Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles Reviews

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is a unique game that wasn't to my taste, but there's no faulting that it works well on the Steam Deck.

Tomas Sala has created another great game with Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles. The ability to expand and experiment without worry makes it very accessible for those unfamiliar with the genre, as well as it being a thought provoking adventure even for genre veterans. While it may not be for everyone, there is something special here for those that connect with it.

Floating somewhere between an open world RTS game and a chill, endless builder, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles has a unique approach to both. Director and developer Tomas Sala emphasizes that the game isn’t really about endgame goals or traditional victory conditions. There’s a campaign with back-and-forth trade and combat, but as long as there is territory to explore, the game keeps moving on.

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles lets your imagination come alive as you build a staggering empire in every sense of the word. But because it’s a world without mistakes, there’s no challenge or pressure.

Its foundations are sound, but Bulwark: Falonceer Chronicles is ultimately quite an aimless and exhausting kind of citybuilder, too fussy to be truly relaxing, and lacking the depth to compete with more ambitious management builders.

A gentle and unusual building game that's memorable but missing some purpose.

A stress-free city builder with a fun, original gameplay loop, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is sure to delight both experts and newcomers alike.

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is not made for everyone. It’s an odd duck in the way it controls, the way it tells its story and the way it simulates the world, but it truly is a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. Want a conventional strategy game or city-builder? Look elsewhere. Are you in for something executed by a single developer, taking risks and doing something new? Well then – The Ursee awaits.

Tomas Sala’s second Falconeer game may come across as nicher at first glance, but it’s far easier to approach and have a great time with despite some baffling inconsistencies.

So in this particular case, please don’t focus on the score below. That’s not really indicative. Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an odd game that you will either really like and have a lot of fun with or it is going to frustrate the heck out of you, but I think ultimately I have to err on the side of it trying new things even if I don’t think it totally sticks the landing. Take that with the appropriate header.

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an approachable take on the city builder for players of many skill levels. It encourages experimentation with your settlement layout and exploration in the Ursee, but some design decisions don’t feel as smooth as they could be, like selecting buildings or interacting with other factions. If you are a city builder fan you can sink hours into this, but do not expect it to have the same depth as others in the genre.