Turmoil is a very simple 2D strategy game about pumping oil out of the ground in the late 1800’s in America. The game is very simple, and does not contain any complex features or mechanics. It is not difficult, and does not provide a lot of options in how you play. The purpose of this game is to be a relaxing and chill experience, and simply something to do to pass time. It does this well enough if you are looking for a simple little game. The game has a small scope, and executes well on that scope.
The game is very simple. You first bid for a plot and try to get the land where there is the most oil. When you have purchased a plot you begin the level. The first thing you do in the level is to search for oil before you place down a rig and connect the rig and the reservoir of oil. Horses will then cart the oil to either a storage tank or “right inc” or “left inc” to sell it. The sale price changes throughout the level, and selling when it is high is important to maximising your profits. You get more money, and can drill more wells, get more carts and more storage. Eventually you will either run out of time, or will have drilled up all of the oil on that plot, and the level ends.
Between the levels you can spend the profit earned on upgrades. The stable will upgrade your horses. The workshop will unlock oil searching techniques and upgrade them. The salloon will give you one time benefits for the next level. The factory will upgrade your piping and rig. The bank can loan you money for a steep interest rate, and the town hall sells land and shares in the town.
That is all this game has to offer, and there is nothing really wrong with the game if you are looking for a relaxing and chill game that lasts for about six hours. This game is not complicated, and can feel repetitive if you are not searching for a repetitive gameplay loop. The point of the game is simply to be reasonably relaxing while you do dig for oil.
| Playtime | 6 Hours campaign base game. |
| Game release date | 2 July 2016 |
| Review release date | 25 October 2024 |
| Light sensitivity | No issues |
| Sound sensitivity | No issues |
| Motion sickness | No issues |
| Steam | Metacritic – Metascore (73) |