by Michael Mikolajczyk

Created on: May 19, 2008   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

Build-A-Lot 2 is an example of the category of games that, to use a cliche, is more than meets the eye. The screenshots for the game seemed a little interesting, but I was really hoping to avoid another Diner Dash rip-off under the cloak of real estate development. After I finished four of the towns though and the trial came to a close, I can pleasantly say that my fears went unrealized as I discovered a new addicting gem of a game.

Basically, in Build a Lot 2, you play a real estate investor and developer who has been hired to improve eight towns, consecutively. The story, where you are supposed to work towards making a town the "town of the year" by developing houses, shops, buildings, and more, seems tacked-on and pretty useless. Thankfully, it means nothing as the real value of the game is the meat - the gameplay.

As the campaign progresses, more and more houses, shops, and buildings are unlocked, providing a near-perfect learning curve for anyone. Seriously: game developers, take note. This is how a "tutorial" should work: behind-the-scenes and designed so you feel like you're simply playing the game, not an instructional video.

Although the gameplay is pretty much the same throughout the game, the new options keep it fresh and creative, so there's not much fear in becoming bored. Particularly towards the later stages, it gets too hectic to think about being idle and uninterested. The developers have done a great job keeping it innovative enough to keep you slightly off guard as each level begins.

Even on a technical level, the game performs well for its purpose. True, the graphics won't win any awards, but they certainly won't bog down your computer and they are perfectly fine for the style of game. You can easily see the difference in houses and buildings, and it's actually quite rewarding to see a town of red palaces staring at you. The sound basically consists of background music, which was quickly drowned out. Basically, it's nothing to phone home about, but it won't annoy you either.

Often, games like this are boring and more of the same, but I was truly taken aback with how much fun I was having with Build A Lot 2. Considering that it is less than $20, I would gladly pick this game up for some hours of addicting fun. It should also be mentioned that after the first town, "casual" mode is unlocked, which gives the game a bit of replay value. Normally I don't buy into casual games like this; it takes a relatively complete game to really make it worthwhile. Nevertheless, Build A Lot 2 has made a believer out of me, and I am glad to give it a 4/5.

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