Children of the Nile: Alexandria is essentially more of what made the original game enjoyable. If you liked the base game, this expansion offers three additional scenarios centered around Alexandria, each with its own objectives and progression. It's not a massive overhaul, but rather an extension of the existing experience—and for the price, it's well worth it.
Like the original, Alexandria is a much more relaxed city builder than games like Frostpunk, Caesar, Pharaoh, Zeus, or even Against the Storm. There are no roguelike mechanics or constant pressure. Instead, it's all about carefully building and managing an Ancient Egyptian civilization at your own pace.
The first scenario has you supporting Alexander's campaign by sending large shipments of food and bricks on multiple occasions. The second focuses on constructing the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria while simultaneously supporting Caesar against rebel forces. The third—and by far the biggest challenge—asks you to transform Alexandria into a thriving metropolis by reaching 200 Prestige, establishing trade agreements with Rome, Athens, Carthage, and Babylon, and housing fifteen Luxury Townhouses for the nobility. Achieving that requires a huge, well-balanced economy with well over a hundred farmers and an extensive supporting workforce.
The game's greatest strength remains its living society. Rather than assigning anonymous workers, every citizen has a place within a functioning social hierarchy. Farmers grow food, priests provide religious services and healthcare, scribes collect taxes and oversee trade, overseers organize construction and labor, commanders train soldiers, and dozens of other professions all contribute to a city that genuinely feels alive.
Prestige continues to be one of the most satisfying mechanics. Constructing monuments, temples, obelisks, statues, and wonders isn't just cosmetic—it directly contributes to the growth and advancement of your civilization. Combined with its unique economy, merchants, workshops, production chains, and international trade, the game still feels unlike almost any other city builder.
That said, Alexandria also highlights some of the original game's shortcomings.
The expansion only includes three scenarios, and while they're enjoyable, I found myself wishing for much greater variety. Alexandria was home to far more than just the Lighthouse. The Great Library is already present in the game, yet surprisingly isn't a construction objective. Ancient Egypt offers countless famous monuments, temples, and wonders that could have served as unique scenario goals. Likewise, the historical timeline occasionally feels a little inconsistent, with events involving Caesar and multiple rebellions blending together rather than being clearly separated into distinct periods.
Some gameplay systems also remain underdeveloped. Buildings such as Exchanges, Guard Posts, and Gardeners often have limited practical use, while Shrines still behave inconsistently, with citizens sometimes refusing to worship despite having nearby priests. Military encounters generally work well, but enemy raids can occasionally become stuck, leaving units idle instead of attacking.
Even so, I had a great time with this expansion. Watching Alexandria slowly grow into a bustling capital, balancing production, expanding trade, and finally reaching every objective was genuinely satisfying. The soundtrack remains wonderful, the citizens continue to bring life to the city with their daily routines, and the core gameplay is just as relaxing and addictive as ever.
Could there have been more scenarios, more historical variety, and more unique wonders to build? Absolutely. But for what it costs, Children of the Nile: Alexandria delivers exactly what it promises: more of a unique city builder that still stands apart from most games in the genre.
If you enjoyed Children of the Nile, this expansion is an easy recommendation.
8/10
