The Best Games That Let You Control Nature, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Fable 2 DLC lets players control island weather, shifting landscape.
Rise to Ruins blends god game elements with strategic gameplay.
Stellaris empowers players to terraform planets according to their species’ needs.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these games have left quite an impression on me. Each one offers a unique perspective on shaping worlds, from the whimsical to the downright destructive.

Many video games allow players to assume the role of a deity, exerting control over various aspects of the game world. For instance, in games like Rimworld, you directly command your characters (pawns) to carry out specific tasks. Similarly, Age of Wonders 4 offers players the chance to create their own custom realms, including unique natural elements. The ability to manipulate nature, from controlling weather patterns to guiding the evolution of entire species, is a common feature that spans multiple game genres. These games often provide the opportunity for players to sculpt their world as they see fit.

Instead of these games, where players can control nature according to their wishes, be it an open-world sandbox or a detailed planetary simulation, there exists a wide variety of titles that put the power to mold the environment in the hands of the player. These unique games provide a platform for players to influence the world’s natural aspects in various ways. The rankings of these games are determined not only by their overall quality but also by how much control they give players over shaping the natural world as they see fit.

8 Fable 2

Knothole Island Is Shaped By The Player

In a more casual and understandable tone: Fable stands out with its distinctive, one-of-a-kind gameplay style, making it easily recognizable. The DLC for Fable 2 showcases the magic, wit, and imagination that are trademarks of this series by offering players the chance to explore Knothole Island, which comes included in the Game of the Year editions of this game.

On Knothole Island, players initially encounter a barren, icy expanse devoid of life. However, as they uncover magical totems scattered across the island, they gain the power to manipulate the weather in the temple. This empowers them to transform the island from a frozen tundra into a vibrant summer paradise or drench it with stormy downpours. It’s an engaging game design centered around the player’s mastery over the elements.

7 Rise To Ruins

The Game Mixes God Game Aspects With Strategic Gameplay

Rise to Ruins” is a heartfelt tribute to various gaming genres, including tower defense, real-time strategy (RTS), and god games. It’s an ideal choice for players who enjoy shaping nature but don’t necessarily seek omnipotence. Although you can modify the landscape to suit your villagers more comfortably, there are still numerous dangers that could lead to a game loss.

For individuals seeking a touch of unlimited control, there’s a creative mode that empowers players to modify various aspects such as the weather, the number of dangers facing the village, and more. This allows for an unrestricted flow of imagination.

6 Stellaris

With Sufficient Technology, Nature Is Your Plaything

Stellaris empowers gamers with extraordinary liberty in crafting their interstellar empire, standing out prominently among top-notch space strategy games. It’s perfect for those yearning to create a unique and immersive space saga tailored to their preferences.

Some empires strive for harmony with the native environments of distinct planets, but adventurous empires have the ability to transform planets according to their needs, and sophisticated ones can even elevate non-sentient creatures, turning them into contributing members of the cosmic community.

5 Black And White

A Classic God Game Gem Where The Player Can Control Nature

Although the Fable series is likely Lionhead Studios and Peter Molyneux’s most renowned creations, the overlooked masterpiece among their works is Black and White, a captivating god game that continues Molyneux’s exploration of the dual paths of benevolent goodness or unmitigated evil.

In this game, players assume the role of a deity governing their village. They possess the power to summon fierce storms as divine retribution against their own villages or hostile invaders. Additionally, they can mold and develop their creature, a representation of their will in the form of an avatar-like beast.

4 Terraria

The World Is Shaped By Forces Of Purity And Corruption

The clue could lie within its name, yet an essential aspect of Terraria revolves around the diverse landscapes. Peaceful meadows might be suitable for construction, but rare items and formidable enemies or even bosses can only be discovered in remote areas like icy tundras, barren deserts, or dense jungles. It’s worth noting that, once Hard Mode is activated, the layout of biomes becomes more dynamic.

As a gamer, I can manipulate my game world using hallowed powder to halt the spread of corruption in biomes, or I can purchase the Clentaminator from the Steampunker, which allows me to swiftly transform environments on a whim. I can turn areas into deserts, plains, or even mushroom forests glowing with magic!

3 Spore

Shape A Species To Your Liking

As an avid gamer, I must say that Spore was a testament to grand ambitions somewhat unfulfilled. To meet a specific release deadline, the developers had to make compromises on the colossal scale they initially envisioned. However, with its 2008 launch, any initial disenchantment due to hype has long passed, allowing us to truly enjoy and appreciate the game for what it became, rather than what it initially promised.

Spore stands out as a renowned evolutionary game where players can guide and mold the evolutionary journey of their creatures. They help these creatures evolve and flourish, eventually becoming the top species ruling the entire planet.

2 Universim

Guide A Civilization To Live In Tandem With Ecosystems – Or Destroy Them

In the game “Universim,” players assume the role of a deity among a race of humanoid beings known as ‘nuggets.’ Instead of influencing a single world, these players will mold multiple planets as their nugget species venture into space and continue to transform each planet they discover.

If players aren’t mindful, they might unintentionally alter nature in a harmful manner, disrupting the delicate balance of their world’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem and triggering an ecological disaster.

1 Worldbox

A Classic And In-Depth God Simulator

In a nutshell, Worldbox is an extraordinary game that offers a variety of creative tools, enabling players to sculpt the world according to their unique visions. The level of involvement can range from active shaping to a more relaxed approach. Players have the freedom to mold continents and islands as they please, and then watch as civilizations spontaneously emerge on their creations.

In a more active form, players have the power to call upon fierce lightning storms and whirling tornados, dramatically changing the climate in their crafted realm as a means of disciplining those beneath them. This game grants players total control over shaping their world’s environment, enabling them to design continents, terrain, and weather – making it the ultimate sandbox for players seeking unprecedented creative freedom.

2024-10-30 09:34