Review of the Fun City-Building Game Memoriapolis on PC Steam

Memoriapolis is a city-building strategy game developed and published by 5PM Studio. Released on April 30, 2025, for PC, it invites players to construct and manage a city that evolves over 2,500 years of history, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution.

A Grand Historical Canvas

Memoriapolis stands out by allowing players to guide a city through five distinct historical eras: Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Age of Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution. Each era introduces unique challenges, technologies, and architectural styles, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly. The transition between eras is marked by the construction of monumental “Wonders,” which not only serve as milestones but also influence the city’s development and the player’s progression.

Organic City Development

Unlike traditional city-builders that demand meticulous planning of every road and building, Memoriapolis adopts an organic approach. Players place key structures, and the city expands naturally around them. This design choice offers a more relaxed gameplay experience, allowing players to focus on broader strategic decisions rather than micromanagement. However, some players have noted that this can lead to a sense of detachment, as the lack of direct control over city layout may reduce the feeling of ownership.

Faction Dynamics and Political Intrigue

A notable feature of Memoriapolis is its faction system. As the city grows, various factions—such as religious groups, merchants, and political entities—emerge, each with their own agendas and influences. Players must navigate the complex relationships between these factions, balancing their demands to maintain stability. Failing to manage these dynamics can lead to unrest and resource penalties. While this adds depth to the gameplay, some players have found the system to be underdeveloped, with limited options to mitigate conflicts beyond reducing taxes or expelling factions.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Visually, Memoriapolis is lauded for its dioramic aesthetic, presenting the city as a miniature model with intricate details. This unique style enhances the historical ambiance and sets it apart from other city-builders. However, the game’s audio design has received mixed reviews. The soundtrack, composed of lo-fi beats and gentle synths, has been criticized for not aligning with the historical setting, potentially detracting from the immersive experience.

Performance and User Experience

As an early access title, Memoriapolis has faced typical developmental challenges. Players have reported issues such as the inability to move buildings once placed, limited zoom capabilities, and occasional performance hiccups. Despite these shortcomings, the developers have been responsive, releasing patches and updates to address player feedback. The game’s interface is generally user-friendly, and the inclusion of features like autosave helps mitigate potential frustrations.

Final Verdict

Memoriapolis offers a fresh take on the city-building genre, blending historical progression with strategic management and political nuance. Its organic city development and faction dynamics provide a unique gameplay experience, while its visual presentation adds charm and depth. However, the game is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of audio design and certain gameplay mechanics that may feel underdeveloped. As it continues to evolve post-release, Memoriapolis has the potential to become a standout title for fans of strategy and city-building games.