As Far As The Eye

As Far As The Eye is a nomadic, turn-based city-building and resource-management game developed by French studio Unexpected and published by Goblinz Studio. It was first released for Windows PC in September 2020, later arriving on Nintendo Switch in April 2022 and PlayStation consoles in November 2022. The game offered the same core experience across all versions, with minor interface and control adjustments for consoles. It stood out for its unique combination of strategy, roguelite, and management elements within a calm yet challenging atmosphere.

In the game, players act as a guiding spirit known as the Wind, responsible for leading a tribe of nomads called the Pupils toward a mysterious destination known as The Eye. Each game unfolds across a series of “halts,” temporary settlements where players must gather resources, build infrastructure, and train their people before an encroaching flood forces them to move on. The world is procedurally generated, ensuring no two journeys are alike, and success depends on careful planning, efficient resource use, and timing departures to stay ahead of disaster.

Promotion for As Far As The Eye highlighted its distinctive visual style and serene tone compared to typical survival games. The developers emphasized that there are no enemies or combat; instead, the challenge lies in managing time, weather, and scarcity. Trailers and promotional materials showcased its pastel, hand-painted art style and atmospheric soundtrack, positioning it as a meditative yet demanding experience. Its unique premise—guiding a peaceful tribe through an ever-changing world—was a central theme of its marketing campaign.

Upon release, As Far As The Eye received mixed reviews from critics and players. Many praised the concept, art direction, and music for creating a contemplative and immersive experience. Reviewers appreciated its unusual focus on logistics and nomadic progression, offering a different take on city-building. However, the game also faced criticism for its steep learning curve, repetitive gameplay, and lack of clear feedback during complex situations. Despite these issues, it found a following among players looking for a more introspective and challenging strategy game.

The game’s later console releases expanded its audience, though feedback on these ports was similarly varied. Some players enjoyed the ability to play the game on handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch, while others noted occasional performance and interface issues that affected the experience. Post-launch updates and patches improved stability and tweaked gameplay balance, reflecting the developers’ responsiveness to community feedback.

In summary, As Far As The Eye remains a distinctive title within the city-building and strategy genre. Its combination of nomadic management, turn-based decision-making, and survival mechanics offers a refreshing twist on familiar ideas. While not without flaws, it stands out for its ambition, mood, and philosophical approach to strategy—emphasizing movement, adaptation, and balance rather than conquest or expansion.