Build-a-lot Review

Build-a-lot Review

Review by Dylan

Build-a-Lot is an interactive real estate development game that will have you building, drafting plans, and planning out neighborhoods. The game is broken into 40+ levels, all with different scenarios and objectives. You will buy and sell homes for a profit, while completing objectives and building quality neighborhoods.

Easy to Learn and Play

One of the best things about Build-a-Lot is the ease of play. The tutorial is clear, concise, and explains all the game's intricacies. After playing the tutorial, which is cleverly incorporated into levels, you will be a seasoned veteran developing the best neighborhoods. The gameplay in Build-a-Lot is divided into four main parts. You earn money through collecting rent and then you use that money in three ways. You draft plans, purchase lots, and buy materials. Drafting blueprints is a one time expense and is necessary when building both homes and buildings.  Blueprints are expensive, especially as the homes or buildings increase in size, however they are essential.

It's All About the Benjamins

Purchasing lots, another facet of the game, is a great way to build revenue and increase your total number of homes. Lots tend to be about 25,000 dollars . They are relatively cheap and can generate you a lot of money if you build on them and then sell. Buying and selling quickly is a great money making strategy of the game. The final key element of the game is buying materials. Materials might seem expensive, however these are the only things needed when building a house. For example, if you buy a tutor style home it will cost you 30,000 dollars in material (only a fifth of its total value). Buying materials in bulk and building a lot of homes might be expensive at first, but it will make you lots of money.

Levels Play Quickly

A drawback of this game would be the rate at which you advance. Playing for less than 10 minutes you will most likely complete at least 2 levels maybe even 3. For some this element might be a plus because it keeps the game moving, however it eliminates the “start small and grow” strategy that makes simulation games so great. Also, you won't be able to build and develop a single neighborhood because of the level system that will constantly have you advancing and starting fresh. This can be especially frustrating, for example, if you have built a superior neighborhood in level 7. After you complete the level and advance to 8, your neighborhood and the houses are gone and you will be starting fresh with new objectives and materials.

Conclusion - A Good, Basic Real Estate Sim

Overall, despite the level associated drawbacks, this game is a fun real estate and neighborhood development game. This game will keep you entertained for countless hours regardless of your real estate expertise. The smooth gameplay and great tutorial will get any gamer, regardless of skill level involved and entertained. Build-a-Lot is an enjoyable game and is very deserving of the strong “7” score its received. Play and enjoy.