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0 Developed by Voolgi and published by HypeTrain Digital, SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is a creative simulator like no other. Arming you with all the equipment you need and more this title could take digital creativity to a new level. SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is due to be released on 14th July 2021 and will be available via Steam and on the Nintendo Store on the Switch.
“I don’t listen to what art critics say. I don’t know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is” – Basquiat
Not many people really know, but I love art – Especially abstract expressionism. I have based many of my projects on the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat throughout my art studies. Over the years I have lost touch with it, but slowly I am starting to put paint to canvas (whatever that may be). So naturally, I was excited to hear about SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator, I could finally make an abstract mess in my virtual studio! Join me as I make my studio look like a paint bomb has gone off as I check out SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator.
Gameplay
Picture this – The year is 2130, you have been deemed to have the genius artist gene and are therefore enrolled on a futuristic artist project. Welcome to SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator. You start out with a modest set of tools to get you started along with a personal computer and an artists workstation.
You use your personal computer mainly for your emails, this is how you receive commissions and communicate with others. This includes the Crabuxes, an alien lifeform who can be quite generous when you send them your work. Your computer also stores your missions completed along with settings and photographs that you take with the camera you receive. However, it also houses one of the more important elements of the game and that the Baba Zone. The Baba Zone is basically a shop, whereby you spend your in-game currency to get new equipment for your studio from pallette knives to spoons. As SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is extremely creative you can also customise your studio with decorative purchases that come in all forms.
You can technically play the game how you like, you could use it as a sandpit creative studio. Or, you can follow the story, which I highly recommend. Obviously, At Thumb Culture we are spoiler-free so I can’t go into too much detail, however, the aim of the game is to be as creative as you can, and complete commissions for friends, family and strangers. As your popularity increases, you unlock more content and your studio becomes fuller with more machines to assist you. With each commission you complete you gain money, some clients may even gift you. I was lucky enough to receive a giant fish head from the Crabuxes.
Not only can you create for commissions, but you can also create your own marketplace for your works. The more work you complete, the more you can put up for sale. You can also choose the sale price, however the more expensive you go, the longer it can take to sell. Value your own work and time, don’t undersell! At first, it might seem unusual to use a mouse when creating, however, I recommend that you stick with it and it does get easier over time.
Graphics & Audio
I was unsure what to expect from the graphics, as textures and finishes are important. From the glossy oil paints to the matt undertones of a spray can the developers have pretty much hit the nail on the head. Even with the brush types and how they might work in real life if they were to have a little bit of paint left on them. They have not missed out on the detail at all. The only criticism one might have if they are an oil paint lover is that you can’t build up texture as you can in real life. However, this does not stop you from creating the same image with your trusty palette knife.
I am going, to be honest, the audio on SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator fades into the background. The game itself really pulls you in and you end up concentrating on your creations. Having said that, the soundtrack is melodic yet intense, so it doesn’t feel like an empty void. The one thing that did stand out audio-wise, is the sound effects. All of the equipment and tools you use have their own sound effects and they have done really well to mirror the real-life sounds to the ones in games. The spray cans are an obvious one, however, this can be easy to replicate. The ones that did stand out for me are the paintbrush effects and the palette knives.
Longevity
How long is a piece of string? Twice half its length to be precise! However, SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator isn’t just a title you pick up and play for the end game. Although the career mode within it is interesting, this game is centred around your own creativity. So as long your creative mindset is there this game could last a lifetime. You can even decorate your entire studio if you wanted, it is endless! You can also clean up after yourself as well…
The developers seem keen on improvements and extra content. I imagine we will see a lot more content after release. However, I have to be upfront and say that this extra content at this moment in time is not needed. There are so many different tools to master, especially when using your mouse as the controller.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit when I first started playing SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator, the controls felt very unnatural. I find using a mouse very difficult to create digitally unless I am using the Adobe suite toolset. Having said that, the more you play the more you get used to it. I don’t ever think for me personally it will ever feel natural. For me, this is the only issue I have with SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator.
If SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator was ported to a VR platform then this could quite easily become the best creative title brought to the VR platform. It would bring more natural movement into the game and enable you to put digital paint to digital canvas a lot easier. I also imagine it would make it a lot more enjoyable. SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator has so much to offer, by adding the VR element mentioned above would probably make one of the most relaxing titles I have played. I therefore give SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator a Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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