Dyson - The Game

Dyson is a fantastic new indie game which I have really enjoyed recently. It is a beautifully simple and elegant population game involving the colonisation and growth of planets.

The aim of the game involves the complete consumption of a system of orbits and consiquently the removal of all enemy seedlings on the map. Starting with an initial planet or two and some dyson trees from which your seedlings are born you begin to scout and then conquer.

This is one of my favorite games at the moment despite being surrounded by all the biggest and most sophisticated titles and graphics. The simplicity of the game and it's interface makes it very relaxing and enjoyable with curious beastly sounds from your colonies as you zoom in to see the orbit and growth. There is a real sense of life to the whole game. Every movement from the dyson trees to the transit and orbit of the seedlings is convincingly natural and smooth.

Visually, this game is one of my top favorites. Partly because I enjoy the crisp and simple design and layout of the 2 dimensional maps. The organic growth of each planet involves the rooting of dysons to the centre of each planet. Each level gives you a different team colour but a neat story line of empire and collectivity which gives you the impression of identity within a seemingly large and diverse species.

In general I enjoy the thinking behind this game because it proves and encourages the creation of simple and highly enjoyable entertainment - quite therapeutic as well. The colour is used sparingly and tastefully. White is predominant and to me, suggests a blank canvas or sketch pad page which I love the look of anyway. These creations using programs accesible to most people give an exiting outlet for design creativity and at an affordable pricebecause of this genre's humble source.