Chris InglisSynergy is an ecosystem city builder developed by Leikir Studio and published by Golbinz Publishing and launched on April 17, 2025. Synergy has been in early access since May 2024, and since then, the team at Leikir Studio has taken player feedback on board to deliver a very polished game. From the game’s trailer and the first moments in the game, I was drawn into a world brimming with a vibrant and stylised art style. Each building, character, and element of the environment feels lovingly crafted, creating a sense of wonder and excitement to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
The game’s tutorial gently guides you through the core mechanics of establishing and nurturing your fledgling settlement without overwhelming you with complex systems. The introduction of resource management, population needs, research, and the crucial element of biome synergy feels intuitive and well-paced. You are tasked with carefully considering how each structure interacts with its surroundings and how certain buildings are linked to food and water, as well as safeguarding the well-being of your growing community.
The concept of biome synergy is where the game stands out amongst the crowd of city builders. Understanding the unique properties of each environment, facing challenges with the changes in seasons, and strategically placing structures to leverage their benefits adds a layer of depth that keeps you thinking and engaged. Dynamic soils mean you can’t rely on the same resources the whole time, and the visual representation of dry and wet seasons adds somewhat to the immersion and adjusts your thinking. Discovering how different biomes impact resource production, research opportunities, and even the happiness of your citizens is a rewarding process as you create a living, breathing ecosystem.
The user interface is clean and functional, allowing you to easily access the information you need without cluttering the screen. The soothing sound design and atmospheric music further enhance the immersive experience, creating a tranquil yet engaging backdrop to your efforts. While the tutorial eases you in, mastering the nuances of long-term sustainability and effectively navigating the challenges presented by the environment and its inhabitants requires patience and strategic thinking. Balancing the needs of your population with the efficient research and extraction of resources presents a satisfying challenge that keeps you on your toes.
As you delve deeper into Synergy, the progression of gameplay unfolds in a richly layered manner. Starting with the basics of constructing essential buildings like homes and farms, you gradually unlock more complex structures and technologies. Each milestone in development is met with new challenges, such as managing scarce resources, adapting to environmental shifts, and balancing the delicate ecosystem dynamics. Your thriving city could come under stress with changing seasons and ultimately lead to failure if you don’t manage heat, cold and a number of other factors that could cause your civilisation to collapse.
The game rewards careful planning and strategic foresight, encouraging you to experiment with different approaches to maximise efficiency and sustainability. Research plays a critical role, offering pathways to enhance your settlement’s capabilities and uncovering the mysteries of the biomes you inhabit. As your city expands, you must continually reassess and refine your strategies to ensure the thriving prosperity of your community.
Overall, Synergy is a city builder that differentiates itself in the genre with its distinctive aesthetic and biome synergy mechanics. It combines elements of village creation and survival challenges within an intricately designed world. For players who value atmosphere, strategic gameplay, and a distinct artistic style, Synergy offers a unique experience well worth experiencing.
This review utilised a key provided by Jesus Fabre and Synergy is available now on Steam and GOG.
#roundtablecoop
