Early Access Review Ongoing for inZOI

Creating a life simulator that’s both entertaining and a mirror to real life involves an intricate array of elements. The key is finding that sweet spot between offering players creative freedom and laying down enough rules to make decisions meaningful and challenging. This all needs to be woven together seamlessly to offer a satisfying gaming experience. It’s no easy feat—a fact to which even Dr. Frankenstein might attest. However, Krafton has made an admirable attempt with inZOI, based on my experience with its Early Access version. The game initially strikes a beautiful note with its realistic graphics, and the complex simulator systems underneath seem to gel together quite impressively at the start. But as I spend more time exploring the game’s universe, I’m beginning to notice where it falls short, revealing spaces that feel more barren than anticipated.

The unavoidable comparison to The Sims is clear as day, given that inZOI seems to draw inspiration from this iconic series while also aspiring to be its rival. But Krafton’s take is unique. You assume the role of a god-like figure overseeing the lives of characters, known as Zoi, whose experiences you can manipulate—sometimes for better, often for worse. You can construct homes from scratch, customize each Zoi’s personality, and get them wrapped up in the local goings-on. Whether it’s taking on jobs, attending school, or exploring their surroundings, the level of autonomy you afford them is entirely up to you. While these surface-level resemblances to The Sims are apparent, inZOI’s ingenuity gradually comes to the fore once you dive deeper.

Beginning a new game in inZOI means you’ll be crafting a household with the aid of the nuanced Character Creator Studio. Besides selecting a name, gender, and age for your avatar, you choose a Trait that defines their personality. There are 18 options, such as Authoritarian or Individualist, each accompanied by a sidebar explaining their in-game impact. I went for the Go-Getter trait—a nod to professional ambition with a side of nervousness. Over time, your character’s personality further develops through preferences like fast food or fitness that influence their mood. Although inZOI’s streamlined personality options are handy, they can sometimes feel restrictive.

Visually speaking, an ample selection of preset designs allows for a range of appearances, or you can fine-tune features to your liking, aligning them to your image. With realism at the core of its visual design, your Zoi soon takes on lifelike traits. I particularly enjoyed matching their makeup and hairstyle to my own.

The fashion component is where inZOI really struts its stuff. You’ll find yourself curating nine different outfits from formal to seasonal wear. Think trendy, like parachute pants, to classics such as leather jackets. Each piece lets you mix, match, and layer, creating an endless variety of looks. I invested a lot of time crafting a Y2K-inspired ensemble—complete with Doc Marten lookalikes and a charming oversized jersey. Although the clothing options can sometimes awkwardly clip against characters, this part is undeniably one of inZOI’s polished aspects, making the dress-up process delightful.

Once your family gets sorted, it’s time to house them—either by constructing your own abode or settling into a ready-designed lot across inZOI’s two locales: the Korean-influenced city of Dowon and the Californian Bliss Bay. Although these places include features like shops and parks, this is also where inZOI shows its cracks. While Dowon is a colorful spectacle, and Bliss Bay has a serene coastal vibe, the details can feel superficial. Buildings sit hollow under vibrant signage, and static elements diminish immersion. These details, like a tongue-in-cheek pseudo McDonald’s, are commendable, but the world sometimes feels more like a set than a living environment.

This hollowness extends into daily life, where managing basic needs feels disconnected from the cultural richness I yearned to experience. My Go-Getter Zoi didn’t seem any different in day-to-day actions, even compared to my other Zoi with an opposite personality. Conversations drifted into repetitive loops about subjects like Cryptocurrency, which, while amusing initially, eventually contributed to a sense of monotony.

Despite this, it was fun to see detailed features like the treadmill display and the realistic meals which made my stomach rumble alongside my Zoi’s. Yet, these highly detailed aspects highlight the more mundane, repetitive tasks by contrast. Over time, it felt as though my Zoi lost individuality, becoming more like a drone performing without meaningful purpose. Perhaps their individualities might shine as their social circles grow, but this wasn’t apparent even after 15 hours of play.

One saving grace amidst these imperfections is the Karma system, which rewards or punishes actions. Certain interactions reveal an impactful yin and yang choice affecting karma. Misdeeds like vandalizing a vending machine carry consequences, whereas helpful acts enhance virtue. It’s a straightforward yet effective mechanism that introduces an enjoyable boundary within the game, though additional actions affecting karma would have been appreciated.

There’s still much more to uncover before arriving at a conclusive judgment. From careers to vehicles to the intricacies of build mode, and with inZOI still in Early Access, it undeniably carries that early-in-progress feel. The lifelike visuals delight, but they also clash with a sometimes sterile vibe. That said, there’s hidden depth beneath the flaws, which makes me curious about inZOI’s future potential—and eager to share my lasting impressions as I delve deeper into this grand promise of a game.