Staff Blog: Bow Down - Populous

Bow Down - Populous

On 10/16/2020 at 06:13 PM by Matt Snee

Populous, developed by Peter Molyneux, and published by Electronic Arts, was released for the Amiga computer in 1989, and eventually ported to everything possible. It is one of the most bestselling PC games of all time. It was even released for the SNES and the Nintendo DS. Almost universally considered the first "God" game, Populous lets players assume the role of a powerful deity, as they guide their followers in a quest to destroy the followers of an opposing deity. The game was released to high acclaim.

While I enjoy the genre nowadays, I could never get into this game when I was a kid. I was 12 when it came out, and not used to games composed of such complicated ideas (hey - I liked sidescrollers, dammit!). But I remember that the game was revered at the time. You don't hear much about it anymore, but it definitely spawned a genre that's still thriving.

The game had multiple sequels, and it's available on GOG.com here:

https://www.gog.com/game/populous

At this point, it's probably mostly a historical curiosity, as many developers have taken its concepts to much higher levels since its release decades ago. And I also understand the sequels are better. But, Populous was definitely a innovative landmark.

KnightDriver

10/16/2020 at 10:29 PM

I love the idea of the "god game" but I'm not sure if I've really every played one. I remember wanting to play Spore but it was on PC. I have a Wii version of that, Spore Hero, I still haven't played. I also have this game Reus on my Xbox right now I still haven't got to.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

10/17/2020 at 05:10 AM

Actually, I've heard Reus is pretty good.

Cary Woodham

10/17/2020 at 08:19 AM

My favorite god game is ActRaiser on the SNES.

10/17/2020 at 08:42 AM

Yeah, ActRaiser. Love that game.

10/17/2020 at 08:20 AM

I remember going to computer game stores like Babbage's and seeing Populous everywhere, so I knew it was popular. I rented the SNES version once and had no idea what I was doing. But Populous was certainly influential, as you can tell it inspired other games, like my favorite 'god' game: ActRaiser on the SNES.

10/24/2020 at 05:20 AM

yeah, this game was a pretty big deal back in the day. But, like you, I had no idea what the heck to do in it.

goaztecs

10/21/2020 at 12:04 PM

Hey Populous! I believe this is one of the first Playstation 1 games I bought. I was at the campus bookstore looking through their Playstation section, saw it and decided to give it a go. It didn't click with me then but years later I played it again and liked it.

10/24/2020 at 05:21 AM

I never understood this game when I was a kid. I always had respect for it though.

PixlBit