I can't believe I haven't reviewed this game yet. 10/10 neurotic micromanagement simulator. Despite being the definitive 2D take on a "god game" - a genre best encapsulated by the venerable Black & White series - the best comparison that comes to mind is actually Train Valley. Sure, you CAN treat it as just a chill game with your little dude guys doing their thing - but once you start trying to optimize? Once you start trying to maximize? Every in-game minute takes five minutes real-time, because you're pausing every second to tweak the moment-by-moment actions of your giants for maximum efficiency.

If that sounds like fun to you, I have great news! The sequel, Reus 2, iterates upon and changes these core mechanics in fascinating ways! If that sounds tedious and hellish to you, I have great news! The sequel, Reus 2, iterates upon and changes these core mechanics in fascinating ways!

Either way, I highly encourage playing this game first, as the mechanics of its sequel might seem needlessly complex without understanding how they riff on the base mechanics established here. Do note that you may need to download the XNA Framework 4.0 refresh from Microsoft to get it working, and that there is an FNA build as an alternative. Yes, it runs on a discontinued engine. But I promise, the game is worth the upfront technical fixes - and if you can't get it working, you can always refund.

I played this game for about 100 hours before dropping off, then came back - several years later - and completed the four "challenge runs" in 16 hours. Honestly? Time well spent. Love this game.

Highly recommended.

[h1]If you like this game, you should try Reus 2! If you hate this game, you should try Reus 2![/h1] I can't believe I haven't reviewed this game yet. 10/10 neurotic micromanagement simulator. Despite being the definitive 2D take on a "god game" - a genre best encapsulated by the venerable Black & White series - the best comparison that comes to mind is actually Train Valley. Sure, you CAN treat it as just a chill game with your little dude guys doing their thing - but once you start trying to optimize? Once you start trying to maximize? Every in-game minute takes five minutes real-time, because you're pausing every second to tweak the moment-by-moment actions of your giants for maximum efficiency. If that sounds like fun to you, I have great news! The sequel, Reus 2, iterates upon and changes these core mechanics in fascinating ways! If that sounds tedious and hellish to you, I have great news! The sequel, Reus 2, iterates upon and changes these core mechanics in fascinating ways! Either way, I highly encourage playing this game [i]first[/i], as the mechanics of its sequel might seem needlessly complex without understanding how they riff on the base mechanics established here. Do note that you may need to download the XNA Framework 4.0 refresh from Microsoft to get it working, and that there is an FNA build as an alternative. Yes, it runs on a discontinued engine. But I promise, the game is worth the upfront technical fixes - and if you can't get it working, you can always refund. I played this game for about 100 hours before dropping off, then came back - several years later - and completed the four "challenge runs" in 16 hours. Honestly? Time well spent. Love this game. Highly recommended.