Populous
Acorn ArchimedesPC-9800 SeriesSharp X68000Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Populous

74
Critic Rating
#Real Time Strategy (RTS)

About

Populous is a real-time strategy game where the player takes the role of a deity influencing the development of civilizations. You shape terrain, guide followers, and use natural disasters like floods, volcanoes, and earthquakes to influence or eliminate opposing tribes. The game features an isometric perspective and includes 500 levels (worlds), each with different challenges. Originally developed by Bullfrog and designed by Peter Molyneux, it is considered one of the earliest examples of the god-game genre.

Playtime Estimates

Main Story12.3h
Main + Extra21.0h
Completionist47.6h
All Styles17.4h
Confidence: 100%Updated: 11/9/2026

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Languages

LanguageSupport
EnglishAudio
EnglishInterface
EnglishSubtitles

Similar Games

DLCs & Expansions

Game Info

Release Date6/5/1989
DeveloperBullfrog Productions
PublisherElectronic Arts
PlatformsAcorn Archimedes, PC-9800 Series, Sharp X68000, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Atari ST/STE, PC (Microsoft Windows), TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, Mac, DOS, Amiga, Sega Master System/Mark III
GenresReal Time Strategy (RTS), Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
IGDB Rating74/100 (47)

Game Modes

Single player
Multiplayer

Themes

Fantasy
Sandbox

Perspectives

Bird view / Isometric

Release Dates

PC (Microsoft Windows)Sep 1, 2011
Sharp X68000Mar 23, 1990
Acorn ArchimedesDec 31, 1992
Atari ST/STEDec 31, 1989
DOSJun 5, 1989
+ 9 more