Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed comment. I honestly really appreciate it.
Comments like yours are exactly one of the reasons why I enjoy making games. Knowing that someone actually spent several hours exploring the islands, building cities, experimenting with the systems, and then took even more time to write thoughtful feedback means a lot to me.
And thank you especially for pointing out not only what you liked, but also the things that could be improved. A lot of your suggestions make very good sense.
The tax and happiness balance definitely needs more consequences, especially in larger cities. Your "golden age at 50% tax" made me laugh, because that is probably a pretty good sign that something needs balancing. :D
The money economy is also something I want to improve. Once a city grows enough, the amount of gold can become much larger than the number of meaningful ways to spend it. A huge late-game chest or other expensive mechanics could actually be a fun solution.
Research progression, trade routes and NPC/player warfare are also areas I would like to continue improving. Your idea of making trade routes work as individual planned trips is especially interesting and could also solve some technical problems with the way the game currently processes them.
I'm also very happy that you mentioned the feeling of being proud of your city once it grows. That is exactly one of the feelings I wanted the game to create. I agree that the surroundings could still become much more alive too — larger mountains, forests, more natural terrain and generally a richer environment around the city.
The game is definitely not finished in my mind, and feedback like this gives me a lot of motivation to continue developing it.
Actually, if you would ever be interested, I would be very happy if you wanted to help me with the game in some way. You clearly understand the systems very well and you notice things that are difficult for me to see as the developer.
It could be anything — testing new features, discussing balancing and ideas, suggesting improvements, helping shape future mechanics, or simply telling me when something feels wrong or could be better. There is absolutely no obligation, of course, but I would genuinely enjoy developing the game together with someone who cares about it as much as you seem to.
And regarding your name "---" — I think after writing the longest and probably most useful comment Royal Castle has received so far, those three minus signs have officially become memorable. :D
Thank you again for playing Royal Castle, for giving it so much of your time, and especially for writing this feedback.
Players like you are exactly why making games is fun for me.
I really hope to see you again on the islands!
