The People of Sea, Sun & Salt offers a relaxed take on city-building, built around the distinctive mechanice of building up culture. As you grow you culture water levels will recede over time, causing new land to become available for expansion, creating a steady rhythm of growth and opportunity.
Progression is tied to advancing through different ages, unlocking new buildings and resources and presenting evolving requirements along the way. This provides a consistent sense of forward movement, even as the overall tone remains calm and methodical. No real pressure outside of keeping your resource numbers up high enough to keep things going.
On stream we got through about five ages in the time played and each one kept givng more of a reason to push forward. The shifting landscape adds a unique dimension that sets it apart from more traditional city builders. Thankfully the game is kind and allows you to move buildings around to help adapt as you go.
Despite its strengths, the experience is better suited to shorter or more casual play sessions. In the context of a crowded release schedule and the demands of live streaming, it does not lend itself well to extended coverage.
The settlement continues to grow.
The stream will recede.
Pronouncement: Dead.