'Pioneers of Pagonia': A building game in 'The Settlers' mold

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BERLIN — For many strategy fans, "The Settlers" is a true classic. One of the series' originators, Volker Wertich, has now presented his own creation with "Pioneers of Pagonia," a PC co-op game for up to four players that remains very close to "The Settlers."

At its core, "Pioneers of Pagonia" is a city-building game. Players start with a group of pioneers, carriers and only a few resources. They build shelters and resource depots where the population hoards wood and stone. On the culinary front, there are basic food supplies such as berries and mushrooms.

With additional resources, new buildings can be constructed, which in turn allow players to develop even more resources. And, of course, the cycle of life continues among the residents within their dwellings. There are even opportunities for the next generation with specializations and further training offered.

The buildable area in "Pioneers of Pagonia" is limited by boundary stones. By employing guards, players can move these stones, thereby expanding the building area and developing further resources. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter other factions with whom you can trade.

All of this ultimately results in a game that truly captures the classic Settlers feel. The residents bustle along the paths, transporting goods from A to B. Resources, goods, and merchandise are always individually and clearly visible from production to storage.

"Pioneers of Pagonia" provides a charming story campaign that gradually introduces players to the game’s mechanics and becomes truly challenging at higher difficulty levels. It is available for PCs on the Steam platform, costs around €35/$35, and is rated for ages 6 and up.