Jon Shafer's At the Gates

Last updated: 2026-01-26
Summary
  • Unique 4X mechanics with strong economic focus
  • Innovative tooltips and dynamic world replayability
  • High potential despite needing significant polish
  • Non-functional AI and broken diplomacy systems
  • Frequent crashes with severe balance issues
  • Unfinished content and clunky UI
Jon Shafer's At the Gates header

Categories

4XGrand StrategyHistorical StrategyResource ManagementTerritory ManagementCharacter ManagementSurvivalProcedural GenerationTurn-based Strategy

Emotions

Frustration32%Disappointment26%Hope9%Appreciation4%Excitement3%
Sample precision
Helpful reviews
87%
Unhelpful reviews
13%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
252
Negative points
420
Gameplay points
325
Perf. points
50
Rec. points
60
Misc points
20
Point
Unique 4X mechanics praised
Description
Players consistently highlight the game's innovative mechanics, such as moving settlements, clan-based units, and resource depletion, which differentiate it from traditional 4X games. These features introduce fresh strategic depth and replayability.
Importance
87%
High potential with polish
Description
Many players express optimism about the game's future, noting that with further polish and bug fixes, it could become a standout title in the strategy genre. The core mechanics and ideas are seen as highly promising.
Importance
83%
Strong economic and survival focus
Description
The game's emphasis on economic management, survival mechanics, and resource scarcity is frequently praised. Players enjoy the challenge of balancing resource gathering, production chains, and seasonal changes, which add strategic complexity.
Importance
83%
Innovative tooltips and tutorials
Description
The game's tooltips and tutorials are frequently highlighted as best-in-class, making complex mechanics accessible. Players appreciate the effort to ease the learning curve, especially for a strategy game with deep systems.
Importance
79%
Dynamic world and replayability
Description
Features like procedural map generation, seasonal changes, and resource depletion create a dynamic world that encourages replayability. Players enjoy the strategic challenges posed by these ever-changing conditions.
Importance
51%
Visually appealing art style
Description
The game's watercolor art style and atmospheric design are widely praised for their beauty and uniqueness. Players find the visuals immersive and a significant departure from typical 4X game aesthetics.
Importance
46%