Model Builder Review - Steam Gamer

Once again the video game medium exemplifies its infinite diversity and variation in the form of Model Builder, Moonlit Studios have well and truly revived a diminishing hobby seemingly lost to time for a new generation to admire, it’s a brilliant sample of a niche concept targeted at a small demographic executing its intentions perfectly with class, polish and authenticity to boot. Model builders’ mere existence speaks volumes to the demands of experiences such as this, of which there are plenty examples, much like games of its ilk the fundamentals are solid and intuitive it is everything you would expect from a model kit builder game, where this particular title excels though is its performance, presentation and its UI which are all exemplary.

Meticulously piecing together bits and bobs to create aeroplanes, figures and boats is of course satisfying but not exactly noteworthy regarding pioneering gameplay mechanics, simulation games often time offer genuine authentic experiences for their concept but neglect the presentation aspect of their games. A rudimentary example of this would be the massively successful farming simulator games up until their last iteration which admittedly looks a lot better, its aesthetics had never been their strongest trait despite this it offers a legitimate farming simulation that is both fun and realistic relatively speaking. Model Builder manages to incorporate both beautiful graphics and authenticity thanks in large part to his ridiculous attention to detail, high resolution textures and modern dynamic lighting. The workshop typifies his sentiment aptly, it looks like a real lived-in workspace that would rival any video game space, add to this an outstanding level of customization that is available to apply to your models and it makes for a tranquil fun and satisfying experience.

There is a fantastic variation to the different models on display here as well ensuring that there is something for everyone. You can build planes, trains, dragons, dwarf figures, tanks and cars just to name a few, as well as being able to paint and add decals to them as you wish. When finished these models can either be sold to a client for money or put on display in a glass cabinet for you to admire all your hard work, it is truly a sight to behold when a dozen or so of your finished models are presented in such a way. Veterans and newcomers alike can rejoice as Moonlit Studios offers an experience that caters for both, intricate and expert models are available, as well as simple and basic ones, it serves as a self-explanatory entry point for rookies and has the potential to spark a real interest in the age-old hobby that could easily translate into real life.

The problem that model builder smartly circumvents is the affordability of the craft which makes his title an extremely accessible method to partake in, this would obviously be very appealing to newbies. For enthusiasts the opportunity is there to build up will without having to worry about storage or space. It may not be the best option for purists given the obvious omission of the holistic aspect but it could be a game that supplements their interest instead of replacing them.

There isn’t really a bad word to be said about model builder, sometimes when critiquing games you have to simply examine what was the intention and how well it was executed, when considering this, Model Builder is pretty much perfect. The only improvements that could be made here are the inclusion of a massive career mode where you have the opportunity to move from a small workshop to a large factory, other than that for fans of model building this is a perfect game for you!

Purchase Model Builder on Steam!