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Populous is a strategy game released for the Sega Mega Drive in 1991. This title places players in the role of a deity, with the primary objective of guiding and expanding a growing civilization. Success depends on manipulating the environment and influencing followers to dominate rival tribes.
The game’s pace is methodical, allowing players to carefully plan terrain modifications and strategic actions. Its unique mechanic revolves around terraforming—raising and lowering land to shape the world, which directly affects the growth and strength of the player’s population. This feature distinguishes it from typical strategy games of the era.
Populous introduces the unusual idea of controlling a god-like figure rather than individual units, making it a pioneer in the god game subgenre. The distinctive blend of strategy and supernatural power offers a gameplay experience centered on indirect control and world-building. As a 1991 Sega Mega Drive strategy game, Populous remains notable for its innovative design and engaging mechanics.