Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up is a construction and management simulation video game developed and published by SquarePlay Games. In the game the player manages a metro station, performing various tasks such as construction, hiring, scheduling, and more. It was released in 2020 and received positive reviews.
| Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up | |
|---|---|
 Steam edition cover | |
| Developer(s) | SquarePlay Games |
| Publisher(s) | SquarePlay Games |
| Engine | GameMaker |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | October 6, 2020 |
| Genre(s) | Construction and management simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
edit
Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up is a construction and management simulation game. The objective of the game is to design and manage a 1990s Tube-themed metro station with maximum efficiency.[1] There are three game modes available: sandbox, challenge, and a campaign that contains multiple connected station of increasing difficulty.[2]
At the beginning of each playthrough the player is given an empty map, in which they dig and construct the station's foundations. Up to four layers, connected by stairs and escalators, can be dug, though buildings cannot overlap.[3] The world is subdivided into a grid and is rendered with 2.5D pixel graphics, with each item taking up one space.[4][5] The player then needs to place and arrange various required facilities, such as train platforms, turnstiles, generator and janitor rooms, and lighting. There are also various amenities available that boost commuters' satisfaction, such as vending machines, benches, newspaper stands, and more.[6]
Each commuter has needs including happiness, thirst, hunger, cleanliness, and patience. Needs can be fulfilled by building relevant amenities.[7] For instance, trains and machines generate heat, which lowers the station's reputation if too high. The player can build air conditioners and fans to lower the temperature and satisfy needs.[6][8] There are also random events that occur throughout the game that affect commuters, such as a flu, rat infestation, or heat strokes.[4] When near too much litter, commuters may experience diarrhea or vomit.[4]
Staff are also needed to operate the facilities, which players have to schedule and pay. Employees perform tasks such as operating machines, cleaning the station, and assisting commuters.[2] In order to work, staff need break rooms, specialized tools, and their own areas of focus.[9] If they are overworked or are not paid, staff will go on strike or quit. As more tasks are performed, they gain experience, which is used to upgrade skill points.[10]
Many things, including litter collection, shop prices, and power consumption, can be micromanaged.[7] The player also needs to manually empty trash cans and install light bulbs.[9] Shops and ticket machines generate cash, which the player spends on buildings and cash, and bonds, which, as the game progresses and more experience is earned, is used to research new technologies, providing the player with better facilities and also increasing the needs of commuters.[9][10]
Development and release
editThe game was developed using GameMaker by SquarePlay Games.[11] The indie developer consists of two people: designer Alastair McQueen and artist Sarah Testori. In an interview, McQueen said that inspiration came while he was riding the Tube and that the idea was a "faithful reimagining" of public transit.[12]
It was released for early access on Steam on June 8, 2019.[7] After continued development and several major updates, the full game was released on October 6, 2020.[13]
Reception
editUpon release, Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game's playability and level of detail.[9] In particular, its various areas to manage have been described as "very compelling"[6] and "a wonderful mix of strategy and puzzling."[9]
The game's user interface, which has elements nested below many layers and small fonts, has been criticized for being "unintuitive."[4][6]
References
edit- ^ "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up Full Release Review – A Sim Management Game With A Difference". HappyGamer. 2020-10-07. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b Wales, Matt (2019-06-07). "Promising underground station sim Overcrowd is out now in Steam early access". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up – Build Your Train Station". myPotatoGames. 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
- ^ a b c d Ashraf, Amirul (2020-10-21). "Overcrowd Review – Quirky But Competent Commute 'Em Up". Gamer Matters. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ Comments, Gavin Sheehan (2020-09-22). "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up Will Be Released In October". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
- ^ a b c d Wray, Chris. "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up Review – MY HEAD IS DEAD". Wccftech. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b c Horti, Samuel (2019-06-08). "Overcrowd, a metro station management game, moves into Early Access". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ Landon, Alex (2019-05-31). "This Fabulously Geeky Computer Game Lets You Take Control Of The Tube". Secret London. Archived from the original on 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
- ^ a b c d e Hogarty, Steve (2019-06-25). "Premature Evaluation – Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up Review". The Indie Game Website. 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
- ^ "Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up". GameMaker. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
- ^ Carpenter, Nicole (2019-06-07). "Overcrowd forces you to think about transit design in a different way". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
- ^ Wales, Matt (2020-10-06). "Enjoyable underground station management sim Overcrowd leaves Steam early access". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
