Developer: Big Fish Games
Price: FREE ($4.99 to unlock full game)
Version Reviewed: 1.0.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2
Life Quest HD is a gaming update to classic board game The Game Of Life. Not officially, of course, but that’s exactly what it feels like. Players are given the classic problem of needing to impress their old high school friends by keeping up with their expectations. This can range from getting a well paid job to buying cool items like vehicles and big TVs. It’s a situation we’ve all experienced but fortunately, the game makes it a bit more enjoyable than reality.
Easing the player in gently, objectives are quite simple at first. Everything is geared a lot like the natural evolution of life with education and a decent job the focus at first, with increasingly impressive electricals and new pets coming later.
The game is divided up into individual days and a fairly relaxed time limit to beat the former class mate. Remembering to eat is as important as career progression, as well as paying rent.
It sounds a little too much like real life to be fun but it is quite entertaining. None of the challenges are very challenging but there is a fair amount of variety in terms of clothing and employment opportunities. Once the goal focused mode has been completed, a Free Play mode opens up giving players plenty of variety. Much like The Game Of Life, it’ll appeal more to children and teenagers than adults who are already experiencing the real thing.
Don’t be fooled by the free price tag however. Life Quest HD isn’t really free. There’s a demo to try out before paying out $4.99 for the full game. The demo is pretty brief, but it does well to immediately make life sim fans keen to hit the buy button even if it is ultimately a quite simple game to complete.