Many thank’s to Mark Allen PR via Press Engine for providing the preview code
Unpack and Enjoy
Model Builder is a game that sits in the category of ‘simulator’ games only the developer decided to not stick that label at the end of their game as so many do. But much like those simulators, this game very much tells you what it’s all about with its title. The developer kindly gave us early access to this game so we could preview what was on offer and share some thoughts. Let’s sit down and make some models on the computer.
You begin the game in the first-person perspective in a very neat and tidy basement. You are able to walk about and enjoy the feng shui of this neat and tidy room but you’ll spend the majority of your time at your workbench taking on various modelling projects.
Step by Step
The game has two modes: a career/story mode and a sandbox mode. The latter allows you just to enjoy the experience of model-making with minimal stress. The game does a very good job at breaking the player into model-making, whether you are an expert in the real-life hobby or a total novice. You start by assembling a simple model aeroplane.
Model Builder has a surprising amount of attention to detail, having you literally cut out the pieces of the model from the plastic tray with a scalpel and allowing you to admire the detail of each piece. But those pieces won’t glue themselves together. Every time you start a project you are given an instruction manual which you can quickly reference on the bottom right of the screen. If you want quick access to the model pieces to stick together, you simply double click on the image in the manual and it’ll be highlighted on the list of pieces. But if you want the no hand-holding approach you can just attempt to put the pieces together yourself.
Advanced Techniques
After you have finished your completed plane and placed it into your display case to admire in awe at your own leisure, you soon move on to other projects with more intricate steps. You will learn how to paint model parts in simple and manual forms.
The more you progress the more advanced the techniques get and the more the game kind of just sucks you in. Then before you know it you have spent 2 hours building a Mad Max-style car and taking your time giving it the best paint job possible. There is a lot of variety in models to discover from various vehicles like cars, tanks, dragons and even mini-figures like a cool looking dwarf.
Take on Challenges
But you may be wondering where all the challenge is in all of this. Next to your desk is a computer where you can take on modelling tasks for customers. There is also a storyline to follow where you learn more about the history of your Grandfather. Each time you finish a project you are given a star rating out of 5. As you progress you unlock more tools to better your skills to become the model making master. That is, if you want to.
Model Builder feels like a game that really lets the player enjoy things at their own pace following the instructions, or not. Want to spend hours painting your models to perfection? You can do that. The game also lets you share your pieces of art on social media so others can bask in your awesomeness. There is a surprising amount of tools available to the player here. While it may not replace doing this physically, I t’s a very impressive video game alternative that the developer has put a lot of depth into.
The Point
When I first saw this game I honestly wondered what the point of it was. But the more I thought about it over the course of a few days I came to see the appeal. First off, simulator games still attract a surprising fan base whether that game is about driving a truck, building a PC or showering with your Dad (yes, that game exists). There are simulator style games for almost everything and gamers seem pretty keen to play them.
The other harsh reality is a hobby in model building is horrifically expensive and does require a lot of space. Having the ability to enjoy the hobby in the virtual world at a price point that will likely be cheaper than creating just one of these models is very appealing. There’s also the incentive for accessibility. There will be some gamers who may just not have the hand skills anymore for the real thing and this virtual version may just provide a kinder alternative.
Model Builder looks to be quite the Zen-like gaming experience that will likely find a dedicated and passionate audience. The game is currently in development but is looking to release soon on PC. If you like making models but don’t fancy the expense or the potential mess the real thing will cause, then be sure to look out for this in the near future.