Project Highrise Review: A SimTower Successor?

[@Dark.Shingo]

My problem is that you make everything look so cool and you're so excited telling the audience how much you enjoy it that I almost want to take a shot at it. Then I remember I suck at these games. But seriously, thank you. I really enjoy your videos a lot.

[@Nate102986]

I used to love playing Sim Tower back in the day. I can still hear the sounds of the elevators going up and down. Will have to give this a look.

[@RatelHBadger]

Whooooop ding😊

[@ImpromptuLeapfrog]

The lack of contrast and the muted colour palette is what kills it for me. Everything looks the same, so not only is it kind of boring to look at (which sucks when you're staring at the one tower for the entire game) but it's too hard to tell what's what at a glance. Worse, everything is just so busy looking. I know it sounds a bit shallow to judge an entire game on graphical variety alone, but with a title like this I think distinctive visual design is really important. I can only imagine that the lack of important information compounds this issue.

[@Simone-xe9cw]

The first Simtower is still the best in terms of color coding for different types of structures imho

[@kamilkopacewicz8414]

But it's true. I've played 65 hours of Project Highrise and the graphic style is my biggest issue. It's just bland and same-ish

[@NoTimeToBehLohst]

Yoot Tower was peak tower sim visual design

[@ImpromptuLeapfrog]

@@NoTimeToBehLohst Yoot Tower is so great. I wish it was easier to get working on modern systems.

[@BoykoMix]

@@NoTimeToBehLohst for real as weird as it is, the soft corporate 90's look has a huge impact on the enjoyability of that game for me. Just feels right for the genre, for whatever reason. Project Highrise is just...meh

[@PoloDaBear]

I LOVE THESE TYPES OF GAMES WHY DOES NOBODY MAKE THEM!!!!!!!!!!

[@NGMK]

...they just did

[@AwesomeRepix]

I'll make one.. and have one guy play it >:l

[@erwinerwerand7949]

HOW MANY DO YOU NEEEEED?!!11

[@a1rh3add]

Because most people don't want to think when they play. They want big guns and titties.

[@noahw5887]

Im guessing because many people play simulation games. I enjoy them though.

[@mattzaust]

Needs Sim Towers elevator simulation to keep me interested as it is a big part of tower design.

[@pilouuuu]

I love it when other developers teach EA a lesson or two.

[@oz_jones]

And in the cases of Cities: Skylines and this, they have been done by small indie devs.

[@LGR]

It really is a beautiful thing to behold.

[@koopaGG]

Until EA buys and destroys them :(

[@camotech1314]

Devhouse assimilated huehue

[@ThePolistiren]

"Published on September 8th 2016" Greetings from two days ago.

[@benjaws5263]

they come from the future....ooooo..

[@ThePolistiren]

***** No, I'm referring to what he said in the video, as if September 8th is a past event.

[@ThePolistiren]

***** Oh, I wasn't criticizing him or anything.

[@lightcycler4806]

Greetings from 2024

[@Armadurapersonal]

ahh a Kowloon walled city simulator

[@sakumisan]

They should release a Kowloon texture pack for it..

[@wulfgarbeorngar]

That would be Golem City in the new Deus Ex game.

[@Aliceeyes]

wow that really is a great idea

[@nyx6937]

LOL, could be Singapore as well. Check out _Architecture Paris_ a new city builder which I hope will branch into SE Asian cities!

[@Boxhemia]

k wea te gusta lgr?

[@Diablokiller999]

This game needs a DLC with management of underground bases for supervillains asap :D

[@cachotognax3600]

even a fallout shelter ripoff(with some actualy gameplay) wouldn't be a bad idea

[@Elyseon]

X-COM base construction contracts?

[@bloxyman22]

The indepth elevator simulation is exactly why I loved sim tower so much. Sadly there is no clone that even comes close in that aspect.

[@GamingMuchTerry]

Weird. Watched your Sim Tower for the first time today - searched for a new version online, found Project Highrise. Added it to my wishlist... a few hours later, 80% off! Bought it, thank you very much.

[@classiccustoms2010]

So, in terms of quality, and overall greatness, would you consider Project Highrise to be the Cites: Skylines of SimTower?

[@Deluxedracula]

I just got this for my personal computer, having loved Sim Tower on my Power PC and a friends Micron in the 1990’s. This game is perfect! Total nostalgia and calming and feels like I’m in a 90’s business commercial

[@Sutekh94]

3:52 ...I see what ya did there.

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

Sorry if this bothers you, but you are the first guy I've seen using Oleander as profile pic on youtube XD Just want to comment this because I'm a weird guy.

[@Sutekh94]

I'd say you win 15 internet points for knowing who that is in my profile pic. XD Still can't wait for that game to come out.

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

Sutekh94 Well, at least it's out soon. (Although I would try Paprika first.) And I don't know why I put $40 into a game that isn't even in my favorite game genre XD Really can't resist a game with 4-legged animals fighting with each other I guess, even though I'm super suck at fighting games. Also, checked your DA. And, why does every artist I've come by all being better at art than me...

[@kagemarunl]

I was laughing pretty hard when I saw that. ♥

[@daveofford]

Sutekh94 hi

[@Starlysh]

I've been watching someone LP this game and I didn't realize it hasn't even come out yet. I might have to get it! I loved Sim Tower.

[@nyx6937]

SimTower was my favorite , along with SimCity: thanks for giving me my 15 minutes fix which will inexplicably urn into a 72 hour marathon with nostalgia from the MS-DOS wonders of my youth : ) Those elevator lines used to be crazy!!!!

[@nightrider_]

I watched one C:S review of LGR, this is how it all started. Now, I've rewatched all of the DLC reviews and gone to this. Which I've watched before also, I might add. xD

[@MaximilienNoal]

I love your Windows 95-style notifications in the lower left. :)

[@LGR]

Thanks!

[@UberMan5000]

3:52 "Wait, what just popped up in the corner?" *rewinds* "Oh. Tee-hee."

[@jasonatwood7071]

I just did the same thing as you four years later!

[@Absquatula]

Hey LGR, ever heard of this game? I played a quirky tower management game called Unholy Heights. A game where you you run a cute hotel in Hell, with mythological demons who not only pay you, but defend the hotel against the bad, BAD, hoomans! It actually plays really well and you might like it! =D

[@lhm5629]

Hi. Have played Project Highrise for a year now. A lot of the concerns you had are actually in the game but it takes a while to figure it out. For example. The guy who says the line is too long? Check where he is. If it’s a particular kind of shop, it means you need more of these etc. Also, in lobbies that are two levels or more you can place wine tasting booths, car demo pop-ups and more. Love your review but suggest you might like to go back and review again. The Las Vegas add on also allows a casino and all the facilities that go with it. Thanks

[@deusexaethera]

Were the problems you mentioned fixed?

[@161Manu]

Hey Lazy Game, I would love it if you could do a review on the game Tropico 5, it fits in this city building simulation category well! If you haven't played it, you should give it a try! Love all your videos, thanks for posting them, never stop. :D

[@westhammer]

Yeah, Tennants! I don't know if anyone noticed :D

[@DarthTella]

I did. I had to rewind as I didn't spot David appearing in the corner at first.

[@NavidHarrid]

Where!?

[@kagemarunl]

Around 3:52 :3

[@benjamenYTDeadTheGamer]

László Lajos ?

[@nillinx1234]

HAHAHA "a line is too long" "okay, where", lost it bro.

[@dbozan99]

Wow, talk about timing. I was just re-watching your old videos yesterday and learned about this game in the Sim Tower review's comments. I ended up watching 4 of Quill18's playthrough videos.

[@ANerdNamedNova]

Dear Sep 8th, Hurry the fuck up. Sincerely, A 90's kid

[@IShotTheCore]

Was that Building playing in the background? Such a perfect pick for this review. God, I love you so much.

[@LGR]

It was indeed :)

[@OverlordViciousKiwi]

I really look forward to watching your videos LGR! they always cheer me up!

[@Numoku]

Can you place doors in the tops of buildings. Because, if you can, it's time for my favorite game. Death Tower: watch as stupid people walk through a door, only to walk off the edge to their death. Anyway, this game looks fun. Might get it when I get the money.

[@SuperJman991]

This looks like a game I'd like. I'll wait a few days after it comes out to see what the user reviews are like on steam. Dodged a bullet by looking at the Fern Bus reviews last month.

[@LightningToast3]

Played SimTower as a kid and this game looks great, gonna give it a shot!

[@ErstaunlichZeit]

Something about the way you describe games you enjoy prompts me to run off to buy them without a second thought. Haha, great video, can't wait for my copy to finish downloading :P Forgive me if you have already covered it & I somehow missed it, but have you played Factorio? It seems like it would be right up your alley, so if you haven't already played it, I highly, highly recommend it

[@LGR]

Haven't reviewed Factorio, but I have played it! Super engaging stuff, although it can be quite overwhelming.

[@fatefulseven]

Your channel and the comments make me realize every now and then that I am not the only once getting excited over simulation/management games. Validation! Yeah!

[@MathiasRyuzaki]

NICE TIMING! Watching this while having breakfast is the comfiest of feelings.

[@cliftongardner4367]

I watched this because I like your reviews, Clint, not because this sort of game looks particularly interesting to me... And yet, somehow, this really piques my interest. I might have to pick this up later.

[@andresreal8261]

Hey, have you ever considered making a "Dwarf Fortress" review? I mean, it's the "oldschoolest" of oldschool styled micromanagement civilization developement games... It's probably the most complex and challenging "civilization administration" game you could find, the ASCII graphic style is pretty much a rarity on it's own on this day and age, the procedurally generated nature of every aspect of it, from the creation of the world to climate variables, biodiversity, legendary creatures, commerce, world history and the permanency of events ensures no two worlds will repeat themselves ever, the learning curve is worldwide known by it's absurd harshness (I know there's two kind of people... Those who love Dwarf Fortress and those who cannot get through the inmense wall that is it's learning curve...) I don't know, it sounds not only like a source of endless material for you to pick appart and analize, but also a game pretty much MADE for your taste in game selection (both for personal enjoyment and for review material)... Heck, even if you hate the game, I think it'd be fascinating to learn why. Like it or not, I reeeeeally think it's something RIGHT up your alley, man. But what do I know, maybe you considered it already, maybe not... Either way, I'd love to know what you think about the idea per se. Keep up the great work!

[@TheRepublicOfJohn]

+Lazy Game Reviews Love your videos, man! I'm not into gaming at all, but I like the weird tech history and the pre-Win95 computers you show to people like me who have only fleeting memories of using floppy disks and the phrase: "It Is Now Safe To Turn Off Your Computer." My gaming apathy aside, this review really makes me want to buy this game. Nice job!

[@CadusBane]

I know this is a older video, I love all of your Sim 4 vids. I’ve got the full game on PS4. I’ve been a fan of Sim City games since the first in the 90’s. Had a copy on my SNES even. I just found this at GameStop tonight on sale with all DLC. I was there to preorder RE 2. I didn’t know anything about this game at all. But looked at the back and sounded like my type of game. Seeing your video just now is so awesome. Because now I know It is my type of game. It’s been years since I’ve found just random new game by chance that is this kind of good and my type of building and business simulation. Thanks for all your work.

[@Tysakasa]

Might have to check this out. Was really into SimTower (which gets a little awkward because I then have the need to watch Frasier. Then when I'm watching Frasier, I have the need to play SimTower XD ) and would have loved for a proper sequel to it (though admittedly I would prefer it to be more 3D, kind of like the original RollerCoaster Tycoon). However I'm not sure about the art style for it. Maybe it's just the video or the modules are really plane (and seem kind of small where offices go) where as SimTower had a nice variety of colour in theirs and a nice size to each of the modules. May be something that gets addressed in the release update or in later updates or by the community through mod support. For now though, going to toss this onto my wishlist until I have some money to pick it up.

[@rideroundandstuff]

I love how you put the SC3k music in the background

[@k-leb4671]

I'd like to see a building simulation game that considers the building as an actual 3D object, rather than a 2D plane. I.e. you have four sides to work with, as well as the space in the middle, with tonnes of layers of stuff, and a 3D camera to look all around the building.. It could be way too complicated, but it could also be really captivating. It probably depends on how it would be implemented.

[@robintst]

Cool beans, I used to play a lot of SimTower. I'll have to give this game a look see.

[@danijelujcic8644]

When I was a kid I used to draw TANKS like this. On average they had a 6 × 4 grid of square-ish rooms. In retrospective, they were awful ... But fun :-)

[@Drinkabeerandplayagameofficial]

Definitely a game I would love to check out. Getting the cathedral at the top of my Sim Tower was so satisfying as a kid.

[@janedoe3043]

Quiet should be a thing you can fix with improving walls and floors.

[@GrocerGames]

You should also check out Yoot Tower - another spiritual successor of Sim Tower

[@HackThePlanetNow]

tgnetz he has in an earlier episode

[@Ba1k3n]

Well Clint, you sold me and I downloaded your Duke Nukem mod XD Never played a Tower Sim but I think it's honestly very fun.

[@WakoDoodle]

Here's hoping they expand from maxis to bullfrog. Theme park and hospital need more love.

[@oz_jones]

Wasn't there a new Rollelcoaster Tycoon released just recently or am I just being dumb?

[@WakoDoodle]

***** Well there is the mobile game but, it didn't score well.

[@oz_jones]

Right, must have been that then.

[@Locutus]

Dungeon Keeper as well, not the freemium version.

[@silenceofthehills]

3:52 LOL at the David Tennent joke.

[@TonyGearSolid]

I remember playing Sim Tower back in the day and this looks great, will definitely have to check it out.

[@rideroundandstuff]

Excellent choice of music!

[@quantum5226]

I'm really looking forward to playing this. Nice review!

[@darkmage07070777]

Like me with Radiant Historia for the 3DS: when all you can come up with for criticism is "I want more of what's on offer", you know you've found a good one!

[@WorldWendell]

This game looks really casual and fun to play!

[@gsdfighterpilot6841]

So much nostalgia. I was in love with sim towers, wasn't good at it but I still enjoyed. Might have to keep an eye at this. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@TheCCGCollector]

I've been looking forward to this game (being a huge fan of Yoot Tower), so it's great to see this preview/review of it. Like you, I would really like more detailed information about the population's likes and dislikes. In Yoot Tower, for example, you can adjust what each store sells, but without any clear understanding of what demographic prefers what (if it even has an impact beyond mere flavor), there's just no point to it.

[@LukeOfTroy]

Is it just me, or does it have a windows 3.1 colour palette? I'd be much more interested they went with a more stylized and attractive palette.

[@Roxas4ever]

You have a way of making games that I would otherwise pass over sound really interesting! I might just have to get this one.

[@PlagueXKill3R]

This is pretty cool! Never heard of it! You sold me! Cant wait for it to come out!

[@craigbutler3282]

The nostalgia of watching my grandma play this as a child. I always wanted to play it, but i never knew the name until now. :O

[@mjr.ashhole7436]

I was waiting for you to review this game.

[@kimbercustompro1911]

Sweet video. Had my eye on this game for a few weeks, glad to hear it's alright. Also you're probably aware of this game but if not maybe check out a game call "block'hood" it's an interesting take on the sim tower genre

[@KyosBlog]

if you plan to revisit it every now and then, I spent a liiiittle (okay, a lot) more time with the modding and made a medium sized gamer's office with an Atari 2600 and a couple of new or palette-swapped assets.

[@paulnash9851]

Nice review. Is this something good to get now though, or wait for the inevitable expansion packs to make it a bit more complete ? If it can stand alone then id be more interested. Thanks.

[@KyosBlog]

with mods you can influence pretty much any aspect of rooms, the looks, the tenants, the needs and the noise and smell they produce. that being said, there's always hope for expansions introducing completely new concepts.

[@cargorunnerUK]

Thanks. You just persuaded me to buy it!

[@pavelshkurko2189]

Love your reviews! Keep it up!

[@pileggitech]

Thanks for this LGR!

[@AroundIndiana]

I still have Simtower in the box. Not sure why I kept it but I'm glad I did

[@scottaw1981]

you know, you make a lot of good points, I hope the devs get some good advice out of you.

[@TechieWidget]

I saw this game when I was at PAX 2016, but I didn't get the chance to try the demo. After watching this video, now I really want to get this game since I am really into sandbox games.

[@robertblunderton6636]

STEAM store link for PC version: store.steampowered.com/app/423580/ (release 9/8/2016) Rockin' AWESOME new game review Clint - totally stoked on this one. I'll have to go snag a copy for myself. Tried and true idea: Check Been playing sim-games since SNES Simcity in early 90s: Check Know I love Simtower and even Yoot Tower: Check Will run on my rather recent PC with Mainstream video board: Check Getting older in my mid 30s so I don't care for FPS games as much: Check Sandbox gameplay PLUS mod support for almost unlimited replayability: Check Value for my dollar including line above again because it's important to everyone: Check I don't have a disk to lose, break, scratch, bend, wear-out, or becoming a doggy-chew-toy to fail DRM check later: Check! Finally, a game for parents, mature younger adults, and those that love sandbox simulation! A game that does not need shooting people, blood, violence, car theft, pedestrian-crunching or cat throwing to be fun! I will gladly vote with my dollar, as I am well-sure the vagueness of the game-feedback now will be improved. Finally, I don't have to boot into Windows 3.1/3.11 WFW to play SimTower and run out of stairs and elevators! I LOVE SIMTOWER, played the heck out of it in the mid 90s on my 486. I have an i7 but I will happily run this on it :)

[@iandavidwolfe]

Great vid man! I've got to check this game out!

[@Draccyness]

You managed to provide an excellent beta test. I hope the feedback influences the game.

[@SlagLPs]

Just found this channel, and i love it. Thank you.

[@yellingkimber8829]

This game looks AWESOME. Thank you for doing an early review! I probably wouldn't have heard about it, otherwise.

[@aaronzvz]

Nice. I will definitely have to get this one.

[@bluefrancis14]

Hey, do you have any games that you like with the same theme as FTL but more sandbox gameplay and not pressuring you?

[@mrn8265]

bluefrancis14 Prison Architect.

[@scj6693]

Mr N8 PA and FTL are nothing alike. PA also does pressure you a lot more

[@lamellae5084]

Did you ever play Smooth Operators: Call Centre Chaos? It seems like it would be right up your alley.

[@rfvtgbzhn]

6:55-7:25 this is just realistic. E.g. most people don't know how much decibel have to be exceeded so that they feel disturbed by noise. Also I guess it makes the game more interesting if you have to find out these things yourself. Actually I never played SimTower for long because it was too repetitive and became boring before I reached the 10th floor as far as I remember.

[@anthonyboatner7286]

been a huge fan for a long time really enjoy your content, thanks for the hard work and hours of entertainment.

[@IndygoEEI]

You can get this at GOG where it's DRM Free!

[@SirAugwich]

+

[@ebridgewater]

But no Steam achievements.

[@cheater87]

I'll take no DRM over silly achievemnets lol.

[@DeadHandtheSurvivor]

What do you mean "DRM" though? Do you mean that you have to play this game online? Or the fact that it's on Steam? Then in any case, you can play the game in offline mode no problem.

[@cheater87]

DeadhoofofWind you don't have to be logged into anything, be connected to a service or input any code to play.

[@westminsterabbey.6916]

I've been waiting for this one, I wondered what you'd think of it

[@matahari9858]

in a way, having more detailed information on the people would make the game LESS about the people, because it'd be way quicker and easier to fix their issues so you can concentrate on other stuff

[@HaikuOezu]

Yes! I was hoping you'd cover this one Can't believe after over 20 years someone finally takes another stab at the Tower Sim... uh, genre? It's more like a theme isn't it? Here's to many more afternoons spent watching people go up and down elevators (even if it doesn't look nearly as satisfying as SimTower did, seriously where's the little elevator car going whoosh??)

[@DennisAlexis]

Clint, have the issues you mentioned been fixed by now? Thinking about getting this game at the GOG sale, but I'm not sure.

[@joshuakozee5719]

Keep doing that smooth jazz thing

[@DanteCompton]

the nintendo switch version is on sale and i want to buy it but after your review i may not because its the small things that you mentioned that matter... and no mods are allowed in a platform nintendo version... :/ also I really miss SIM Coper. I wish SOMEONE would remake that game. I want to play it again on my PC or anywhere really.

[@fahadgilani4765]

Appreciate the breakdown, good video

[@getsufuma2597]

Dude, keep up the great work!

[@benrodir2]

Very well-made and informative. Thank you.

[@Esguardian]

Interesting game concept,I'll give it a try.

[@mcgibs]

Man, I really want to check this out, but the with criticisms you listed, I'll have to wait on it.

[@AlexanderBogdanow]

One of the few Purchases I regret... I should've bought a boxxed Copy instead! Project Highrise is great and I sped several 100 hrs... There're Mods that make more Sim/Yoot Tower like, I want that. +The Devs were addressing certain issues and released a couple of DLCs. Bought 'em all! Sure, it has a hard learning curve. My 1st two Towers were completly rekt. Unfixable. But I started a new and gradually mastered it. Needless to say that the 1st Bonus I buy is always the larger Maintaince Office so that I can put Maintaince on auto. Otherwise, the Micromanagement is gettin' out of Hand.

[@deadkennedymad]

Hey Clint, can we expect a video on RimWorld at any point? You should absolutely check it out if you haven't already!

[@kebrus]

Pretty good and sincere review, you might have sold me the game. Looks like something I can enjoy, the only one of this genre I played before was fallout shelter and I like it a lot.

[@tambarskelfir]

I'm buying this, you sold me LGR. Looks awesome!

[@SirRichard94]

have you played Dwarf Fortress?

[@MRSTU1210]

Looks pretty cool, when zoomed in at a glance it reminds me of the game impossible Misson, stay a while stay forever

[@drdos4]

Looks real good. Like the clean graphics too.