Unfortunately, we live in a world where big and well-known games have become repetitive. While AAA games used to define creativity in the past, today that title belongs to indie and mobile games. Indie games have become famous for their unique storytelling and fresh perspective on video games. Over the years, they’ve performed exceptionally well—you can find them on almost every platform.
Among indie titles, simulation games really stand out. So if you’re a fan of this genre on mobile, stay with us for a review of Turmoil, a simulation-strategy game that offers something different.
The Origin of Turmoil

The story of Turmoil begins in 2016 with the Dutch studio Gamious, founded in 2011. With this simulation game, the studio entered the world of video games. The game was first released for PC and then launched on mobile in 2017. However, the beta version of the game had already started in 2015, with the official release arriving a year later. Turmoil offered a strategic simulation experience that quickly found a decent level of success.
Critical Response and Availability
Considering it’s an indie game, Turmoil received mostly positive reviews. It earned a Metacritic score of 73, which might seem low compared to big-budget games, but for a debut title from a small studio, that’s quite respectable. The game performed well and is currently available for free on mobile, and priced at $12.99 on Steam and Epic Games.
A Journey Back to the 19th Century
The game takes you to 19th-century North America, where the race to extract and sell oil is at its peak. Everyone—from locals and cowboys to farmers and politicians—is trying to strike oil. In this world, whoever has more oil holds more power. The game’s story and atmosphere revolve around oil extraction and sales, and it’s up to you to survive and grow your business in this competitive environment.
Gameplay: Start Small, Think Big
Your journey begins when you discover a decent-sized oil reserve in your backyard. To succeed, you’ll need to earn the trust of other characters and secure enough funding to extract the oil. Turmoil is a simulation-strategy game and, like most mobile titles in this genre, requires a lot of focus. If you enjoy simulators and are tired of repetitive, similar games, Turmoil might just be the fresh experience you’re looking for.
To play Turmoil on mobile, you’ll need an internet connection.
RPG Elements and Decision-Making
This mobile game includes several amazing little details that make it really enjoyable. While it presents itself as a simulator, it also includes important RPG elements. Your choices and decisions directly affect your progress. To perform well in this world, you’ll need to make smart decisions—including choosing the right workers, crew, and characters to help you along the way.
Gameplay Depth and Strategic Challenges
Among all the features we’ve discussed, the gameplay is the most engaging. Honestly, despite its simple look, the game is heavily strategy-driven. Every choice you make matters. As you progress, you’ll meet various characters, each playing a unique role in shaping the events of the game. These elements come together to make Turmoil a truly fun and memorable experience.
Graphics, Atmosphere, and Soundtrack
In terms of graphics and visual effects, Turmoil deserves praise. It’s simple, yet visually appealing. Unlike many mobile games, there’s no unnecessary clutter here. This game delivers exactly what it promises—an unforgettable simulation experience. The soundtrack pairs beautifully with the visuals, creating an overall atmosphere that makes it one of the better mobile titles out there.