Hollywood Animal: Lights, Camera, Micromanagement!

A star-studded journey through the glamorous grind of movie-making

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the glitzy world of Hollywood Animal, where you can finally live out your dreams of being a studio head without the hassle of real-life paparazzi. This management simulation game takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the morally ambiguous and often cutthroat world of Hollywood. But does it deliver a blockbuster experience or is it more of a straight-to-DVD release? Let’s dive in and find out.

Gameplay: The Good, The Bad, and The Micromanaged

In Hollywood Animal, you take on the role of a studio head, juggling everything from plot design to budgeting, all while making morally questionable decisions that would make even the most seasoned Hollywood exec blush. The game draws favorable comparisons to classics like “Game Dev Tycoon” and “The Movies,” offering a stylized management experience that keeps players engaged with its depth and unexpected challenges.

The morality system is a standout feature, adding layers of complexity to your decision-making process. It’s not just about choosing between good and evil; it’s about navigating a web of non-optimal choices that can have far-reaching consequences. This depth is complemented by a high level of control and realism, making micromanagement feel meaningful rather than a chore. However, some players might find the difficulty curve steeper than a Hollywood Hills driveway, with animations that seem to last longer than a director’s cut of The Irishman.

While the game is praised for its attention to detail and engaging story events, it does suffer from some early access growing pains. Bugs and balance issues are present, and the need to min-max can make the early game feel like a slow crawl through a sea of red tape. The tutorial, while helpful, becomes a tedious rerun when restarting, affecting replayability. But fear not, the developers are committed to their vision, and with future updates, this game could shine brighter than a Hollywood premiere.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Black Bars

Visually, Hollywood Animal is a treat for the eyes. The game’s graphics are polished and aesthetically pleasing, with an art style that captures the essence of the Golden Age of Cinema. The user interface is both gorgeous and intuitive, making it easy to navigate the complex world of movie-making.

However, not everything is picture-perfect. Players using ultrawide monitors might feel like they’re watching a 4:3 movie on a widescreen TV, thanks to the lack of support for 3440x1440 resolution. The text size is another issue, with many players squinting harder than a director trying to spot a continuity error. While the zoom feature helps, it’s not quite enough to make reading comfortable.

Despite these drawbacks, the game’s graphics contribute significantly to its immersive atmosphere. The visual progression of the studio city is a delight to watch, and the developers are aware of the current limitations, promising improvements in future updates.

Story: A Cinematic Saga of Morality and Mayhem

The narrative of Hollywood Animal is as complex and engaging as a Christopher Nolan film, with a morality system that forces players to make tough decisions that impact the studio’s trajectory. The game is rich with story events, from dealing with influential figures to choosing between artistic masterpieces and commercially successful flops.

Players can engage in morally ambiguous actions, such as exploiting actors’ secrets or using underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. This adds a layer of strategy and intrigue, allowing for roleplaying opportunities that are both engaging and entertaining. However, the story does have its limitations, with a small pool of script ideas and a lack of randomness that can lead to repetitive experiences.

The narrative is often described as bleak, with players facing negative situations that can make the game feel like a series of unfortunate events. But for those who enjoy a deep and immersive story experience, akin to Paradox games, Hollywood Animal offers a unique and compelling journey through the darker sides of the film industry.

Final Verdict

Hollywood Animal is a promising entry into the world of management simulation games, offering a rich and engaging experience that is both challenging and rewarding. While it has its share of early access hiccups, the game’s depth, narrative complexity, and visual appeal make it a title worth keeping an eye on. With future updates addressing current issues, this game could become a must-play for fans of story-driven gameplay.

Score: 7.0/10