Simulation Games

21May

By MikeNo Comments

City Bus Manager – PS5 Review

Originally released on Steam in 2024, City Bus Manager has finally made its way to console! Available for PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, how will this version fare against its PC counterpart? Developed by PeDePe GbR — a team that has a history with bus simulator titles — City Bus Manager has been very well received on Steam, with a Very Positive review rating. Today, I'll be trying out the PlayStation 5 version, and as always with these sorts of games, I have a number of questions. First and foremost being: how well does the keyboard and mouse control scheme translate to a controller? No Late Buses On My Watch! Whilst maybe not the most exciting game on paper, I was still very much looking forward to playing City Bus Manager. Management sims can be a lot of fun! If you'...

Hotel Architect – PC Early Access Preview

20May

By CharlieNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Hotel Architect – PC Early Access Preview

Step into the chaotic life of being a hotel owner in Hotel Architect! Developed by Pathos Interactive and published by Wired Production, this hotel construction and tycoon management game allows you to build your hotel from the ground up and to tackle the challenging demands of your guests. Get ready to check in for Early Access today on Steam! Is Breakfast Included? I've got high hopes for this one! The game is still “under construction” but already feels very nice and smooth to play. It's got quite a bit of content already, too! I'm excited to jump into the game, especially since my knowledge of hotels in general is very limited. All I really know is the fact that even looking at the mini-bar will most likely bankrupt you immediately. Do you have any fun hotel stories to tell? What ...

20May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews, Retro Reviews

Farming Simulator 16-Bit – PC Review

Now we all know that Farming Simulator games have been around for a long time. Now it's time for a new entry to the franchise, and whilst you've already guessed, just pretend you didn't know. We have gone old school, with Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition! Giants Software has released an absolutely iconic-looking game for new and old hardware. Featuring a limited run of a physical Sega Mega Drive cartridge, which, unfortunately, at the time of writing, was sold out. As well as the PC download if you want to give it a little play through on your computer. Farming, but not as we know it! I'm a big fan of the franchise and have spent many hours playing the fully fledged versions of the game both with friends and on my lonesome. Would the 16bit retro version keep me as occupied? It's time to ...

19May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews

RoadCraft – PC Review

Ok, I'm going to lay it out straight away. Saber Interactive have done it again! They have created another absolute corker. Now if you think I've gone a little bit crazy, I can promise you I haven't. Saber Interactive, the wonderful people behind Mudrunner, Snowrunner and a whole host of other great video games. Bring to the world RoadCraft. Now, if you haven't seen the latest trailer, I'm going to do things slightly differently in this article. So watch the trailer and then I'll get on with the rest of this review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxMrSU9Czcc Chills right? You tell me that you have never played with a construction vehicle before, wishing it were real. Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself, we really should get back to the normal flow of our articles... Now what's next...

9May

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Spellcaster University – PS5 Review

The original Steam release of Spellcaster University was developed and published by Sneaky Yak Studio back in 2021. If you want to learn more about the PC release, why not check out our original review? But for now, four years later, we have developer Red Art Games to thank for this new console version. This latest edition is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. For this review I got my hands on the PlayStation 5 version. I Wish My Time at University Was This Magical Everybody has imagined having magical powers at some point in their lives, right? Whether it's daydreaming about receiving a Hogwarts letter whilst you should be paying attention in school, or wishing that you could just disappear after a particularly awkward interaction,...

9May

By Kyle McGrathNo Comments

PC Reviews

Haunted House Renovator – PC Review

I enjoy when a sim takes a nice premise like cleaning/cooking and adds a nice difference. Which is where the Haunted House Renovator by Image Power S.A. comes in! A simulation game all about cleaning old abandoned homes while encountering and dealing with ghosts. If that’s caught your eye, then it’s out now on Steam for £16.75. “This house… is clean.” — Seth Grahame-Smith: Poltergeist [1982] Gameplay The game starts you off in your inherited apartment, which serves as a tutorial and a hub, with the elevator allowing you to start the next mission at any time. Here you learn the basics of banishing various spirits and renovating the rooms themselves. Renovating is the simpler part; using a variety of haunted tools, repair damaged or broken floors and furniture, or entirely replace the...

7May

By CharlieNo Comments

PC Reviews

Cash Cleaner Simulator – PC Review

“Check it, clean it, sort it, ship it.” Cash Cleaner Simulator, developed by Mind Control Games and published by Forklift Interactive, lets you experience what it could possibly be like to have tons of cash in your hands. The game releases for PC on May 8th, with a version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S coming later this year. Please note that this game uses AI-generated images for some phone contact icons and simple wall art. Cash Is King What, you think a bunch of money is just gonna magically fall from the sky?? Well, uh, in this game, it kinda does do that. Sure, it's not all yours to keep, and not necessarily legally acquired, but still. The sky is the limit, and you can stack your cash 'till you reach it. So, let's have a look! Gameplay Cash Cleaner Simulator has a ...

2May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews

Spreadcheat – PC Review

Working for a big national company, I get stuck into my fair share of spreadsheets. And I'm not even mad about it. Because I, Stuart, Co-Editor In Chief of Thumb Culture, love a good spreadsheet. So when we were approached to cover this completely different game, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Spreadcheat by Games People Play and Rubarb is a puzzle game like no other. Although it's not releasing until the 5th May, so you'll need to add it your Steam Wishlist for now! Spread The Wealth This is not a long game and so this review is going to be a short. I'll tell you that straight away. But that doesn't mean this isn't the perfect formula for a fun little game. So sit back and let's head back in time to the 1990s. Gameplay Let's set the Spreadcheat scene. You're the new kid on c...

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition – Quest 3 Review

30Apr

By StuartNo Comments

VR Reviews

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition – Quest 3 Review

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition aims to recreate the thrills of the track. Developed by PikPok, this immersive simulation lets you live your dreams of becoming an equestrian champion right in your own home. It's available on the Meta Store for £16. Now, whilst I can appreciate the odd horse race now and again, I came into this review with an open mind. Yay or Neigh! How is this game going to line up against other simulation games? Is it going to run its course quickly? Let's find out as we await the starters orders. Gameplay So, firing up the game, you are greeted by a phone call from your “Mean Boss”. After a few minutes, you are then released into the main game. Follow a few prompts to get you to your first horse, and the dream is made a reality. You now have your very own horse...

28Apr

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

PC Reviews

Hanako’s Flower Shop – PC Review

Hanako's Flower Shop is the newest release from FantaJI Games which invites you to build beautiful bouquets whilst meeting all sorts of interesting characters. With a big focus on story, the game explores tales of grief, happiness and more as you learn about your family history and the people living in the village with you. Pick a couple flowers and have Hanako tie them up with a nice bow Currently available on Steam, you can grab Hanako's Flower Shop for £11.51 thanks to an introductory offer! Let's see how much this game packs in for a relatively small price. Gameplay What seems like a normal shop game is actually so much deeper than that. The game sets the tone with backstory and side characters, highlighting different emotions you're going to face as you play. The story sta...