Diluvian Winds is a premium 2D management game from Alambik Studio. This simulation game lets you take the role of The Guardian, who witnesses the exile of the animals in the area. As your character remains adamant about not leaving the lighthouse, you guide others to safety and expand your seaside residence to survive the flood.

At first glance, Diluvian Winds feel like Fallout Shelter or This War of Mine in the context of The Great Flood. Its use of anthropomorphic animals plus its design choices makes it feel like it’s a far-off prequel to the Arthur animated series.

Self-preservation or altruism

Diluvian Winds doesn’t feature enemies in the traditional sense, as it’s you against nature. As time passes by, the water rises and you see people trying to leave or asking to stay with you. You’ll have to work for resources for every creature you harbor, yet each of them will make different changes to your dwelling. It’s up to you to measure and decide who gets to stay.

The game also moves in semi-real time, which makes pacing more realistic. You can, however, assign tasks to them and they’ll work automatically. Its simple graphics are reminiscent of children’s books, and actually create a relaxing feel as you watch the anthropomorphic animals work and live–just don’t mention the torrential rains and the slowly submerging world. However, if you don’t prefer this kind of pace, you’ll find it slow and even boring.

Lastly, this sailpunk experience will give you different approaches to survival. You can go sailing, flying, or even creating your own underwater utopia. You can build different facilities to pursue your planned survival method. In a game this expansive, the only drawback is its lack of villains — there are virtually no combat or fighting mechanics whatsoever, which some may find lacking.

An exciting slow-burn

With its gameplay approach to the management strategy, Diluvian Winds is an idyllic slow-burn that lets you enjoy its cute graphics and wholesome nature against the gradually rising water levels. Although its pacing is a bit slow, and it lacks significant combat elements, it’s fun to watch and even feels therapeutic at times. If you’re a fan of man (or animal) against nature, it’s a must-try.