I'd like to thank Set Sail Games for the review key to this title.

Some games in the simulation genre are known as "god" games. These games essentially allow the player to assume a deity-like role over the game world. Bridges & Docks is a good example of this game type.

Bridges & Docks is a game where the player is given the tools to create a simulated world. In this world, the player is handed the means to add land, trees, rocks, animals, and other set pieces to make their own miniature world. Much as God created the heavens and the Earth, so the player must decide the shape and contents of their game world. And, true to the title, Bridges & Docks are two of the set pieces that will be possible to make.

There is not much of anything like a plot to go with the game. A new game starts with an extended tutorial. The game patiently instructs the players how to put down land and other set pieces. As the player completes these objectives, additional tools like an eraser and undo function are unlocked. After completing the tutorial, the player is then free to make the world in whatever image they deem fit.

In some ways, this is more of a glorified game world creation tool than a game proper. It's a 3D world editor in the guise of a game, even having an experimental export feature for 3D graphics programs. Given the prevalence of 3D printing technology at this time of writing, the created world made by the player can be exported and possibly rendered into the real world as a game level or a diorama of sorts.

With that said, this title has a major flaw: On top of having a limited number of set pieces, there is not much variety in what the player can create. There is even a procedural generation tool unlocked via the tutorial, and these randomly generated worlds can look a bit samey. The tutorial itself needs to be criticized in places for being a bit obtuse. For example, the same option that creates water-based docks can be used to create elevated rope bridges, but the tutorial makes this hard to intuit.

Graphically, this game uses a simple, colorful style. The game world is presented in a top-down, bird's-eye view. The animations are reasonably well detailed, especially for the animals you can add to the world, but otherwise, the world is very static.

The game music and sound effects are decidedly minimalistic. There are a few mellow soundtracks that play on loading screens and while in the main creation interface. There are also a few generic sound effects when placing objects. Bridges & Docks won't win any awards for stellar music, but given the minimalist game concept, it's sufficient for its purpose.

This title supports both keyboard and mouse controls or any Steam-supported controller. Both control schemes work fairly well. As mentioned above, the tutorial for the controls is a bit obtuse in places, so bear that in mind regardless of which control scheme you choose.

Bridges & Docks natively runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS. It will run on Linux via Steam Proton and is rated as Playable on the Steam Deck. Requirements are very modest, so this can run easily on low-end computers.

Morally, there is nothing to note. There is no violence, foul language, or sexual content to be concerned about. This is simply a world creation tool, and there is nothing ethically wrong with the concept.

Overall, given the price, it's not much of a game but a fun map creator tool. Technically, some obtuse tutorials aside, it runs quite well. Morally, this is safe for any age. If you just want a casual map maker game, then Bridges & Docks is recommended.