My main problem with games like these is that there is a mathematically optimal layout. When you can draw a repeating grid of service-buildings to give optimal services to your houses, the game is basically solved. And for FF, that’s pretty much always possible, and there’s very little reason not to set up your town like that right from the start.
I really prefer games more like Manor Lords, where you’re not constantly and actively encouraged to build the Optimal Grid, because things are based on walking distance and not gridsquares of magical service.
My main problem with games like these is that there is a mathematically optimal layout. When you can draw a repeating grid of service-buildings to give optimal services to your houses, the game is basically solved. And for FF, that’s pretty much always possible, and there’s very little reason not to set up your town like that right from the start.
I really prefer games more like Manor Lords, where you’re not constantly and actively encouraged to build the Optimal Grid, because things are based on walking distance and not gridsquares of magical service.
With walking distance there is an optimal (or at least better and worse) layouts as well though.
And as another poster I played it a bit during EA but sort of lost interest, maybe I should give it another go.
Not the same exact genre, but have you checked out Town to City? Very unique and fun take on the city builder genre