Denizen

Denizen is a simulation game with RPG elements in which we control the actions of our own created character in an open world. The game was developed by Departure Interactive studio, known for other simulation games.

Plot

After creating our character, we land in the small town of Cutler. Our hero ends up there after losing almost all of their fortune in a casino the previous night. They need to find a job quickly, because rent and living costs are expensive.

Austin, a local criminal, comes to help, offering quick money in exchange for breaking into several places on his list. We can choose a less illegal job in a pizzeria, work as a courier, or even try to start our own business.

Gameplay

In terms of gameplay, Denizen resembles other life simulators. We start the adventure with the character creator, where we can define the appearance of the character. We have the choice of predefined profiles, which can be varied with alternative hair length and color.

Our created character lands in an apartment in the center of a small town called Cutler, where we can arrange a few basic pieces of furniture from our inventory. We can buy the rest of the equipment after earning the right amount of money.

We must ensure the well-being of our character by controlling their fatigue, hunger, hydration, hygiene and bladder. At the beginning of the game, the character has basic items with them that allow them to survive the next few days. However, over time we must go to the store to replenish supplies.

Working in Denizen is a key element of the gameplay, because everything in the game has a price. Right at the start, we must decide where we want to earn our first salary. We can earn money by working, among other things, in a pizzeria, as a courier or a forklift operator.

Working in these places is shift-based, and earnings depend on how well our character handles the tasks set before them. During the shift, we have full control over the character and the quality of the work performed. For example, when making a pizza, we must independently choose the sauces and toppings. Moreover, to receive payment, the work must be completed within a specified time. In addition to salary, our hero also earns experience points, which affect promotion and faster wealth accumulation.

If we do not want to earn money legally, we have the option to perform shady jobs, which will require completing mini-games such as lock picking or hacking terminals.

In their free time, our character has many opportunities to relax. They can go shopping for clothes, furniture, and groceries. We can also spend time in a local bar, playing cards or heading out of town in our car.

As the days go by, the amount of money earned increases, which allows for the purchase of a new apartment or opening of our own store. Managing our store requires taking care of supplying items to be sold. To do this, we need to go to the warehouse outside the city for supplies.