Code provided with many thanks to Keymailer.
Sports: Renovations – A Relaxing and Rewarding Cleanup
Sports: Renovations is the latest entry in the ever-growing first-person simulator genre, giving players the task of restoring and revamping old, rundown sports facilities. Whether it’s scrubbing down walls, sweeping floors, or smashing things to bits with a sledgehammer, the game aims to make the mundane feel satisfying and even therapeutic. A free demo is currently available on Steam, and after trying it out, I walked away with a surprisingly positive impression. While the game follows a familiar formula, it manages to stand out thanks to its streamlined mechanics, engaging story presentation, and stress-free gameplay.
A Story with Heart
Unlike some other renovation simulators that drop you into a series of generic contracts with little to no context, Sports: Renovations puts effort into creating a narrative to keep you engaged. The premise revolves around an old basketball court that’s at risk of being demolished to make way for yet another shopping mall. Instead of letting that happen, you step in to prove that the place still holds value by restoring it to its former glory. To fund the restoration, you take on various cleaning and repair jobs at different sporting facilities.
The demo focuses on a single job, restoring a run-down boxing gym, but even in this brief introduction, the game makes an effort to add personality. A fully voiced radio DJ provides energetic commentary during load screens, setting the stage for each mission. As you explore the facility, you’ll uncover notes, collectibles, and client commentary that provide deeper insight into the gym’s past. It’s a nice touch that adds charm and gives more meaning to your work beyond just completing objectives.
Satisfying Cleanup and Restoration
The core gameplay of Sports: Renovations involves taking dirty, broken-down sports facilities and making them sparkle again. You’ll be scrubbing walls, picking up trash, vacuuming floors, and repainting rooms, all while unlocking new tools to make your job easier. The game streamlines these tasks so they feel relaxed rather than frustrated. For example, cleaning doesn’t require perfect precision; just covering most of an area will get the job done. This keeps things moving at a comfortable pace rather than forcing players to tediously hunt for tiny specks of dirt.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the game is the demolition mechanic. Smashing broken furniture and walls with a sledgehammer feels incredibly satisfying, adding a cathartic element to the gameplay. After a long day, few things are more fun than wrecking something in a video game without consequences.
Once the area is cleaned up, you move on to the rebuilding phase, which involves assembling gym equipment, installing flooring, and adding personal touches. This part of the game allows for some creativity, as you can choose paint colours and decorations to put your own spin on the renovations. The process remains simple and intuitive, ensuring that players can focus on the fun of designing without getting bogged down by overly complex mechanics.
A Familiar but Polished Look
Visually, Sports: Renovations sticks with a realistic art style similar to other first-person simulators. While it doesn’t do much to stand out in terms of graphics, it gets the job done with detailed environments and satisfying visual feedback as you clean and restore each area. Small details, like particles when sweeping or reflections on polished surfaces, help bring the world to life.
The game’s soundtrack and voice work add an extra layer of polish. The upbeat commentary from the in-game radio DJ makes each level feel lively, and the background music complements the relaxing gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Sports: Renovations is shaping up to be a rewarding and stress-free simulator that turns everyday cleaning and construction tasks into an engaging experience. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it refines familiar mechanics to remove frustration and highlight the joy of transforming neglected spaces into something new. The demo left a strong impression, offering a promising look at what the full game has in store.
If you enjoy games like PowerWash Simulator or House Flipper, this one is definitely worth checking out. With its blend of renovation, demolition, and a wholesome narrative, Sports: Renovations offers a fresh take on the genre while keeping things accessible and fun. Be sure to check out the demo and consider adding it to your Steam wishlist!
The final game is looking to be released on Steam on March 27th 2025.
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