Key Highlights:
- Zlin City: Arch Moderna is a new city builder inspired by the real Czech city of Zlín.
- Developer Polyperfect is using scanned physical miniatures instead of traditional digital assets.
- The cosy strategy game blends city-building, history and education with a handcrafted visual style.
City builders usually focus on sprawling metropolises and endless expansion, but Zlin City: Arch Moderna is taking a much smaller and far more personal approach.
Developer Polyperfect has unveiled the upcoming strategy game, which recreates the real Czech city of Zlín through handcrafted miniatures that are scanned into the game using modern technology. The result is a city builder that resembles a living diorama rather than a traditional simulation.
According to the studio, the game’s buildings begin life as physical models, with many created through 3D printing before receiving hand-painted finishing touches. These models are then digitised using photogrammetry and brought into Unreal Engine 5.
Polyperfect says imperfections such as brush strokes, glue marks and slightly worn edges help give the world a distinctly human feel, something the team believes is often missing from purely digital creations.
“In a time when things are being artificially generated, Zlín City bets on the beauty of imperfection and an unmistakable human touch,” the developers explained.
Set during the 1930s and 1940s, Zlin City: Arch Moderna combines city building with historical storytelling. Players will construct miniature towns while responding to requests from citizens and learning about the architecture, people and events that shaped the region.
The game draws inspiration from classic model railways, children’s toys and puppet animation. Early screenshots suggest a relaxed experience similar in spirit to Tiny Glade and SimCity, though gameplay details remain limited for now.
Beyond managing buildings, players will encounter historical events and stories centred around ordinary people living through extraordinary times.
An in-game encyclopedia will also offer educational content about modern architecture and notable figures, accompanied by voice recordings performed by actors from Zlín. The soundtrack aims to capture the atmosphere of the period as well, featuring orchestral pieces inspired by the 1920s and 1930s.
I find the concept refreshing. Plenty of strategy games chase photorealism, but few embrace the charm of physical craftsmanship. The visible imperfections and miniature aesthetic give Zlin City: Arch Moderna an identity that immediately stands out.
There’s currently no release date, but the game is planned for PC. Players eager to try it early can gain access to the alpha through Polyperfect’s Patreon,.The full game can already be wishlisted on Steam and there’s tons of information on the official website, so I recommend checking that out.