Recent reviews by JC

Prison Architect was a game that always caught my eye given my enjoyment for other simulation, building, and/or management genre-based games including Cities Skylines, Planet Zoo, and Autonauts. As I have a personal connection to the law enforcement theme as well, when I discovered that Prison Architect was only three dollars during the Steam Summer Sale this year, I decided to ultimately pull the trigger both figuratively and literally. The only regret I have so far after completing the campaign and mission stories would be that I did not investigate this game earlier on. The simple yet playful art style that I was hesitant about only adds enjoyment to the experience. Although the game might appear at first to be rather complex, my feeling of being overwhelmed escaped my mind once I got through the introductory prisons. The gameplay mechanics are rather straightforward now and allows the user to utilize their creativity to a great degree. I will not hide the fact that an “optimal” prison design exists, but the amount of freedom for the user to create a prison that feels like home exists with no doubt. I have quickly found myself encaged in the experience that Prison Architect provides as the hours have flown by while trapped in managing and expanding my prison. I am continuously learning new things that the experience has to offer to the user, and I am looking forward to creating numerous different prisons as I strive to improve my layout. As I am a completionist who strives to 100% *almost* every game I begin, the only objective markers would be the achievements which appear to mostly be earned naturally, as long as I serve my time which I plan to do out of voluntary enjoyment. I am unsure how difficult it would be to come back to this game if someone escapes long term, but it feels that the general mechanics offered can be picked up again with relative ease with the more complex technicalities required after a few hours. Ultimately, Prison Architect receives my high praise and a decent recommendation to all users, particularly those who enjoy the genres I previously listed and even those who have not committed themselves to simulation and/or management experiences as it would serve as a great first block of their journey towards reformation.

I randomly found Terraformers within a promotional package when I was purchasing another simulation game. As the game description and tags seemed to match my interests, I decided to claim it. I admittedly completely forgot about this game until I was organizing my library and I decided to download it and try it out. With that, I was not entirely sure what to expect, but I have had quite an enjoyable experience. I am weirdly grateful in a sense that I purchased this game but also almost oddly regretting that I have not tried it out. At first, I was quite overwhelmed with the rather complex and long tutorial mission, but after starting the next mission by myself, I was instantly engulfed by the mindless yet rewarding gameplay offered. On the surface, each mission appears to be a copy of the previous, but the randomness elements of the turn-based management system enable the user a different experience for each playthrough, regardless of the specific mission requirements. The main negative would be that the game utilizes a card system, which I personally enjoy, but it results in a more strategic feeling compared to the simulation genre that this game seemingly was advertised as. Regardless, I am personally compelled to recommend Terraformers to those looking for an interesting take on a strategy game with a decent amount of inspiration from the simulation genre while searching for a mindless, yet ever so relaxing and positive experience.

I was privileged enough to receive Early Access to Everdream Valley simply by preordering. Within the first three days prior to the official release, I became deeply immersed by this true masterpiece. The captivating storyline with enjoyable quests keeps the experience fresh and exciting. Everdream Valley can be described as a general life simulation with major influences of farming and city creation. The experience can only be slightly compared to a mixture of Stardew Valley and the Animal Crossing series as Everdream Valley took a unique approach to this style that honestly does not miss a beat. As an added bonus, the development team behind this wonder have been extremely responsive and engaged within the community. I hope that this game has a bright future with continuous updates that The Everdream Valley Development Team, Mooneaters, already appear to have planned with great consideration to the positive and constructive feedback received. I honestly have zero negatives at this moment and certainly plan on completing the entertaining main storyline and the exciting side quests as well as receiving all of the achievements within this game out of pure enjoyable. I greatly recommend this game to all as I am positive that no one would be disappointed as I simply cannot discuss this amazing sensation any more without the user personally experiencing it and understanding this near perfection of a game. Everdream Valley receives my deep and genuine praise and deserves my highest recognition.

I stumbled upon Terra Nil while browsing for a new city themed or simulation game and thought this concept of “A Reverse City Builder” was quite interesting. Although I quite enjoyed completing this game and collecting all of the achievements as of the time posting my review, I felt the need to make others aware that this game should be categorized mainly as a strategy-based game with an undertone of city building and environmental creation. Terra Nil does not allow for a wide range of creativity as the missions or locations have a relatively straight forward solution with limited alternatives. Without diving into any specifics, the gameplay involves three stages related to cleaning the region, growing the region, and stabilizing the region. The game held my interest, but I hope that the developers create a sandbox mode that can truly be enjoyed for hours as the repeatability of this game can be seen as nonexistent currently. Ultimately, I feel confident enough to recommend Terra Nil to those looking for an intriguing blend of the simulation and strategy genres while searching for an extremely relaxing and positive experience.

Game Dev Tycoon captures the genre flawlessly with excellent simulation and tycoon mechanics. This game deserves praise for the simple yet interesting storyline and gameplay. I highly recommend Game Dev Tycoon to all individuals as this game truly creates an overall decent experience for the user.

Esports Life Tycoon practically resembles a new version of Youtuber's Life with an entirely new concept. Despite the monotonous gameplay, the direction captured within the general storyline and focus reveals a decent experience. If the user did not experience Youtuber's Life, I primarily recommend that game or the sequel prior to Esports Life Tycoon, although this game's uniqueness creates new life to the simulation genre.

Youtuber’s Life Two took the fundamental principles of the original game and expanded upon them in an extraordinary way. The relatively simple premise created an entirely new experience which yielded a great new edition within this series. An in-depth storyline adds wonders to the already addicting gameplay. Although monotonous at certain points, Youtuber’s Life Two truly resembles the best features of the predecessor while promoting an entirely new, exciting journey.

Kingdom Rush resembles a classic game which truly defines timelessness in the best practical ways. A solid game which also requires quite a decent amount of strategy. The achievements and missions included create additional challenges which enhance the experience. Ultimately, a solid Tower Defense game that never disappoints, especially within this genre. I personally highly recommended Kingdom Rush to most individuals.