Build-a-Lot

For those of you who are into your simulation games then you’ll be interested in taking a second look at Build-a-Lot.

You may be forgiven for thinking that there’s really nothing out there besides the SimCity games in this field, but actually this title is worthy of your time. In actuality, Build-a-Lot is far more upbeat and realistic than the usual sluggish strategy gameplay associated with the SimCity series. With plenty of different buildings to choose from, lots and lots of environments to transform to your hearts content, and quite a few challenges to overcome, you’ll be definitely challenged and stuck fast to the screen.

The gist of the game is simple, build as much as you can as fast as you can. You purchase empty plots of land, build your premises and rent or sell these for profit. Then, with the newly acquired cash, you get to buy bigger plots and develop bigger buildings for even bigger returns.

In a Monopoly-esque way, this would be a really simple challenge but with the time constantly ticking away in the background you really need to act and think smart. To achieve your goals you must carefully tend to your builders – hiring more if required. You may also have to weigh up the choice of purchasing ready-developed land or do it from scratch yourself.

To keep the game fresh and fun, you’re rewarded for your perseverance by unlocking new property designs and types for you to use for maximum effect. The only trouble with all these new buildings, you have to keep an even closer eye on your resources, whether its funds, staff or bricks and mortar.

The controls are pretty clear and are relatively simple to get your head round too – which is no mean feat as with so much going on at any one time, you’d be forgiven if you got confused.

Unfortunately, unlike some of the competitor games on the market where you can develop an entire city, this only lets you focus on a relatively small, but greatly detailed patch of land. However, rather than a handicap, this allows you to really get to grips with what you’re doing and how you’re going to do it. What’s more, it doesn’t look half bad either!

All in all then this game offers an element of building fun combined with puzzle elements and a race against the clock. So if you enjoy your challenges, are tired of the SimCity style, then this is certainly a good substitute/alternative.

Ratings 80%

Positives

Good fun and racing against the clock gives it a bit of a buzz

Puzzle elements as well as managing the sites makes it great challenge

Entertaining and also gives you a few pointers in building

Neat graphics

Intuitive controls

Plenty of unlockable things to keep you entertained

Negatives

Sadly lacks people moving in and enjoying the property you’ve just spent time building

With only small plots to develop, you don’t quite get the same scope of building an empire

As the game’s against the clock, you can’t always do the finishing touches you want