Wrench

Wrench

I highly recommend this game because its not a game, it is an educational simulation, this game can teach you not everything, but.. but… a very large amount real life things on how an engine works, specifically the Mazda mx5 Miata engine, the parts in this game, like the engine, the oil brands+ other fluids, and engine kits, are for the most part are all real parts and real brands, this game I would especially would recommend this game to students who are in/or want to be in autos class. again, it wont teach you everything but I personally say it is close enough, closer than any other thing out there, I have experience in autos class and I have worked on the same engine that is in this game, and it is pretty spot on. and due to COVID-19, I think this would give a lot of students mainly speeking for high schoolers, giving them a chance to still have a way to have some hand on experience for those who cant go to school because of COVID-19. and I say “hands on” because it also can work with VR as well as without VR. VR is not required, but if you got a pair, give it a wack. lastly I want to end this review with a simple request to the developers. before the first major update, the was a feature that has now been remove, and I would strongly suggest that is was brought back. the feature was all the torquing instructions that shows a picture diagram with torquing information on each part that you are assembling. that was a very important part of the game that made it educational. if you could please bring that back to the game, like maybe make another item to add to the game like a torquing spec book, something that I can place next to the radio and open and flip pages to each section that I am working on, I would like to turn the page to find each diagram for whatever I am trying to put together. and thank you for taking the time to read this far down, there is much more in this game that I could not include every detail, this game can teach you not only engines, but keeping your shop clean and organized, and again much more. thank you and stay safe,

Real player with 412.7 hrs in game


Read More: Best Building Simulation Games.


Bought this just over a year ago when it went into early access. After hitting just over 100 hours and with no sign of losing interest I thought I’d post this review. Full disclosure - I play this in desktop mode, not VR so can’t comment on the VR experience.

I’m not a mechanic IRL but I am interested in cars and learning about how things work. This is by far the best mechanic “simulator” that I’ve ever found.

At time of writing the progression is straightforward. You’re given a few jobs to choose from (change engine oil, replace spark plugs) for customers and if you complete the job successfully you get some cash and XP…the usual unlock through progression idea. Some jobs can take hours (rebuild the bottom half of the engine) where you have to drain oil and coolant, remove the transmission, extract the engine using the crane, put it on the engine stand…you get the idea. It’s very involved but because of that incredibly rewarding.

Real player with 194.0 hrs in game

Wrench on Steam

Ecoplanet

Ecoplanet

Ecoplanet is a tycoon-based eco-simulation game with a variety of opportunities to manage, design and expand your own islands. You are free to place whatever animals, plants and scenic objects you desire. But be warned because every action has a consequence and you wouldn’t want your ecosystem to collapse! Work with E.Corp to become an island expert and make your millions.

You will be working with a company called E.Corp who are your friend when it comes to making money and progressing through the game! You will need to send them your animals to help them out, whether it’s for a new exhibit in a zoo or to be used for research. You should assist them as much as possible and make a pretty penny at the same time!

As you get deeper into the game and earn more money, you will be able to unlock many new species of animals and plants! There are various ways that you can do this, the easiest is by completing missions. The next method is animal research, this will cost you but after funding the research of an animal you will be able to unlock and purchase them for the island. Finally, you will get random visitors throughout your time playing Ecoplanet, to get them to stay you must meet their requirements and convince them your island is the best to call their home.

Open up your very own island tours business and let guests view your island in boats, helicopters and submarines. Open up food, drink and souvenir shops to maximize your profits and keep your customers happy. Increase your island rating to attract more customers and become an even richer island owner!

Breeding is one of the most important systems implemented in the game, not only will it be necessary to maintain a species but you also have the creative freedom to selectively breed your animals to produce animals with specific traits/genetics. Some of the genetics that you can breed for are below:

  • Height

  • Hunger

  • Speed

  • Lifespan

  • Reproduction Rate

Using the terrain editor you can create tall mountains and deep rivers to accommodate for the animals on your island. Let your creativity flow and create an island exactly to your needs!

Ecosystem designing doesn’t stop on the land! There has been an abundance of marine creatures made for life in the ocean! Make sure you learn to build above and below water to maximize your profits whilst creating beautiful islands.

Its just me! My name is Brad and i’m the solo developer of Ecoplanet. The idea started in September 2018 but it was designed to be an educational simulation tool as part of my university degree. However after two years of developing, once graduating I decided I wanted to turn it into a commercial game. I have always been a fan of tycoon games ever since I started playing Roller Coaster Tycoon so I have used that as inspiration to fuel the tycoon side of the game, with other inspirations coming from more of my favorite games such as Viva Pinata!


Read More: Best Building Sandbox Games.


Ecoplanet on Steam

Territory - animals genetic strategy

Territory - animals genetic strategy

Territory is an isometric 2D real-time single player strategy about genes and animal species. Animals are behaving the way they would in nature, but you can indirectly control them and mutate them to achieve various goals like dominance in the ecosystem.

Core Gameplay Mechanics - Challenge Mode

  • you are entering the game with one species and mutate it to different species later on

  • you are playing on the map with existing ecosystem that is producing various sources of food

  • you are changing species genome and that is changing its attributes and behaviour

  • map is populated with various species (~10 depending on map size), species can die out, species can mutate to new species in time

  • each species has its own territory, its size and shape can be adjusted

  • species can be herbivores, omnivores or carnivores and can have one of five different sizes

  • species lives complete live from being born to death, need food to survive

  • individual animal can die in fight, starve to death, can be killed by predator, die by disease or die by old age

  • species are hostile only when they share the same source of food and has similar size

  • you can migrate your species to new territories

  • you can invade enemy species on its territory

  • you can defend your territory from enemy species

  • you are evaluating your surroundings and complete ecosystem to determine your next steps

  • species are reacting indirectly on player’s command if certain conditions are met (migrate to new territory only when not being hungry, having certain genes, etc.)

Core Gameplay Mechanics - Sandbox Mode

  • you are playing on the map without any species

  • you can create unlimited number of species

  • your goal is to achieve the largest biomass and/or diversity


Read More: Best Building Sandbox Games.


Territory - animals genetic strategy on Steam

Monastery Builder

Monastery Builder

Monastery Builder is a simulator of life in a medieval monastery. Take up a monk’s way of life and see if you can handle the daily challenges that come with it.

Ora et labora - pray and work. These are the main rules that guide the way for each monk. Only so much and so many. If you think it’s nothing, then you’re in for quite a surprise. Each day is subject to strict organization and there’s no time to get bored in your monastery. Complete all tasks in line with this motto, gain new experiences, and become an important ‘somebody’ in the monastic hierarchy.

Arrange a proper agricultural base. You have to plant cereals that you can use to bake bread and distribute among the poor. It is also important to take proper care of vegetables, fruits, and herbs growing in the monastic gardens. Without them, you won’t be able to prepare potions for the sick, or wine for trade. There are plenty of similar challenges ahead.

Grow your monastery. Expand it with more buildings and develop the infrastructure. Medieval monasteries were famous for having exceptionally rich hospitals and educational facilities. They also served as sanctuaries for weary travelers and played a vital role in supplying nearby residential settlements with products. You have to build it all by yourself, so you better get to work!

Monastery Builder on Steam

To The Rescue!

To The Rescue!

TLDR: I’ve quite enjoyed this game so far, worth the thumbs up, but there is room for improvement. Give it a go if you’re a fan of organization and multi-tasking, but be mindful that eventually at some point, sooner or later, the challenge fades away. The game lacks consequences.

Strap in lads this is gonna be a long one.

This is my first review of any game ever, nearly 50 hrs deep, I feel pretty divided on this game. I really have enjoyed it and I can’t wait to see where the developers will take the game from here. Yes there are bugs, but I do want to say you guys have been so prompt with updates and fixes, what felt like after the weekend the majority of bugs I was experiencing had been completely fixed. We went from nearly unplayable because the game simply ceased to function whenever I spoke to anyone to the worst, but probably funniest, being today helplessly dragged along with the newly adopted puppy by a old woman out into the carpark. Understandably bug fixes and crashes come first, but in the long run will there be any major changes to the game play itself? Or will it remain as is? Either way Devs you guys are amazing and keep up the great work!

Real player with 47.1 hrs in game

My save file shows a time of 6:37 and steam 14.2 - and I feel like I have no reason to play anymore. I really wanted to love this game but it’s just too..aimless? short?

I was completely addicted to it during the demo, where the limit was 5 in game days! Don’t get me wrong, despite everything, I enjoyed playing the game. But at present I’d only recommend it at a larger discount unless you’re happy to play endlessly without any real goal.

I’m a really goal orientated person when it comes to games like this - if I don’t have a story-based task, or I’m not trying to unlock something useful, if there aren’t any meaningful objectives/level progression then I lose interest. There’s no difficulty increase or anything like that, if anything the game only gets drastically easier. The Mayor stops coming by after you complete her tutorial-esque tasks and apparently comes back at week 9 with an evaluation report. I’m on week 5, and I’m kind of too bored of the game to worry about seeing said report - I stopped playing.

Real player with 14.3 hrs in game

To The Rescue! on Steam

Aquarist

Aquarist

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1244630/House_Builder__Build_all_over_the_world/

Hard task - hight reward

Running an aquarium shop is a real challenge! Clients will entrust you with difficult tasks you have to cope with. In return, a reward awaits you. Intended for business development - buying new fish, exotic plants, a store or developing skills

Recycling and ecology

Every self-respecting entrepreneur cares about his business. Refurbishing and processing aquarium components will save you a lot of time and money and it’s good for environment.

Let your imagination run wild

Create an aquarium in which each fish will want to live. Thanks to the variety of objects in the game, you can implement even the craziest ideas! A green, blooming oasis or raw, antique busts? The choice is yours.

Underwater dance

We provide you with many species of fish and freshwater plants. Your task is to create an ecosystem that is balanced and safe for the inhabitants of your aquariums. Remember that a slight deviation from the parameters necessary for the survival of one species may be crucial for the survival of another!

A broad perspective

Run your store the best you can! Take care of the exhibition, sell ready-made projects and carry out individual orders. In the heat of your duties, do not forget about your charges - you are responsible for ensuring their safety, health and food.

THE PLOT

Create and observe Aqua World! Learn more about fish and their behaviour and take responsibility for their lives. Control the temperature, environment and nourishment to provide a suitable environment. Don’t forget to develop your aquarium and after a while you will be able to open an aquarist shop!

MAIN FEATURES

Set the aquarium of your dreams - plenty of fish, corals, algae and decorations to set up a perfect place for your pupils!

Bring it to life - create an ecosystem that is balanced and safe for the inhabitants of your aquariums. A slight deviation from the parameters necessary for the survival of one species may be crucial for the survival of another!

Run your shop - Deal with the clients and difficult tasks to develop your aquarist shop.

Explore nature - learn more about fish and their behaviour.

Aquarist on Steam

Castle Flipper

Castle Flipper

i had 9 games on my wish list for the last 6 months and finally one of them came out—Castle Flipper. I love House Flippers and have about 400 hours on it. My first thought was this would be similar, but after reading the numerous negative comments, I realized it wasn’t. There were also complaints that the quests were completed in 10-12 hours and that was also a turn off. However, the Devs responded and explained the concept of building a castle after the quests.

The game was listed for about $5 (i live in a lower priced Country) and after some thought, I decided to give it a try. After all, everyone has different tastes. Boy was I glad. The setting and music are beautiful. I started by completing a couple of tasks and then was told to build my house. It only required a 4X4 floor plan and took no time to build. Then there were 2 new tasks, one of them was to clean up a ship. While that sounded cool, I realized that was the problem those negative reviewers had. They rushed, rushed, rushed. For example, one player I won’t name gave it a bad review saying there was little to do except the quests that took just a few hours. Yet, this player took the time to make a You Tube video of him playing the game. I watched it to pick up some tips. He rushed, rushed, rushed to complete the quests. This isn’t real life where we live in the fast lane. Slow down. Take a breath and enjoy the game. There is no prize for finishing the game quickly. He even commented that it only cost $10 so not worth the time to ask for a refund. What? Not worth the time. It takes less than a minute to ask for a refund on Steam (I know, I’ve refunded over half my games because they were too difficult.) If someone’s one minute of time is worth more than 10 bucks, then I’m in the wrong business.

Real player with 42.9 hrs in game

First off all, I love these kinds of games. Building and maintaining your own settlement is something I can spend many hours on. Saying that you would think I would recommend this game seeing the endgame is based all around that. But sadly I cannot. The idea is there, build your own castle and collect rent. But the way this has been implemented simply isn’t satisfying. The world feels empty and barren, nothing happens beside the occasional ‘clutter everywhere incidents’ that makes you run around all the houses n clean stuff up. The visuals are great but without life within the game you quickly lose the drive to do anything.

Real player with 13.0 hrs in game

Castle Flipper on Steam

Domino Effect: Build and Topple

Domino Effect: Build and Topple

Domino Effect: Build and Topple is a sandbox simulation for domino toppling. Create amazing domino toppling creations without having to clean up afterwards. You’ll be able to share what you build and explore the work of others.

Lines

Freehand

Semicircles

Circles

Features

  • Infinite dominoes

  • Realistic physics

  • Domino tools

  • Share your creations online

Domino Effect: Build and Topple on Steam

Fata Deum

Fata Deum

With the power of a god, who will you become?

A god game where you not only build settlements, but compete with other gods for influence. In Fata Deum, the more followers you have, the more power you wield.

Manage your mana to manipulate your settlements, devotees and the fabric of reality itself. As you amass more power, you’ll be able to pick more unearthly feats to wield.

Convince or conquer

During the day, use your influence on the mortals. Will you bless and inspire them onto good work, or strike fear into their hearts with terrifying visions? But be wary, the townsfolk have their own free will.

At night, you can manipulate settlements. Instruct the mortals to build you mighty temples for worship, farms and lumber mills so that they may prosper, or even to ruin other villages.

Frighten or foster

Perhaps you’d like to be a tyrant, ruling over a kingdom of debauchery and blood. Raise an army and sacrifice your mortals to summon terrifying demons. Your choice.

Or maybe you do believe in fun, festivities and spreading the love, but have no qualms weakening your enemies by spreading fear - or just hitting them with a Thunderstrike.

Shape a living world

As your influence grows, the living world will shape around it, getting ever more vast. Each god manifests their kingdom differently.

Will yours be a kingdom of crops and light, or twisted trees and glowering darkness? You’ll battle gods of Violence, Deceit, Fertility and Pleasure.

Experience your story

Play a young god rising to glory in campaign mode, which is full of curious and revealing challenges set to an engaging narrative.

Fata Deum on Steam

Hometopia

Hometopia

Build, design, and renovate beautiful homes across five unique neighborhoods, or freely build dream houses and neighborhoods from scratch alone or with friends online.

BUILD ENTIRE HOMES FROM SCRATCH - FOUNDATION TO ROOFTOPS

FIRST PERSON OR OVERHEAD VIEW

BUILD WITH OTHERS ONLINE

CUSTOMIZE EVERYTHING

GRID-LESS DESIGNING

RENOVATE ENTIRE HOUSES

BUILD ACROSS FIVE DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS

PLAN LAYOUTS AND PLOTS

PAINT ANYTHING WITH A COLOR WHEEL AND MATERIALS

THOUSANDS OF ITEMS - PLUS WORKSHOP SUPPORT FOR CUSTOM PIECES

CREATE DREAM SPACES

Career Mode

Work your way through five unique neighborhoods of increasing affluence and prestige by buying run-down properties and renovating them to earn top dollar! Unlock access to new items as you complete each neighborhood and renovate larger and more luxurious properties.

Sandbox Mode

Create your dream home and neighborhood or try out a crazy design idea! In Sandbox mode, you are given an unlimited budget and a plot of land to let your imagination come alive.

Steam Workshop

Share your designs with fellow Topians, visit other player’s homes and share custom items to design with (models and textures)

Hometopia is in constant and active development. We are dedicated to making a lasting and deep experience - not just with content updates, but plenty of new features that we can’t wait to share!

Just a few of those planned:

  • Terraforming: Create rolling hills and deep lakes to create a tranquil environment for your neighborhood. Sprout trees and foliage to bring some nature to your world!

  • Contests: Compete against fellow Topians in design challenges to win prizes and exclusive in-game items!

  • Even more advanced building and customization tools!

  • Weather!

  • Seasons!

Hometopia on Steam