Game Dev Story Review (iPhone/iPad)
Written by Troy Benedict Saturday, 23 October 2010 06:00
Sometimes it’s not immediately obvious how good a game is, until an alert notification from the iPhone
As the title states, Game Dev Story is a game development studio simulator, where you assume the role of the owner of a video game developer, in hopes of creating and releasing popular and profitable games.
Success is measured in many ways. Not only do you need competent staff to create fun games that are reviewed well, you also have to advertise the games and attend annual trade shows to generate interest and earn new fans, and attempt to stay relevant by developing games for consoles with strong user bases.
Game Dev Story has a charming pixel art visual style, and the sense of humor is great! Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek references to current game companies and their gaming systems like the Sonny PlayStatus, the Senga Uranus, and Intendro’s Game Kid. There was even a reference to the Virtual Boy, with the commentary from your advisor stating something like, “I don’t think that’s going to sell very well.”
By the third or fourth developed game, you should have a pretty good idea of how to make a game succeed. But Game Dev Story doesn’t let you sink into a routine, because as the in-game years go by, the user install base gets older which changes the demographics and new systems are announced (or discontinued). You will also lose fans if you continue developing the same type of game over and over. Variety is the spice of life!
Kairosoft does a great job of getting a peek into what real game development is like, and the politics that are involved in developing a game and getting it on store shelves. It’s even possible to release buggy games in order to reach goals or to avoid running out of money (but I don’t recommend is as the reviewers will tear you apart).
Game Dev Story is $3.99 price in the iTunes App store, and is available on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the iPad. While the price seems a bit high when many games in the App Store are $0.99 (or free), this game will pay for itself after the first couple of playthroughs! I highly recommend picking this one up, especially if you consider yourself to be a gaming enthusiast!
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Comments
THIS GAME IS TOO ADDICTING!!!
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