If you’re a construction simulation fan, you’ve probably already downloaded Jane’s Realty. I write on behalf of the first-timers (like myself), discovering this genre for the first time. Jane’s Realty taught me two things about construction sims: first, it’s addictive to build buildings, and second, it’s a damn difficult thing to do if you’re not taught properly.

There is a simple, almost primal joy in building things in sequence and then watching the results. In Jane’s Realty, the sequence is simple: first you build the utilities (power and water), then you purchase lots, build houses, decorate the houses, and rent them out. Collect rent from each tenant to earn cash, which you use to build more structures and better houses. Eventually, you can upgrade existing houses, repair or demolish things, buy more furniture, etc. There’s no lack of depth in this game: what starts out really simple becomes very detailed in the later areas.

The steep learning curve is what almost made me miss out on all the fun. The tutorial is badly written, with English errors and sometimes vague instructions; and it’s easy to skip by clicking accidentally. Being intuitive (or, as others might call it, impatient), I’d try to discover things on my own, only to be completely at a loss with what I could and couldn’t do. Goals appear to be sequential but actually they’re not. Later in the game, even decorating the interiors of houses can become a chore instead of a nice minigame you could enjoy. And while you’re figuring all this out, the strict time limit reminds you that you haven’t got all day.

Jane, of course, is quite the casual game celebrity (Jane’s Hotel 1 and 2, Dress Up Rush) and she’s presented as a cute, married career woman with a husband running for mayor. No wonder gamers like her! We don’t doubt that she’ll make yet another appearance in the future, and hopefully that game will be easier to learn. Meanwhile, download this game - because the truth is, building things is still fun.

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(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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