Townscaper is one of the most delightful and charming toys for computer that I’ve come across. With one of the simplest interfaces around players can, simply by pointing and clicking, summon everything from little towns, to sprawling cities, fortresses and even towering skyscrapers into existence.
Rather than build by dropping pre-made models onto a landscape, players build their structures click by click, choosing, by which side of the structure they select, which direction to extend it. This is a lot more fun than it might sound in writing as, thanks to a nifty little algorithm, the structures you build morph and change depending on which direction you extend them in, and what’s next to them. For example, clicking on the open water (which starts every build), will summon a tiled, concrete platform. While clicking on the side of this platform will extend it in the direction the side is facing, clicking the surface will create a small house. Likewise, you could extend the house by clicking on a wall, while clicking on the roof will add another level, or even reconfigure the house into a small tower-with-turret if you build high enough.
These changes don’t stop at just how the structure is shaped, but windows, doors and extras. A house may suddenly have seagulls flying by, while exending the house may also create some bushes and a chair out the front. Build a low building with a hollow in the centre, and an enclosed garden will magically spring up. Erect two turrets side by side, and you shouldn’t be surprised to find washing lines extending between them. This system is surprisingly robust, and with a bit of tinkering to learn its basic rules, players can soon create anything from a peaceful little fishing village, to fantastical multi-levelled islands, complete with bridges, gardens and towers.
While this would be amusing enough, what makes it an utter delight is a visual style which would be at home in any kid’s picture book, and just how tactile the game is. Buildings don’t just suddently appear. They ‘expand’ into existence with a comic and cheerful popping sound. Placing a new block in the open water results in a spray of drops, and buildings wobble as they morph and grow new windows, turrets, or levels. It’s just fun to play with. And with no goals other than what you decide you want to do (hence the fact the developer describes it as a ‘toy’ rather than a ‘game’), it’s quite relaxing, especially when you decide you’re going to spend some time improvising, and just seeing what you can come up with.
Fun, simple, and oozing charm (and not at all expensive) Townscaper is easy to recommend to everyone, of any age. ■