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The Colonists

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2018

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Quick resume

Build a new home for your team of robots as they begin a new life for themselves on a distant planet where they can fulfil their ultimate dream: to be human.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Indie, Strategy, Simulator

Pros

  • Engaging logistics and resource management
  • Charming graphics and relaxing atmosphere
  • Active developer support and frequent updates
  • Well-designed campaign and challenge modes
  • Custom maps and mod support for replayability

Cons

  • Limited multiplayer and social features
  • Some bugs and pathfinding issues reported
  • Combat system considered simplistic by some
  • Price considered high by a few players
  • Lack of random map generation in campaign

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have extensive control over routing, resource priorities, and building placement, enabling personal strategic decisions."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game challenges players with complex logistics, resource management, and optimization puzzles that require skill and planning."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes ranked time challenges and AI combat scenarios, but many players focus on personal optimization and casual play."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long playtimes, habitual return, and deep engagement with campaign, challenges, and sandbox modes."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Primarily a single-player experience with limited multiplayer; focus is on individual colony management rather than teamwork."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players design and optimize transport networks and layouts; sandbox and mod support encourage creative experimentation."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions with AI opponents are balanced and strategic rather than about exerting superiority or trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players describe the game as relaxing, stress-relieving, and immersive, providing a peaceful escape with charming aesthetics."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Game encourages trying new layouts, adjusting priorities, and tinkering with transport rules to solve logistical challenges."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some map exploration and unlocking new areas, but mostly focused on known maps and optimizing within them."

  • Expression
    2

    "Customization mainly through colony layout and transport design; limited character or avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    -3

    "Grounded in plausible colony building and logistics with robots; minimal roleplaying or improbable fiction elements."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Social interaction is limited; community exists but gameplay is focused on solo play and personal goals."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in logistics, planning, and optimization; campaign and challenges promote learning and mastery."

  • Health
    -5

    "Standard sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active attention to manage logistics and optimize routes; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Minimal social or emotional connection features; interactions are surface-level and limited to community forums."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No player leadership roles; gameplay is individual with no group management or authority dynamics."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate resources, unlock tech tiers, upgrade buildings, and expand colonies progressively."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Many players describe the game as calming and peaceful, with a soothing soundtrack and flow-inducing gameplay."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable visual style and sound design provide pleasant sensory stimulation without overwhelming excitement."

  • Status
    1

    "Some leaderboard rankings and community recognition exist but are not central to the experience."

  • Story
    1

    "Campaign provides some narrative context and lore, but story is light and secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around strategic planning, problem solving, and optimizing complex logistics networks."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Gameplay is generally calm and methodical; combat adds some tension but is not highly suspenseful or risky."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report good value for time spent with frequent updates and expanding content."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Combat is minimal and indirect, focused on tower defense rather than direct violence or destruction."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some resource management challenges and combat threats exist, but overall conditions are stable and controlled."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026