“Microids is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get.” This very Gumpian declaration clearly transcribes the feelings that the publisher provokes in the ranks of players. So what about their new game based on Bernard Werber’s bestselling novel series “The Ants”? Let’s not go there slowly (sic): the Rochelais game of Tower Five is a huge success! A true strategy and adventure game, the title makes us embody ant n°103 683, a courageous scout who will not hesitate to lead her fellow ants on the battlefield.
You will also have to explore the surroundings in order to recover numerous resources necessary for the survival and expansion of the colony in this hostile universe. Each decision must be carefully considered in order to achieve the numerous objectives (optional or not) offered in this stunningly beautiful game.
One of the big strengths of the game is its handling which adapts to both beginners and pros of the STR (“Real Time Strategy”) genre and which never sacrifices the depth of possibilities on the altar of the game. ‘accessibility. Featuring an incredible atmosphere, “Les Fourmis” offers a unique experience of its kind, as fun as it is educational. We can only criticize it for a staging that is too behind the scenes as well as music that is a bit generic.
Les Fourmis – A Colony of Fun or Just Ant-y?
Well, well, if it isn’t Microids once again, tantalizing us like a box of chocolates! You pop one in your mouth, and it’s delicious… or is it a fruit-flavored one that makes you question all your life choices? Today, we chuck our hands into the chocolate box (you can’t just un-see it, can you?) to see what the latest creation is: Les Fourmis, an enchanting foray into the underworld—quite literally—based on Bernard Werber’s bestselling series, “The Ants”.
The Ant-tastic Journey
In this delightful strategy and adventure game, you’re not just any ant; you’re ant n°103 683, the baddest *ahem* scout in the colony. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What happened to the regular old video game heroes?!” Well, apparently, they’ve gone underground, literally! And let me tell you, this ant isn’t just foraging for crumbs; she’s leading the charge into the battlefield. Talk about ambition! You’d think she could have taken one of those highly sought-after layabout roles, you know, like ‘ant who lives in her parents’ colony’!
Exploration and Strategy
As the gameplay unfolds, you’ll find yourself exploring your surroundings, which is basically a scavenger hunt, but instead of looking for your missing sock, you’re hunting for resources. In this hostile universe—think post-apocalyptic picnic—you’ll need to strategize like you’re plotting a coup against the reigning ant queen. Each decision matters. Choose well, or your fellow ants may start muttering about the good old days when they just danced around crumbs instead of worrying about food supplies.
Accessibility vs. Depth
One of the game’s shining attributes is its adaptability. Whether you’re a newbie still figuring out if the joystick is a snack or a control device, or a seasoned STR veteran contemplating which way to move your troops with the seriousness of a battlefield strategist—don’t worry! This game has you covered. However, and it’s a big however, it never sacrifices depth for accessibility. So, you can take a breather if you accidentally confuse your ant soldiers with jelly beans—that would be a total game-changer, right?
Atmosphere and Music: A Mixed Bag
Now, let’s talk about atmosphere… oh boy, it’s stunning! The world is beautifully rendered, making you feel like you’ve entered an intricate and thrilling garden party. Just be careful: there are more dangers lurking beneath the leaves than just the ladybugs that you used to think were cute.
But here’s where it gets a bit stickier than a poorly handled picnic setup—the music. *Sigh*. It’s a tad generic, like background elevator music that’s just a little too chill for an ant war. You see, when you’re leading a battalion of fellow ants, you want a soundtrack that makes you feel invincible, not like you’re about to nod off during a PowerPoint presentation about the benefits of a balanced diet!
Final Ant-ics
Overall, Les Fourmis is a fascinating blend of fun and education, opening a window into an ant’s life that you never knew you wanted to peek through. Sure, the game could use a bit more pizzazz in the music department and a staging that doesn’t feel like it’s hiding in the wings, but if you’re ready to embrace your inner ant and lead your colony to glory, grab that game! Just watch out for the chocolate box—it might surprise you!
“Microids is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get.” This very Gumpian declaration clearly resonates with players, encapsulating the blend of excitement and uncertainty that the publisher evokes. So what about their latest offering, a game inspired by Bernard Werber’s acclaimed novel series “The Ants”? Let’s delve into this exhilarating adventure without delay: the Rochelais studio, Tower Five, has crafted an impressive title! In this true strategy and adventure game, players step into the tiny shoes of ant n°103 683, a fearless scout prepared to lead her fellow ants into intense battles, emphasizing both courage and teamwork.
You will also engage in thorough exploration of the intricate surroundings, seeking out a plethora of resources crucial for the survival, growth, and prosperity of your colony within this hostile universe. Each pivotal decision made must be meticulously weighed, as you strive to accomplish various objectives, whether mandatory or optional, all while navigating through the stunningly beautiful graphics and immersive world the game presents.
One of the standout strengths of the game lies in its intuitive control system, which seamlessly accommodates both newcomers and seasoned veterans of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, ensuring that depth and complexity are never compromised in favor of accessibility. Boasting an enchanting atmosphere, “Les Fourmis” delivers a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that is as enjoyable as it is thought-provoking, bridging the gap between fun and education. While the game excels in many areas, it does suffer from a somewhat behind-the-scenes approach to its storytelling, and the music tends to feel a tad generic.
Video game designer interview
Prise you!
### Interview with Game Designer at Tower Five
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind *Les Fourmis* and how Bernard Werber’s novel influenced the game’s design?
**Game Designer:** Thank you for having me! *Les Fourmis* draws a lot from Bernard Werber’s captivating universe, particularly the way he anthropomorphizes ants and explores their societies. Our main goal was to translate that rich storytelling into an engaging gameplay experience. We wanted players to feel the weight of their decisions as they navigate through the ant colony’s challenges, much like Werber’s characters faced their own dilemmas.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating to hear you mention player decisions. How do you ensure that gameplay is both strategic and accessible to a wide range of players?
**Game Designer:** Balancing accessibility and depth is crucial. We designed the game mechanics to be intuitive for newcomers while still providing layers of complexity that seasoned strategy players would appreciate. For instance, players can easily pick up the basics of resource management without feeling overwhelmed, and as they progress, they can delve into more sophisticated strategies. It’s all about letting players find their own level of engagement.
**Interviewer:** The visual aspects of *Les Fourmis* have been described as photo-realistic and immersive. What challenges did you face when creating the environment?
**Game Designer:** Creating that sense of immersion in an ant’s perspective was quite a challenge! We had to think about scale differently to make everything from blades of grass to raindrops feel intimidating yet beautiful. The beauty of our world adds to the overall experience, but we also wanted to ensure that players were constantly aware of the dangers lurking around—nature isn’t always friendly, after all!
**Interviewer:** Speaking of atmosphere, there seems to be mixed feedback regarding the soundtrack. Do you have any plans to enhance the musical experience in future updates?
**Game Designer:** We’re always open to feedback from our players, and the music is a part of the experience we take seriously. While we wanted something that accentuates the gameplay, we are exploring options for additional soundtracks in future updates to match the intensity and excitement of the battles. There’s always room for improvement!
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what do you hope players take away from *Les Fourmis*?
**Game Designer:** Ultimately, we want players to enjoy the adventure and maybe even learn a thing or two about ant life! Our intention was to create a blend of fun and education that invites exploration of the natural world. If players walk away with a greater appreciation for these tiny creatures and the complexities of their society, then we will have achieved our goal. Plus, we just want them to have a blast leading their ant colony to victory!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights! We’re looking forward to seeing how *Les Fourmis* evolves.
**Game Designer:** Thank you! We’re excited for players to experience it as much as we enjoyed creating it!
