Turmoil is a new game out for Nintendo Switch. It’s an oil tycoon game, similar in tone to the Oregon Trail games. Players take on the role of a new oil tycoon at the start of their business. These people may have lived full lives, but they wanted something more. This game will test the player’s mettle and offers a significant challenge. Players start the game by choosing between a campaign or a quick game. Campaigns last a long time, but the help of the tutorial is essential. Players will need to learn how to dig oil, and the tutorial makes that easier. This game holds the player’s hand very loosely, so don’t expect much.
Players must first head to their land and bring in a dowser. The dowser will help locate a patch of oil. The player can only see into the earth once they’ve drilled, so its a leap of faith. It’s ridiculous to think that players will be able to figure this out so precisely. The computer players obliterated in me in my first campaign. They immediately were making double or triple what they found. The player also has to deal with the economy. The price of oil will rise and fall, and players need to find out when to sell. At first, there is only one place to sell oil, but soon a rival sets up shop. Players then have to wait and see how things play out. They can, of course, dig for more oil, but they will need more storage.
This game is also time-based, and each level ends on a specific date. It’s important to make every action count. Try not to spend too much, but there is often a big reward for equal risk. Sometimes huge pockets are hidden beneath the ground, which will offer up vast amounts of wealth. As the player progresses, the town will flourish. Oil is a big seller, and the settlement will grow. The player will eventually be able to buy new equipment and better land. They will fix their broken tools and become the best of the best. With a lot of patience and skill, things will end with riches.
The Heat is On is included with the game, which is an advanced DLC. This DLC introduces high concept drilling techniques that will take the player’s game to the next level. It’s best to play this after playing through the main game. It requires the player to know what they are doing and won’t hold the player’s hand. The Heat is On can be played from the outset, so try it at the player’s peril. I gave it a go and found myself quitting back to the main menu. I found myself struggling to enjoy the base game. This game requires a lot of the player, and I didn’t feel it was worth the effort.
Digging oil has always been a rough thing, so it translates well into a game. It surprised me, made me think, and forced my hand. I did hope I would enjoy it, but with the limited time I have, I’m not using it on this game. I’m sure some people will enjoy digging for oil, it does make for a novel experience. The Oil Rush has started, will the player dig in and cash out rich?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided