PC BUILDING SIMULATOR

A game with an original idea that stays in  0.x early access  only because some features are copyrighted by some greedy corporations. It does what it says on the tin, and  truly delivers, but any feature having to do with software or hardware giants that won't give pemission for their products (ex. Microsoft and running bios or diagnostics on your simulation) is unavailable.

You can either  play in free mode, combining available  components in building a dream machine of your own (using components and software by companies that allowed the use of their designs here) or career mode , juggling services and prices proposed by the clients. This game is doing a tremendous service to all of us with no previous experience in making a PC that works and shines light on the once thriving enthusiast computing culture of the Xers that is now coming into focus again with micro computers and open software. I understand the need of those in charge to keep the majority of the population mere consumers instead of inspiring them to become builders, but sometimes copyright and intellectual property claims are downright ridiculous.

The creator of this game might have made greater use of  for a more interesting background music from a wealth of  CreativeCommons-licenced tracks out there, and putting a $20 price tag on this title is a tad excessive. Still, PC BULDING SIMULATOR remains a true  gaming breakthrough bringing another successful blend of gaming and life.

CASHFLOW

This inventive board game by Robert Kiyosaki , a successful entrepreneur  and business lecturer, was built around  his own views on success in business, and he did it so successfully that even if you don't necessarily subscribe to his point of view  you still end up being partially converted after a few runs. True, the first few spins on "how money works" will probably awaken  the deep and long-supressed frustration about not achieving success and financial stability before 40 (or 30) and the remorse about taking up Humanities instead of  Maths and Accountancy, but then you start having fun and learning about cashflow and assets and liabilities, about the fact that a bigger car or house you buy is not necessarily an asset, and that being a good employee climbing the corporate ladder isn't going to make you rich in the long run. Absolutely hated it when I first tried it. Only after reading Robert's book entitled "Rich Dad Poor Dad" did I give the game a second chance, Everything Robert wholeheartedly believes in is perfectly integrated into this game. The "rat race" track of losers/employees and the "fast lane" of intelligent people/ business owners, the situations that force you to recognise assets and liabilities, dealing with taxes and financial problems , saving money, opening and managing accounts etc. The video game version just transfers the perfect playing experience from the board to the screen.

A true business simulation classic if there ever was one.

YOUTUBERS LIFE

Yes, art should imitate life. And yes, why not transpose modern-day experiences into a simulation? This game is about all the little facets of becoming a Youtube professional. You progress from creating a Youtube alter-ego and chosing your preferred type of content and your humble beginnings of a Youtube enthusiast sharing your flat and your computer time with your roommates all the way up to having assistants and making your content in a rented mansion.You take baby steps and take care of all the little details , including nutrition, energy level, finances, deadlines, comments, followers, buying equipment and enhancing video quality of your videos. All the intricate details make this title anything but a lifeless, generic simulation.
Whether this game should be considered a breeding ground for the aspiring Youtubers out there, or whether it helps your "online" presence is unclear, but  participating in a simulacrum of a simulacra must be rewarding  and strangely appealing.