Why the surge in popularity of simulation games about manual labor?
Farming, building, power washing – there’s a lot to unpack about the appeal of creating the illusion of productivity in these types of games. But for the fans of the genre, the reasons why are clear as day. Take for example the new House Flipper 2, a game that has rekindled the passion of players for manual labor simulation games.
House Flipper 2 is the sequel to the cult classic first game and boasts a new look and improved gameplay. Just like in the original, players spend their time renovating houses, which includes everything from cleaning and demolition to picking out new furniture. There are requests from characters that players can fulfill and houses that can be bought, fixed up, and sold for a profit.
The changes from the original game are minimal, with quality-of-life additions and a new sandbox mode for those who want to explore and build from scratch. This delicate balance of familiarity and fresh content is perfect for fans of the slice-of-life sim genre.
More missions, more tools
The campaign mode of House Flipper 2 serves as a fun journey through different tools and tasks, offering both a refresher for experienced players and an education for newcomers. Missions vary from renovating a room for a baby to turning a dilapidated cabin into a movie set.
Players have a radial menu of tools at their disposal, including cleaning and demolition, as well as a store where they can buy materials like wallpaper, furniture, and plants. The game keeps track of tasks in each room, but allows players the freedom to progress at their own pace.
As players use each skill, they earn perks such as faster cleaning or painting. Completing a job with just one star allows for a faster progression, without penalizing players beyond reduced payouts.
Visual improvements and new modes
One of the standout changes in House Flipper 2 is its new visual style, which adds a fresh look to the game. The in-game furniture store is full of new decor and oddities, making everything feel rejuvenated.
The addition of the sandbox mode offers players a chance to start a house from scratch, adding a new layer of creativity and freedom to the game. Additionally, the new Assembly Mode brings back an element that had been removed, allowing players to install items without the arduous process of previous versions.
Overall, House Flipper 2 excels in providing a flow state that keeps players engaged and entertained. The low stakes and gentle guidance make it a truly enjoyable and addictive gaming experience.