Entrotria: Where 4X Strategy Meets Jackson Pollock (and Possibly a Prehistoric Fridge)
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
*Entrotria* is an upcoming 4X strategy game with a bold visual style reminiscent of a Jackson Pollock painting (or perhaps the contents of a very old fridge) that promises to deliver a surprisingly straightforward 4X experience despite its chaotic aesthetic, potentially carving out a unique niche if the gameplay supports its bold art direction.
Right, so Rock Paper Shotgun (cheers, Edwin Evans-Thirlwell!) just shone a spotlight on *Entrotria*, and fair dinkum, it's a head-turner. We're talking 4X strategy – think *Galactic Civilizations*, but imagine if someone let Jackson Pollock design the UI after a few too many space ales. Seriously, the screenshots look less like a strategy game and more like what you'd find growing in the back of a forgotten refrigerator...one from the Jurassic period. You know, back when fridges were optional.
Don't believe me? Go peek at the trailer. I'll wait. (Though, I reckon you might need to lie down after.)
Despite the visuals that scream "abstract art experiment gone wrong", *Entrotria* promises a deceptively straightforward experience. According to its Steam page, it's a turn-based space 4X strategy game with – get this – *distinctive resource management*. Fancy that! Explore exotic systems, nab powerful technologies, exploit planets, trade with aliens, and crush anyone who dares to stand in your way. Standard 4X fare, yeah? But with visuals so wild they could make Cthulhu reach for the Pepto-Bismol. It's the kind of brave aesthetic choice that either lands perfectly or crashes and burns harder than a noob's first attempt at warp drive.
What I'm really keen on is how this visual style impacts the actual gameplay. Does it influence your decisions? Does the chaotic aesthetic create unpredictable outcomes? Does the unique look reflect the unique properties of each planet? I'm hoping for a wild, beautiful, and strategically engaging experience. It also has real-time autobattles, so that’s another thing to look forward to seeing in action. Does it all sound confusing? Bloody oath it does!
Here's a taste of what *Entrotria* is serving up when it eventually launches (we don't have a date, unfortunately. Guess we'll just have to keep an eye on the primordial ooze for clues):
* 12 asymmetric species * 300+ technologies * 150+ different hexagon types * 250+ buildings / building upgrades * Complex politics and market system * Versatile spaceships and epic space battles
Now, if this whole splattery, strategic, cosmic horror thing tickles your fancy, you might also want to check out *Calyx*, which Rock Paper Shotgun mentioned in the same breath. This one's a real-time strategy game where you fight against plants that are gradually taking over a planet. Think *Little Shop of Horrors* meets *StarCraft*. Good times!
Me? I'm cautiously optimistic. *Entrotria*'s bold visual approach is a gamble, sure, but it's the kind of gamble that could pay off big if the gameplay backs it up. I reckon if its strategic elements mesh well with the game's art direction, it has potential to carve out a niche for itself. It's certainly unique. Then again, you’d have to be bold to call your art direction “the inside of a prehistoric fridge.”
Tags: 4X Strategy, Indie Games, Space Strategy, Visual Design, Entrotria
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun