Highrise Project. 32 best tycoon and economic video games in 2023

Project Highrise will even run on a calculator.

One of the most interesting titles developed or published by Maxis Software during the peak of popularity of Sims was undoubtedly SimTower: The Vertical Empire from 1994. Unlike most games of this genre with in a classic top-down or isometric view, SimTower proposes an unusual, cross-sectional view from the side , as the theme of the game suggests. The goal of the game consists in designing and building the title skyscraper.

SomaSim devs were inspired by a hit from many years ago when working on Project Highrise. The game was released on PCs in 2016, and two years later, versions for portable devices and consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, also appeared.

The construction of the skyscraper takes place floor by floor, but not like in reality. Here, completed floors are immediately inhabited by tenants. The funds obtained from rent allow us to climb further, i.e. add more floors. For this to be possible, every investment needs to be thought through, while at the same time, costs need cutting. It is also necessary to take care of residents' satisfaction. The building can serve as entertainment venue, a hotel, office space, etc. You can try to combine several functions or specialize in just one.

No matter who inhabits the skyscraper, they probably will have some specific needs and observations. It's worth taking the tenants' opinions seriously and trying to improve their comfort. As a result, satisfaction levels will increase, and consequently, business revenues will grow.

1. The game's page on Steam
2. Game's page on Epic Games Store
3. Game's page on the GOG.com

Two Point Hospital

Sometimes things go wrong.

Treating people is a lucrative business. This is especially known in the USA, where health service is not free for all, and fees for - it would seem - trivial treatments can ruin the budget. In Two Point Hospital , you can set the prices to be a little lower, but you still won't do it for free.

The creators from Two Point Studios did not hide their inspiration from the great hit from years ago - Theme Hospital . The game begins with you having to equip the hospital, and prepare spaces for specialists treating specific diseases. Fortunately, the illnesses are treated lightly - instead of cancer, depression, and heart diseases, we treat verbosity, pixelosis and bloated egoes. This is it - Two Point Hospital has rather a loose approach to the subject. This is especially visible in the appearance and operation of diagnostic equipment and treatment procedures. The animations are fun and the developers' ideas are often unnusual. It all fits the cartoonish feel of the game.

In addition to adding vending machines and building new doctor's offices, an important element of the game is conducting research that allows you to learn new methods of treatment, hire better and better experts who can be additionally trained, and complete objectives that allow you to move on to the next "mission".

Personally, I had only one problem with the game. After a dozen or so hours, boredom began to creep in. Starting a clinic from scratch for the ninth time becomes rather tedious. Nevertheless, it is worth giving the game a chance, as the hours spent with it bring a lot of fun. Moreover, you won't get dizzy from the abundance of options and mechanics. .

1. Official developer page
2. The game's page on Steam