Urban Landscape Archives

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

This Minecraft map that recreates one of history’s most notorious slums made me reconsider what’s important in 3D level design

Kowloon Walled City, established on the remnants of a military fort in British Hong Kong, peaked in 1989 with over 35,000 residents in just six and a half acres, making it the most densely populated place on Earth. The area was characterized by chaotic architecture, interconnected buildings, and narrow alleyways, functioning as a vibrant hub of illegal trading and organized crime despite being classified as a slum. Architect Sluda Builds has recreated Kowloon Walled City in Minecraft, accurately positioning buildings and capturing various architectural styles, but the virtual representation lacks the vibrant life and human experiences that defined the original Walled City.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Metro Rivals: New York Announced For PC & Consoles

Dovetail Games is set to launch a new title, Metro Rivals: New York, in 2026. The game is a subway racing simulation set in a near-future version of New York City, divided into ten districts contested by celebrity drivers known as Track Titans. Players begin with a basic train and must complete missions, earn cash fares, and upgrade their train performance to challenge these titans. The game features a single-player campaign and a PvP mode for up to four players, focusing on precision and control at designated platforms. Players can also explore the city at a relaxed pace, customize their trains with skins and liveries, and personalize their characters. In-game purchases will be cosmetic only, ensuring no pay-to-win scenarios.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

With Baldur’s Gate 3’s DnD roleplaying and the tactical battles of Into the Breach, I’ve never played anything like this Art Deco RPG

Players are transported to a reimagined New York in 1939, featuring anti-gravity technology, in the debut role-playing game Aether and Iron by Seismic Squirrel. Players assume the role of Gia, a smuggler, who embarks on a mission with a young scientist named Nellie. The game utilizes a unique dice mechanic for decision-making, allowing players to specialize in attributes like Brass, Hustle, or Smarts. Choices made during gameplay can have significant consequences, creating a sense of tension. The game includes vehicle combat in a turn-based format, inspired by fast-paced car chases, and offers customization options for vehicles. Aether and Iron combines turn-based strategy with visual novel elements and features a richly crafted world with a captivating art style and branching narrative. The game is set to be released in 2026.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Watch a Timelapse of the Notorious Kowloon Walled City Built to Scale in Minecraft

Kowloon Walled City, located in Hong Kong, was once the densest settlement on Earth, housing approximately 33,000 to 50,000 residents within 2.6 hectares during the 1980s. Originally a military outpost in the Song Dynasty, it evolved into a Qing dynasty fort by 1810 and remained largely undeveloped under British control after the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. By 1940, it had minimal infrastructure, but it transformed into a bustling metropolis following an influx of refugees from the Chinese Civil War. The settlement featured interconnected buildings with ad hoc doorways, allowing residents to navigate without going outdoors. Its development was largely unregulated, with minimal British involvement and some jurisdiction asserted by the Nationalist Chinese Government. The city was characterized by high-rise buildings, some reaching 14 stories, constructed in a vernacular style.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Artist Recreated a Massive City in Minecraft & Shared a Breakdown

3D creator Sluda Builds has created a detailed replica of Kowloon Walled City in Minecraft, showcasing his dedication to capturing the essence of the historical landmark. The project includes stages such as 3D modeling, recreating topography, constructing buildings, adding rooftop details, and incorporating surroundings to enhance the immersive experience.