Project Hospital

Extensively detailed tycoon, city builder or simulation games are a branch of gaming that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. After its initial surge of popularity in the late nineties. Many of these titles are hooking players of this generation all over again. However, with this surge in popularity comes games that aren’t detailed, try to copy the format and in the end, serve as a hollow replication of past simulation titles. Project Hospital seems aware of these potential pitfalls and aims to become a respected name in the genre on merit alone.

This game plays rather like games such as Planet Coaster, Zoo Tycoon, Game Dev Simulator, The Sims, Prison Architect and Theme Hospital and Two Point Hospital. It offers a complex and detailed look behind the curtain as to how a hospital is run and invites you to take the reins and lead the hospital to success. However, is this game cool under pressure, or does it botch this procedure? We find out in our review of Project Hospital.

Clashing Visuals on Screen

One of the things that will stand out immediately to you when playing this game, especially if you are comparing it to other modern games within the genre, is the visuals. The developer has clearly tried to go with a cute and simple pixel design. A decision that we have no issue with. What we do take issue with, is the character models that are 3D modelled and stand out like a sore thumb, throwing everything they’ve artistically tried to do out of whack. The animations are also stiff and lifeless and worst of all, very repetitive.

However, we are pleased to report that what the game lacks in visual flair, it makes up for in gameplay quality. The player will have a huge range of considerations, responsibilities and options to consider when running their hospital. This detail is seen in the management mode, the custom cosmetic options to help you build your hospital in a unique way and you can even play as just one doctor and role play your way through each day, taking the lives of many into your hands. No pressure. Also, what we loved about this title is the versatility. If you are a control freak, you can assume all responsibilities however, if you are a casual player, you can use building pre-sets and opt-out of certain gameplay aspects that don’t appeal to you.

Then with regards to the content, the game is meticulously detailed and provides a medically rich experience that is made with the keen biologist in mind. However, this can be daunting for more casual players.

The Verdict

Overall, Project Hospital seems to struggle in a number of areas. Its presentation isn’t great and it can produce moments that are overcomplicated, alienating the player. However, what it doesn’t struggle with at all, is providing a very strong, detailed and versatile gameplay experience. It’s hard to call this game inherently fun. It falls into the category of simulation game that is a relentlessly detailed sim aimed for a target audience rather than the casual player.

Pros:

• Extremely detailed gameplay
• Versatile gameplay options
• Decent soundtrack

Cons:

• Visually, this game is unfocused and looks rather poor.
• Gameplay is relentlessly detailed at times, sacrificing the fun factor