OpenClonk

Sometimes, simple ideas can transform into quite the complex systems after a while, especially if people keep augmenting them with bits and pieces. This is especially true for video games, because there are many examples of rather basic concepts that somehow got to be much more complicated after years of development. Thankfully, there are very few instances where this growth proved to be a bad thing.

OpenClonk is a project that spawned from an old German game, which features sandbox gameplay mechanics and a pleasant 2D perspective. Although it players very similar to Minecraft and its spin-offs, this is actually different when it comes to mechanics and the general gameplay. Thus, the goal is to mine precious resources and defeat the other players, using a variety of tactics and weapons.

The tactical aspect is actually one of the key features of the game, because it was important to the developers to make you feel like you’ve got a huge number of options at your disposal. There are also plenty of different tools and weapons you can take advantage of during gameplay, such as shovels, axes, and pickaxes. Naturally, these can be crafted by gathering the required materials and finding a smithy to put it all together.

Just like in Minecraft, you can always leave the surface and just make your very own tunnel however you like, in order to avoid the obstacles ahead. Since there are a variety of missions you can undertake, your creativity can be of help if you want to come up with clever tactics to achieve the objectives. Also like in Minecraft, dirt can be removed using a shovel, but harder rocks require a pickaxe in order to be cleared.

From a technical point of view, the game is actually not that bad, even if the graphics are 2.5D at most. A lot of care went into the visual aspect and you can get attached to some of the environments, although the way your character interacts with the world is a bit glitchy sometimes. Not only that, but the controls are a tad difficult to grasp and work with in the beginning, at least until you get used to them.

Although OpenClonk does not yet enjoy too much mainstream success, it does have a decent community behind, which is always accepting new members. As such, this may very well be a great choice for you as well, especially if you are a fan of sandbox games.