Hollywood Animal
" Sophisticated simulation strategy with deep studio management but steep learning curve "
Hollywood Animal Review
Hollywood Animal is a complex and ambitious studio management simulation set in the golden age of Hollywood, offering a sophisticated and methodical gameplay experience. Players oversee film productions, make creative and commercial decisions, and navigate the harsh realities of the industry, including reputation management and economic challenges. The game features a unique blend of management mechanics and narrative events, with a dark, satirical tone that reflects Hollywood's less savory aspects.
Despite its potential and depth, many players find the game overly difficult, with a steep learning curve and punishing mechanics that can lead to frequent bankruptcies and frustrating setbacks. The tech tree system and economic balance have been criticized for limiting player options and causing dead ends. The game is still in Early Access, with ongoing updates addressing bugs and balance issues. Players appreciate the developers' responsiveness and the game's originality but caution that it may not yet be fully polished or accessible for all audiences.
Highlights
Players praise Hollywood Animal for its sophisticated management mechanics and the depth of studio customization. The game's unique setting during Hollywood's golden age and its dark, satirical narrative offer an engaging experience. The art style is well-received for fitting the genre, and the music and presentation add to the atmosphere. Fans of micro-management and simulation games find the gameplay loop addictive and rewarding once the learning curve is overcome. The developers' commitment to frequent updates and community feedback is also highlighted as a positive aspect.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's extreme difficulty and lack of difficulty settings, making progress feel like a brutal war of attrition. The economic system is unbalanced, with many players struggling to make profitable movies despite best efforts. The tech tree can lock essential gameplay elements behind long research times, causing frustrating dead ends. Bugs and softlocks, while improving, still affect the experience. The tutorial and in-game explanations are considered insufficient, leaving players confused about game mechanics. Some find the event texts overly lengthy and the game lacking in dynamic variety, leading to repetitive gameplay and limited player agency.
Pros
- • Sophisticated and methodical studio management mechanics provide deep gameplay.
- • Unique setting in Hollywood's golden age with dark, satirical narrative elements.
- • Addictive gameplay loop rewarding strategic planning and decision making.
- • Art style and music enhance the atmospheric and thematic experience.
- • Developers actively respond to community feedback and release frequent updates.
- • Customization options for studios and film production are well implemented.
- • Challenging gameplay appeals to fans of complex simulation and management.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve with no difficulty settings frustrates many players.
- • Economic and balancing issues make profitable movie production difficult.
- • Tech trees can cause dead ends by locking key gameplay features too long.
- • Game bugs and softlocks still present, impacting playability and saves.
- • Tutorial and explanations are inadequate, leaving mechanics unclear.
- • Repetitive gameplay and limited variety reduce long-term engagement.
- • Event texts are often too long and sometimes irrelevant to gameplay.
Rating Criteria
Make movies, even if someone has to die. Take the helm of a major Hollywood studio at the dawn of sound cinema, and guide it through decades of creative achievements and glamor, debauchery and dark deeds, tough choices and unpleasant compromises.