I am a huge fan of sim games and up until now, I haven't discovered one that I haven't enjoyed. I purchased this game in a three game bundle (this game, Ski Resort Tycoon and Gambling Tycoon) at Wal-Mart for $10 so I can't really complain.

First of all, the graphics are probably the best feature of the game. They aren't the best I've seen but they're okay. They're smooth and realistic-looking. They get a B+ from me.

I love the concept behind the game, however, the game itself is very confusing and doesn't appear to be thought out well at all. Most sim games are fairly easy to figure out once you become familiar with the features. You won't find that to be the case with this game.

Your goal is to establish your business and your business is strictly pizza with just a hint of criminal activity. Setting up the pizza parlor is a piece of cake; setting up the criminal syndicate portion of the game is the difficult part. There is nothing clear and concise about it. I did not find the online manual/help very helpful at all.

I have set up my syndicate and hired mobsters but that's about the extent of my adventure into the dark world. I have even attempted to send my hit guys on an assignment without any success at all. It is virtually impossible to figure out where they need to go. When they are sent on an assignment, you are suppose to guide them but to where? The game nor the help is of any assistance in this regard. Thus far, the only thing I've been successful at is getting caught by the police.

How do you get clientele? You make the perfect pizza. You can actually create a pizza in the game. You can choose from a wide variety of tasty and downright disgusting toppings. The game even helps you out by informing you of the toppings each age group, in both the city and the country, likes and dislikes. The only problem is, all of that information is in another section of the game. You either have to have a great memory or write down the information which is very cumbersome.

There is just so much you have to do to get everything up and running and if you forget one simple aspect, you're doomed. Half of the time employees don't show up regardless of how careful you are about the employee you choose. This loses money.

I bought this game four days ago and have barely played it at all due to the frustration factor. I tend to be very analytical and have a passion for figuring things out so this type of knee-jerk reaction is unheard of for me. With other sim games I've played in the past, I can barely tear myself away.





Recommended: No