izigame.me

TLDR: Software Inc. is a really weird game but extremely enjoyable to me. Coming from similar tycoon games like Mad Games Tycoon 2 and Game Dev Tycoon, I thought this game was going to be a breeze to learn since its a similar premise, you start as a tiny 1-2 person garage company, and over time you become a dame development conglomerate. I was sooo wrong, just understand that this game is extremely in depth and can get complex so if you're looking for a game dev styled game that doesn't get difficult go check out Game Dev Tycoon or Mad Games Tycoon.
Full Review:
Time for the long review. Here Ill talk about the Pros, Cons, and the Meh's to this game.
Pros:
The time system for this game feels really nice and unique, I love being able to customize each teams schedule in a way that gives me complete control of the business.
Speaking of the teams system. This is the best form of the teams mechanic I've seen in these games. Other than the schedule mechanic, teams are also able to be assigned specific projects, and unlike other Tycoon games ive played before, their are more teams than just Programmers, artists, music, ect. Pretty much every single step in the process has a specific team. 2D artists are different from 3D artists, Network Teams are not IT teams. They even have Security teams, IT specific teams, maintenance, and even cleaning. All are needed as they perform specific roles to get the job done. And its so satisfying being able to manage them.
Now, earlier I mentioned the fact that you can change schedules, the reason for this is because the games built in Day/Night cycle (every 24 hours in game equals a month passing in game) which actually has different occurring events depending on the time (Make sure you hire enough security to cover yourself as the robbers in this game are actually professional Payday stealth players and tend to take EVERYTHING YOU OWN (easily replaceable, but gets expensive after a while). I actually like this mechanic because it helps show that this game isnt just about making games or software, its about running the business too.
Now, another thing I love about this game is the building system. In other games, you get to chose from prebuilt maps that may or may not let you customize the walls withing also for the most part, you are stuck to one map unless the game has progression based maps like game dev tycoon. Software Inc. does none of this. The only similar mechanic is when you start out, you pick a starting map. But, you also have the option to make a custom map for you to start in if you choose. Once you grow big enough to purchase and own the property, you have the ability to make your own 4, walls! Also, as you grow you can purchase the plots that surround your land and either expand your office, or make new buildings if you chose (make sure to have adequate parking for your employees and that does include the bike racks!).
The development aspect of this game is really interesting. Unfortunately I havent gotten into physical production yet as my current play through is mainly contracted software with the occasional game (but those go to publishers so I don't really deal with conveyor lines or any of that. All I do atm is just purchase copies from the manufacturer if you're selling a physical product yourself). Development in this game seems extremely complex, but, this game is not hard at all. The basic loop is:
Grab contract or decide on what software you want to make yourself, assign the teams that will be working on said project, review your work to make sure its at least ok quality, fully develop it. If its actual software make sure to keep it in beta as long as possible to aid with bug fixing. Then the last step is either submit it back to the company you were hired by, or release it if its your own. And that's it! Now, It can get more complex than that with marketing, support, bugfixing ect. But by the time you can afford to do that you should be familiar enough with the game.
Now, theirs so much I can talk about but since I dont want to keep you here forever Ill move onto the Meh's
So, the only real meh I have about this game is the graphics (which aren't important) and how fluid the game feels at times. Sometimes the game's base building can feel very clunky. Sometimes when im trying to place objects in rooms or on the walls it will auto clip to the wrong rooms or the wrong side completely. It is annoying, but can be easily looked past and fixed.
Now as stated theirs not many Mehs, and that's really the same with the cons.
The only thing I absolutely do not like about this game is the over complex tutorial. I get that this game has a LOOT of in depth mechanics and systems, however I felt more confused when trying to learn this game via its tutorial than just experimenting with the game itself. The only thing the tutorial taught right was the teams system and how you can assign specific furniture to specific teams, employees. Other than that, the game over complicates itself extremely.
Its actually the reason why I've refunded this game in the past before re-buying it! The tutorial literally scared me away!
So, You made it this far into the review, so here's who i think should play it. If you are into deep and complex tycoon/management games then this is a great game for you. But if you're either new to the genre or just looking for a fun/simplistic game to sit down and enjoy, then i recommend staying away from this game until you are comfortable with the genre or looking for a new challenge.