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Turmoil

PC (Microsoft Windows), MSX, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Atari 8-bit, Commodore VIC-20, Atari 2600 • 2016

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Quick resume

Drill for oil like it's 1899! Turmoil offers players a visually charming, tongue-in-cheek take on the simulation genre inspired by the 19th century oil rush in North America.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Shooter, Arcade

Pros

  • Easy to learn, hard to master gameplay
  • Relaxing and addictive
  • Good value for price
  • Charming art and music
  • Active developer support and dlc

Cons

  • Limited long-term replayability
  • Some repetitiveness
  • Ai opponents can be weak
  • Lack of multiplayer depth
  • Minor bugs and ui quirks

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players freely choose land to bid on, upgrades to buy, and strategies for drilling and selling oil, showing high control over decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Game is easy to learn but hard to master, requiring skillful management of resources, timing, and upgrades to maximize profits."

  • Competition
    3

    "Players compete against AI and others in auctions and stock buying, with leaderboards and multiplayer modes enhancing competition."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report habitual play and 'just one more round' feeling, indicating desire to keep playing despite some repetitiveness."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player or competitive; cooperation is minimal or absent."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players customize strategies and upgrade paths, but game structures and maps are predefined with limited creative building."

  • Domination
    2

    "Players aim to dominate market and become mayor, exerting superiority over AI opponents, though interactions are limited."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Relaxing gameplay and immersive setting provide stress relief and distraction from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different upgrade combinations and strategies to optimize profits and overcome challenges."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players discover oil pockets and secrets on procedurally generated maps, though environments are limited in variety."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character or environment customization; mostly standardized presentation with minor personalization."

  • Fantasy
    -2

    "Set in a plausible historical Wild West setting with realistic economic mechanics, minimal fantasy elements."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Primarily single-player experience with limited social interaction; multiplayer exists but is niche."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn and improve strategies over time, mastering game mechanics and optimizing play."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during timed drilling periods; not suitable for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing within the game."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Players lead their own oil company and make strategic decisions, but no evidence of leading others in social groups."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through unlocking upgrades, buying land, and accumulating wealth and shares."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Many reviews highlight relaxing, zen-like gameplay with a good balance of challenge and flow."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Pleasant visuals and music provide sensory enjoyment, though not intense or highly stimulating."

  • Status
    2

    "Players gain recognition through leaderboards and becoming mayor, though social status is limited."

  • Story
    1

    "Some lore and narrative elements exist, but story is minimal and mostly context for gameplay."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Game requires strategic planning, resource management, and problem solving to maximize profits."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some tension from timed drilling and market fluctuations, but overall a calm experience."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for money, especially on sale, with several hours of engaging gameplay."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay focuses on constructive resource management."

  • Survival
    1

    "Players manage risks like market prices and oil spills but no life-or-death survival elements."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026