Game Dev Story was one of our favorite little-known titles from all of last year. It's wonderful blend of quirky humor and addictive gameplay grabbed us and didn't let go for days. Now, the game's developer, Kairosoft, has released a follow up to Game Dev Story titled Hot Springs Story.
The style of game is similar, but its focus couldn't possibly be different. As the title implies, you control the game as the manager of a Japanese hot springs inn trying to grow the company to become the greatest in the land. This game seems a bit more like a traditional management simulator than Game Dev Story was.
GDS was about hiring and leveling up employees to make new, more awesome video games. Hot Springs Story seems to be more about custom building your hot springs business, room by room. You can build your own botanical garden of flowers, Japanese lanterns etc. You can add additions to your building like new baths, restaurants, rooms, and arcades. The ultimate goal is to increase your renown enough to attract the most famous VIPs.
Hot Springs Story [iTunes Link] released earlier today and is available for $3.99, a bit pricey by modern iPhone game standards, but given the quality of Kairosoft's previous work we'll have no qualms about dropping the cash for this one.
nicvargus
February 28, 2011 at 12:11pm
Oh dear goodness no. Hours and hours of my life lost to Game Dev Story... How can I resist?
