In a world filled with AAA titles boasting stunning visuals and epic plots, we have 'Let's School'. Yes, you read that right. This delightful gem from Pathea Games—known for their previous work on 'My Time at Portia'—has rolled out a simulation experience where you can live out your fantasy of running an educational institution without actually needing a teaching degree. Grab your pencils and prepare to grade... I mean, game!
Gameplay in 'Let's School' revolves around managing your very own school. And when I say 'managing', I mean premise-fueled chaos that could make a headmaster shudder. You recruit teachers, design classrooms, and plan the school day, all while trying not to let your students burn the place down. Your primary focus is on ensuring that students not only learn but also participate in extra-curricular activities, because everyone knows that some kids thrive on existential dread from their math exams, while others just want to play in the band or shoot hoops. There's a delightful sense of irony in managing a school when a significant part of the gameplay involves making sure those teachers you hired aren't dropouts from the nearest talent show. The game does allow players to customize their curriculum, but let's be real; nobody wants to be the administrator who gets caught with a surprise pop quiz that requires them to understand advanced quantum physics. Another feature that stands out is the unique balance of academic rigor and social activities. Remember those hard-hitting debates about jelly beans versus gummy bears? Prepare your students for the future with such life-changing discussions while navigating their carefully charted educational paths and hoping nobody gets grounded in the process. Periodically, you must engage in the ancient, strategic gameplay of scheduling and event planning, which is basically the adult version of Tetris but with more existential dread. Overall, managing students and teachers with all their quirks keeps the gameplay lively, albeit sometimes a little overwhelming. Strap in for that rollercoaster ride called 'running a school' with all the ups and downs—much like your average math class.
Visually, 'Let's School' leans into the cute and quirky aesthetic. Think of it as vivid but slightly less intense than the after-effects of a sugar rush. Characters sport charming and often exaggerated features, reminiscent of cartoonish TV shows that you maybe shouldn’t have binge-watched but totally did. The environments are filled with bright colors, which may or may not help mask the traumatic experiences of navigating childhood education. The game’s graphics evoke a sense of nostalgia, mirroring the beloved, child-like innocence of school days. If by some chance your childhood was full of endless homework and existential dread, this game might feel like a colorful nightmare. The simulation runs smoothly on PS5, with no noticeable lag even while executing your grand plans of turning the school into Hogwarts… or maybe more like a decrepit detention center, depending on how well (or how poorly) you're managing your scholars.
In conclusion, 'Let's School' delivers an entertaining simulation experience that shifts the tediousness of academic administration into a whimsical gaming format. It’s an enjoyable ride filled with laughter, chaos, and the occasional delirious student ranting about unfulfilled dreams of becoming an astronaut despite flunking physics. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, particularly those who associate all things school with trauma—sorry, I mean nostalgia—it’s certainly worth a shot for those who want to test their leadership skills. If you ever dreamt of steering a classroom like Captain Crunch steering a ship, this might be the game for you. Just don’t expect to pass the ‘suspension of disbelief’ test. With a score of 6 out of 10, 'Let's School' is neither the top of the class nor the bottom of the barrel, but perfectly settled in that comfortable, slightly awkward middle-ground where mediocrity and fun shake hands. Now, what’s next? Perhaps a game about managing a fast-food joint? Forget it—let’s not mix our metaphors.”