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Parkitect filled me with nostalgic vibes. I’m of an age where Theme Park, Theme Hospital, and the original Sims games thrived. These titles were silly, complex, and just a joy to play. Accordingly, for me to consider Parkitect in the same vein is high praise indeed.
This park-building simulation game was developed by Texel Raptor and published by Blitworks. Furthermore, it is a single-player title that uses a bird’s eye perspective. This was key as each park can become hectic and you want to keep on top of things. Like its peers, you are expected to juggle multiple elements at once. Satisfaction, new rides, and ratings are the aim of the game. Alternatively, you can do the bare minimum and grab as much cash as possible.
Parkitect is fun from the off.
I rarely jump into a game with both feet. I like the idea of taking my time and I feel my way into the action. However, Parkitect was different. Though the action and setting are unique, it had an undeniably familiar edge. This was great as I could get up to speed in no time at all. Moreover, I was having fun from the opening gambit.
The exceptional tutorial helps set the scene, but the ability to play through an array of scenarios or the sandbox mode was great. I admit that I spent most of my time playing through the 30-odd scenarios. In short, they were fantastic, fun, and pretty challenging. Unlike the freedom of the sandbox, you are asked to complete tasks to get through each level. This rigidity was entertaining and I liked the goals.
Just as fun as its dated peers.
To say that Parkitect is as good as its dated peers is some statement. Yet, I can easily make that comment! The simplicity of the gameplay and the fast-flowing action was impressive. Combining these elements with the incredible UI and challenging gameplay was a master stroke.
Watching your park grow and evolve across the massive arenas was fascinating. Additionally, managing finances and customer satisfaction was tough. Furthermore, planning a seamless park where guests and staff coexist but remain apart wasn’t as easy as you’d hoped. This balancing act was the perfect storm and something that keeps you returning for more.
Parkitect looks great.
There are plenty of special and ultra-realistic games. However, I have a soft spot for dated and pixelated affairs. The harsh colours and rough textures remind me of my youth. Moreover, the sense of rigidity in the largest of spaces makes you focus on the details.
The audio was as loud and as fun as you’d expect. Whoops of joy and the odd scream of terror are matched by some unfortunate sounds. These noises demand centre stage and they overpower everything else. This isn’t a complaint as I loved the sense of fun and the occasional moment of danger.
Great controls.
Parkitect would have been better with a mouse and keyboard. However, I think the controller setup is good and I could navigate every obstacle with ease. This doesn’t make it perfect, but I think the developer did a fine job of making this genre work on a console.
I wasn’t able to complete every scenario for this review. This may be disappointing, but it gives me a reason to keep playing. On top of that, the sandbox mode is gloriously addictive. With so many rides to install and plenty of details to focus on, this will keep you busy for hours.
Parkitect is a great example of the genre.
Recently, the Two Point franchise has taken control. Yet, I think that Parkitect cuts a nice slice of the pie for itself. The action is retro without lacking originality. Additionally, it is great fun and super addictive. Accordingly, it is a great game and I recommend buying it here! Can you run the park of your dreams? Pick your ground, install some rides, and start spinning those plates.
