Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up
| Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up | |
|---|---|
 Steam edition cover | |
| Developer(s) | SquarePlay Games |
| Publisher(s) | SquarePlay Games |
| Engine | GameMaker |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | October 6, 2020 |
| Genre(s) | Construction and management simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up is a construction and management simulation video game developed and published by SquarePlay Games. In the game the player manages a metro station, performing various tasks such as construction, hiring, scheduling, and more. It was released in 2020 and received positive reviews.
Gameplay
[edit]The objective of the game is to design and manage a Tube-themed metro station with maximum efficiency. At the beginning of each playthrough the player is given an empty map, in which they dig and construct the station's foundations. Multiple layers can be dug, though buildings cannot overlap.[1] The world is subdivided into a grid and is rendered with 2.5D pixel graphics, with each item taking up one space.[2]
The player then needs to place and arrange various required facilities, such as train platforms, turnstiles, generator and janitor rooms, and lighting. There are also various optional amenties available that boost commuters' satisfaction, such as vending machines, benches, newspaper stands, and more. Staff are also needed to operate the facilities, which players have to schedule and pay.[3] Employees perform tasks such as operating machines, cleaning the station, and assisting commuters.[4]
When all is ready, the station opens and commuters come in during the day. Each commuter has needs including happiness, thirst, hunger, cleanliness, and patience. Needs can be furfilled by building relevant amenities.[5] As the game progresses and more experience is earned, new technologies can be researched, providing the player with better facilities and also increasing the needs of commuters.[6]
Development and release
[edit]The game was developed by SquarePlay Games, a Indie developed with two people. It was released for early access on Steam on June 8, 2019.[5] After continued development and several major updates, the full game was released on October 6, 2020.[7]
Reception
[edit]Upon release, Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game's playability and level of detail.[3][6] The game's user interface has been criticized for being "unintuitive."[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up Full Release Review – A Sim Management Game With A Difference". HappyGamer. 2020-10-07. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b Ashraf, Amirul (2020-10-21). "Overcrowd Review - Quirky But Competent Commute 'Em Up". Gamer Matters. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b Wray, Chris. "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up Review - MY HEAD IS DEAD". Wccftech. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ Wales, Matt (2019-06-07). "Promising underground station sim Overcrowd is out now in Steam early access". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b Horti, Samuel (2019-06-08). "Overcrowd, a metro station management game, moves into Early Access". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b Hogarty, Steve (2019-06-25). "Premature Evaluation - Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ Wales, Matt (2020-10-06). "Enjoyable underground station management sim Overcrowd leaves Steam early access". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
