Paradox Arc set to publish Aztec city builder Tlatoani: Aztec Cities

The publishing wing of Paradox Interactive, known as Paradox Arc, has announced the next title it will be publishing as Tlatoani: Aztec Cities. Developed by Perspective Games and Bellwood Studio, Tlatoani puts players in the shoes of an ancient Aztec ruler entrusted with building and growing a humble settlement into a sprawling multi-city-state empire.

Based on the trailer, I’m getting some serious modern-day Pharaoh and Caesar 3 vibes from Tlatoani: Aztec Cities, and I’m all for it. I dumped countless hours into both when I was younger, trying to build the perfect ancient city. Tlatoani features hand-drawn 2D graphics intended to specifically pay homage to such classic titles in the genre. Players will take on the role of an Aztec ruler tasked with progressing a humble settlement into a thriving empire, striving to become Tlaltoani, a historic term for a ruler in ancient Aztec times.

Starting with just a single city, Tlatoani allows you to eventually grow to multiple city-states to oversee the entire Aztec empire. Along the way, you’ll need to make sure the needs of your people are met including their duties, faiths, moods, and even daily routings. As Tlatoani you’ll produce dozens of goods and resources while managing your empire’s economy, military, and religious undertakings. As your empire, you will build temples for the Aztec gods, spread your influence to other city-states in the Mesoamerica region, and even hold festivals and honor ancient Aztec traditions.

Tlatoani is coming at a perfect time for me, as I recently enjoyed a roughly 3.5 hour podcast between podcast host Lex Fridman and Ancient America Archaeologist Ed Barnhart. I’ve always been a fan of Mesoamerica history, and this podcast only amplified it. I’m excited to try and build my own Aztec empire so I’m looking forward to seeing the actual freedom we have to do so in Tlatoani.

Tlatoani: Aztec Cities is set to release in Early Access on Steam this Halloween on October 31, 2024. If you’re interested in checking it out before then, a Tlatoani: Prologue demo is available now and will be a part of the Steam Next Fest which starts on October 14, 2024.