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Review of Game Dev Story on Nintendo Switch

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Oct 2018
Cover image of Game Dev Story on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 11 Oct 2018
Genre: Business Simulation
Developer: Kairosoft
Publisher: Kairosoft

Introduction

Dive into the pixelated universe of Kairosoft's 'Game Dev Story', where you can finally evade your responsibilities by developing video games instead! Manage your own game studio, hire bizarrely talented staff, and maybe, just maybe, create the next big hit! Spoiler alert: expect a lot of quirky humor and charm along the way.

Gameplay

In 'Game Dev Story', you take control of a fledgling game studio, dreaming big amidst a landscape of hairy action games and cuddly puzzle titles. Players oversee the entire production process, from brainstorming ideas to the nightmarish reality of publishing the final product. You'll hire employees, assign them to projects, and deal with inevitable meltdowns and cost overruns like a true capitalist overlord. Want to release a space ninja RPG with cheesy dialogue? Go for it! Just remember that certain genres appeal more to different audiences, so good luck selling that game about garden gnomes fighting mutants. Gamers can also engage in research and development, trying to create new consoles along the way, or just making sequels to their previous hits like a Hollywood sequel machine that never sleeps. The gameplay loop is satisfyingly addictive, where triumph feels earned, and failures - well, they just happen. A chef can burn a soufflé; you can bomb a game - both equally tragic.

Graphics

Visually, 'Game Dev Story' adopts a cutesy, pixel art style that might evoke nostalgia among older gamers and leave younger players wondering where the polygons are. The graphics aren't the cutting edge of the Switch's capabilities, but what it lacks in hyper-realistic textures, it compensates with charm and personality. Each character is distinct enough, making it clear who's who, even if their animations look like they were born from a time capsule. From stylized menus to colorful game selection screens, it's the kind of art that says, 'Everything's fine!' even when your studio is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Game Dev Story' offers a delightful escape into the chaotic world of gaming development - minus the corporate meetings, coffee runs, and the so-called 'reality.' It delivers a rich simulation experience that's both engaging and addictively fun, proving that managing a virtual game studio can be as exciting as, well, playing the actual games. Although it's not without its drawbacks, such as a simplified end-game that could use a bit more polish, Kairosoft has captured the joy and madness of game development in a charming package that is well worth your time. So, grab your joy-cons, fire up the game, and remember: in the world of game development, sometimes it's just about hitting the 'Publish' button, crossing your fingers, and hoping your players don't cringe too hard.

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