you’re tasked with rebuilding your settlement from scratch, and how you do this is entirely up to you. The beauty of this city-builder is that you’re never guided by set objectives or an overall goal. Instead, Tomas Sala asks for your imagination to run wild and rebuild the Ursee as you as fit. Whether you fancy exploring the world via your airship or building a vast spanning network of trade routes and settlements, the choice is yours to make. With no real consequences, any mistakes you make can simply be demolished and replaced - it’s really that simple. Initially, the lack of handholding is a bit daunting, but with a little bit of experimenting - and a lot of patience - then the genius of Bulwark starts to shine. 

You’re not truly alone on (or in?) the Great Ursee and other settlements and pirates litter the landscape. With a limited number of resources available on a planet that’s all ocean, there’s naturally going to be a scrap of two over said resources. As such sometimes your established supply lines will come under attack. When pirates attack all you have to do is hop into your airship and accompany your fleet of Falconeer’s as they take on the threat. Sadly combat isn’t as fun as it is in The Falconeer, but this time you’re the one technically giving orders. Tying into the first game certain factions still carry grudges from the first war. This can then see you drawn into conflict as you’ll have to negotiate with said factions to access their territory. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there with the whole world sitting on one big tinder box. It’s also a great testament to the work Sala built up in the original game.  

In terms of controls, Bulwark foregoes the traditional mouse and keyboard control scheme in favour of a control pad. While the game can be played with a mouse and keyboard, using a controller is far simpler. For example, placing buildings is all performed by simply moving the analogue stick away from the desired point with contextual actions popping up as a result. Then, a simple press of a button is all that’s needed to complete the action. It can be a little tricky to begin with but within 10/20 minutes you’ll be constructing buildings and supply lines with real ease.

 

Overall and Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles is a city-builder that defies all pre-expectations. It’s a game that doesn’t want to lead you across its world, and would rather you explore and discover things at your own pace. It certainly can be a little daunting at first, but once you discover what Sala has created with Bulwark you’ll soon be engrossed with its world. While playing The Falconeer doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t enjoy Bulwark, having some prior knowledge will help in understanding why the world is how it is. Throw in a very pleasing ascetic with a superb and subtle soundtrack and Bulwark is the perfect game to relax and unwind with after a long day. 

Rating: 7.5/10  

A code was kindly provided for this review. 

Bulwark is available now and can be purchased via Steam (version reviewed), Xbox Series, PlayStation 5

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