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Pets Hotel is a marmite game. Consequently, you’ll either love it or hate it. If you enjoy relaxed gameplay and animals, this will appeal to you. However, this will be a turn-off if you want structure and challenging action. Furthermore, if clunky controls and a sluggish UI enrage you, you’ll probably want to give this a wide berth.
Ultimate Games developed and published this simulation title. Furthermore, it is a single-player first-person experience. The gameplay revolves around a smattering of small chapters and a sandbox mode. As such, you get some replay value and creative freedom. Yet, most of the action follows a set path, which was reassuring and frustrating in equal measures.
Pets Hotel tells a limited story.
Simulation games don’t require a story. However, I like something to get my teeth into. Pets Hotel has a light plot that has limited depth and a basic storyline. Effectively, you are the nephew or niece of a Pet hotel business owner. They are handing you the keys and you must learn the ropes before expanding the business.
The story isn’t original, but it is suitable for the genre. Sadly, other than the family connection, there are no other key protagonists. This was understandable, but I was left wanting. As the game evolves, you interact with countless customers. However, there is no backstory and the relationship goes no further than the pet they leave in your care.
Simple gameplay.
The reconstructed hotels demand that you complete set goals as the chapter unfolds. Furthermore, you must care for every animal you register. Whether they are a cat, fish, dog, or small pet, your hotel must look after them all. This was relatively easy as the clear stats help you understand each animal’s needs. Whether it is food or water, entertainment, or a toilet break, you must keep each guest happy. Alongside this, pet grooming and other complementary treatments are available to wow your customers.
On top of this, you can develop your hotel by adding rooms and changing the decor. This was great as you felt in charge of every aspect of your business. Though this rarely made a difference to the gameplay, I liked letting my creative juices flow. Additionally, it added a business management layer to enhance the core concept. Though it wasn’t as complicated or in-depth as other sim games, I appreciated the extra elements.
Pets Hotel is pleasant to look at.
Pets Hotel will not win an award for beauty. The finish has some texture issues and a few of the character models were amusing rather than cute. However, the animation is pretty good and taking each guest for a walk or grooming them was pleasant to watch. Though this can’t be considered a next-gen game, it is attractive and polished enough for a modern audience.
The audio can only be described as a “hotel lobby soundtrack”. The music is calm and fun, but easily forgettable. Moreover, the sound effects are suitable but lack any great energy or wow factor. Subsequently, though it works, it doesn’t stand out from its peers.
Sluggish controls.
Disappointingly, there are some bugs and issues to contend with. Moreover, the sluggish controls make this a challenging game to play. Had I tackled this with a mouse and keyboard, I think I’d have had a better experience. Yet, the controller layout didn’t feel intuitive and navigating menus and using items was a frustrating endeavour.
The sandbox mode enhances the replay value. If you fall for its charms, you can create the hotel of your dreams. However, the core story is limited and this may disappoint hardcore sim fans.
Pets Hotel is simple and cute, but sadly lacking.
I enjoyed my time with Pets Hotel. I took the gameplay with a pinch of salt and I enjoyed the random animals I cared for. Additionally, I liked the basic management elements and the building mechanics. Yet, it doesn’t have enough depth for my liking and that was unfortunate. Despite the shortcomings, I think it’s a good game and I recommend buying it here! Can you run the family pet business? Learn the basics, care for the guests, and become the best hotel around.
