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Review of Hot Springs Story on PS4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Oct 2018
Cover image of Hot Springs Story on PS4
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 11 Oct 2018
Genre: Simulation
Developer: Kairosoft
Publisher: Kairosoft

Introduction

Welcome to the delightful world of Hot Springs Story, where your dreams of managing a relaxing hot spring resort come true! Take a break from the relentless grind of real life and dive into a vibrant, pixelated paradise where you juggle the needs of customers, staff, and your own sanity. Here, guests settle in for a soak, and it's your job to make sure they don't get too wrinkly from boredom. Put on your best managerial hat, because things are about to get steamy!

Gameplay

The core of Hot Springs Story revolves around managing your very own hot spring resort from the ground up. You begin with a modest facility and a handful of customers, and your goal? To transform this place into the hottest destination for relaxation, wealth, and Instagrammable moments. Yes, business simulation games have taught us that people will flock to anything if it's hashtag-worthy. Gameplay revolves around the delicate balance between expansion and customer satisfaction. After all, nothing screams 'relaxed vacation' like seeing a guest storm out because the hot tub is 'too small.' In order to attract wealthy clients, you'll need to impress guidebook writers who can skyrocket your resort's ratings. This means you'll often find yourself juggling advertising, construction, and special booster items to maintain guest happiness. It's like spinning plates, except if you drop one, someone might get a very bad review on Yelp. Now don't think you can just slap a hot spring into a building without planning - Oh no! You must decide the best features, facilities and services. Should you invest in a sauna? Or perhaps a sake bar? The decision-making is deep, and if you're not careful, you might find yourself deep in the red financially. Your resort's economy can fluctuate wildly based on outside factors-it's like real life, except there are fewer taxes involved and way more pixelated swimming trunks. You'll also have to manage different customer types, each with their own patience levels. Yes, they may look like adorable pixelated sprites, but trust me, they have the patience of a toddler waiting for their iPad to charge. There are antique dealers, college students, and even yuppies, all with idiosyncrasies that affect how they react to your service and resort updates. Will you provide them with a luxurious experience, or leave them longing for the good old days of simpler hot springs? Who knows! But keep those towels stocked and your smile wide-because if they aren't happy, your profit margin is going to evaporate faster than steam from a hot spring.

Graphics

Graphics are simple yet charming, with a retro pixel art style that evokes a sense of nostalgia for those who fondly remember 8-bit gaming. The visuals are bright and colorful, perfect for capturing the essence of a hot springs paradise. Every guest is rendered in a cute, blocky style that somehow conveys their moods even if they're just wandering around the resort looking mildly disappointed. The interface is user-friendly, with easy navigation that makes management feel like a breeze, despite the fact that you're essentially running a small resort empire. The visuals might not break any technological barriers, but their charm is undeniable. It's like wandering into a Japanese-themed craft store that you didn't know you needed in your life. And let's be honest, isn't it kind of relaxing to watch the pixelated water ripple as your guests dive into the hot springs? Just don't forget to check how many of them are actually enjoying it or you may be in for a pixelated nightmare of complaints.

Conclusion

Overall, Hot Springs Story has proven to be a cuddly, engaging simulation game that mixes humor with depth. Kairosoft has perfectly packed a steamy experience that caters to those who've dreamt of running their own resort but who don't want to mortgage their lives for it. With its charming pixel graphics, witty dialogue, and addictive gameplay mechanics, it's sure to keep you engaged and laughing. While it may not quite reach the heights of its predecessor, Game Dev Story, it's a solid option for anyone who has the time to dedicate to managing a virtual hot spring paradise. Who needs an actual vacation when you can chill in a pixelated dreamland? So grab your towels, put on your best management face, and get ready to soak in the good life, one satisfied (or unsatisfied) customer at a time!

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