Thanks for the feedback and outlining your playthrough! I do wish I could've known some of these beforehand haha.
The cards are currently fully random. Am thinking if it should weight some buildings higher at the beginning. I tried to negate some of the building unlock RNG (randomness from the card) through the permanent upgrades for now as I am aware how it would feel really bad for farms to unlock super late.
I also intend to add some additional goals to help players prepare for the storm! (Get 20 settlers, stockpile teriyaki, build 100 meters)
I am thinking of how to make it less overwhelming for the player at the beginning. Perhaps not having settlers unlocked for the first 2 minutes of gameplay? As settlers will unlock hunger/happiness requirements. Hmm...