Style Savvy: Trendsetters
Format: Nintendo 3DS
Completion: Not the kind of game that can be "completed"
Score: 89/100 [B+]
Personal Judgement: The world finally has two games that respect the fashion audience rather than taking advantage of them. This game is a sequel to the other one. The game also succeeds as a business sim that I feel can appeal even to those who don't care about fashion.
Critical Appraisal: A well polished game with so much content that I doubt you could ever see it all.
Highlights: Well designed business simulator that respects the intelligence of its audience while also working as a love letter to the fashion industry. An absolute must have. The only problem is the lack of multiple save files.
Completion: Not the kind of game that can be "completed"
Score: 89/100 [B+]
Personal Judgement: The world finally has two games that respect the fashion audience rather than taking advantage of them. This game is a sequel to the other one. The game also succeeds as a business sim that I feel can appeal even to those who don't care about fashion.
Critical Appraisal: A well polished game with so much content that I doubt you could ever see it all.
Highlights: Well designed business simulator that respects the intelligence of its audience while also working as a love letter to the fashion industry. An absolute must have. The only problem is the lack of multiple save files.
Hook [16/20]
Story: You work in fashion retail and are given the unique opportunity to begin your own fashion store without having to take any kind of loan or personal investment. Through the way you run your store, the relationships you develop with customers and business partners, and entries in a series of ongoing fashion competitions you attempt to be as successful in the fashion business as is possible. The sheer volume of characters and possible interactions is beyond belief, and the game does exactly what it needs to for the intended experience; nothing more. Knowing where to stop is just as important a skill in making a terrific game. [9/10]
Replay: The game never really ends, but I can see the appeal in starting a new game to experience things fresh from the beginning. If only the game had multiple saves. [7/10]
Replay: The game never really ends, but I can see the appeal in starting a new game to experience things fresh from the beginning. If only the game had multiple saves. [7/10]
Substance [18/20]
Features: The game's level of customization is the primary feature, though believable interactions and business simulation are also a huge aspect of the design. Just like with the story, this game did exactly what they needed to and nothing more. They designed and followed through on a specific play experience with as much depth and tact as possible. It would seem that only 2 games in the history of western release have ever had the passion and insight to create an engaging and educational fashion game. Both of those titles are named Style Savvy. If I have any complaint, it's that you can only customize your character's face. Why does this game only have people who weigh less than 90 lbs in it? That's a rhetorical question. I know the answers, but still feel it's a valid criticism. [9/10]
Usability: The gameplay is absolutely intuitive. You may have to learn some fashion terminology to succeed in the later parts of the game, and learn how to recognize them even when "customers" don't use them. Personally, I find this to be part of the game's appeal and they provide all the tools in game for you to learn those lessons at any time you please. [9/10]
Usability: The gameplay is absolutely intuitive. You may have to learn some fashion terminology to succeed in the later parts of the game, and learn how to recognize them even when "customers" don't use them. Personally, I find this to be part of the game's appeal and they provide all the tools in game for you to learn those lessons at any time you please. [9/10]
Visual [18/20]
Graphics: The graphics are beautiful. Everything is colorful and vibrant with a consistent visual style that reminds me of the manga/anime Nana. [9/10]
Animation: The character move smoothly and as naturally as a anime style stick figure possibly can. I've never seen any animation issues in the game whatsoever. [9/10]
Animation: The character move smoothly and as naturally as a anime style stick figure possibly can. I've never seen any animation issues in the game whatsoever. [9/10]
Audio [17/20]
Music: The music is very poppy and colorful. It perfectly compliments the intended atmosphere of the game without distracting from the experience. Even so, when you put the game down without closing your 3DS you might find yourself accidentally getting down to these catchy little melodies. [9/10]
Sound Effects: The game has very few sound effects compared to other games, but the ones they do have absolutely add to the experience. I can hear the door opening sound of a guest in my head right now. [8/10]
Sound Effects: The game has very few sound effects compared to other games, but the ones they do have absolutely add to the experience. I can hear the door opening sound of a guest in my head right now. [8/10]
Fourth Wall [20/20]
Polish: I'd almost use this word to define the Style Savvy games thus far. They must iterate these things to death, because it's difficult to find anything wrong with it. [10/10]
Value: This game was a deal at its original retail price of $39.99, and now you can pick this game up even cheaper. It's chopped full of so much content that I'm surprised my cartridge can fit in the 3DS slot. [10/10]
Value: This game was a deal at its original retail price of $39.99, and now you can pick this game up even cheaper. It's chopped full of so much content that I'm surprised my cartridge can fit in the 3DS slot. [10/10]
Extra
If this game had multiple save files, I could share this game with my wife. It kinda stinks that we had to buy two copies in order to both be able to play. Which concerns me about parents who want their daughters to share the game. They should have that freedom.