Most sims seem to filter through the cracks of reskinned, physics heavy jokes. Then we have the occasional few that come by with good, solid controls and a theme that hasn't been done before. Speakeasy Simulator falls in the latter group, where it is one of the few first-person sims I found myself actually enjoying.
[b]Premise: [/b]
It is 1919. The prohibition era has taken hold. The mafia is handing out underground, unfiltered and raw liquor and making a killing. You, a cigar shop owner, are wanting to bank on that dime.
[b]Gameplay:[/b]
Standard FPS controls and a solid tutorial phase leads you down the where and how, but doesn't hold your hand or force you on how you'll manage things after. For example, you could be like me and put all your bills on making barrels of whiskey, and watch as your full shelves don't budge at all as the wandering souls [i]continually[/i] ask for Vodka, wait, and leave with a frown on their face. They're probably planning to write an angry letter to Underground Liquor Monthly about how you wouldn't serve any customers.
Or, you could diversify your joint with a good array of liquor, having a wide variety as the doors remain open. Luckily for you, there is no day and night cycle to interfere with your operation. Just your ability to ferry the ingredients without looking too suspicious. And there is a good deal of police to avoid.
Then, of course, there is a direct sales method. Make a premium bottle, tuck it in your jacket, avoid the coppa and make it to the mafia without having to wait around on the [i]right[/i] market to open up their wallet. [b][i]Easy peasy!![/i][/b]
The gameplay loop does give you additional activities such as magical, hands-free brewing (which I love), decorating not only your lab but also your speak easy venue. When it's bustling and you have the cash, you can even hire up a bartender.
[b]Graphics:[/b]
While basic, Speakeasy Sim provides the period-specific 1919 setting of what feels like New York. Besides that, and perhaps some choices of furniture and clothes, the game doesn't quite have the right assets for the time.
There's just one type of vehicle in the street with color combos, which is a shame as there were some unique models of cars and horseless carriages available at the time with visually interesting flare.
Likewise, hair/hair cuts, clothing and visuals were much more unique than the square-shaved looks of today (which are in the game). So far, the only type of NPC I have seen have been men, with no women to be seen. Then, there are also some notable glitches when NPCs move. They lose hair, spontaneously burst up with moustaches or beards, and thensome. It added to a bit of laughter but after a moment, it became an unfortunate fact.
My gameplay operated better at 60 fps capped with Vsync off, but perhaps that has to also do with the weird visuals.
[b]Sounds/Music:[/b]
Cozy, jazzy music breaking in without a source is playing in the background regardless of your location. So, whether you're in the bar, or wandering down the streets, the only thing you hear is that. It would have been interesting to hear other things besides the vehicle grind or honk, perhaps a faded crowd in the loop.
[b]Verdict:[/b]
Speakeasy Sim holds my interest so far. I can't comment on the replayability of it yet. It also did well in group setting, as most everyone was interested in the concept and excited to see the gameplay ramp up. From the prices of ingredients to the price per glass from your sales, the game veers heavily away from the setting. The prices are marketed to today's "numbers go up" gamers aesthetic and not to the standards of the time.
However, I wanted to be swept up in the game. It feels like the game offers the perfect setting for a story: NPCs coming in with rumors, or, you having the occasional undercover bomb squad members. It would have been even more interesting if you had to hide your liquor at the "bar" and pretend you're serving up juice until you were sure you weren't being duped.
Again, it would have been interesting to have really been immersed in the setting. However, the game as-is still gets a pass from me.
