The port of Construction Simulator 2 has finally arrived for the Nintendo Switch from developer Weltenbauer, and overall feels like what has already been made available for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. As a simulator, the game aims to provide players with a broad scope of tasks related to the world of construction. While the Nintendo Switch port offers little in terms of new or innovative features compared to alternative options elsewhere, it is nonetheless a welcome addition to the library of games and is sure to enjoyed by those who relish the simulation genre.

Many Toys To Choose From

Players have access to a broad range of specialized construction machinery, with over forty distinct options that demand careful practice to master. Those who are unfamiliar with simulator games may find the tutorial-like start to be long and daunting, as one spends a considerable amount of time learning to drive large vehicles, bacing into tight parking spaces, and the finer points of using more complex machinery, starting with a backhoe.

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Learning to use both Joy-Con sticks to maneuver the bucket took some time to use competently, but like everything in this game, there are plenty of spaces to practice. The work is more than worth the effort in the end, as players move onto larger and more challenging contracts. This review will reference Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) in a few places because there are many similarities in the core concept of the game design, which is a great thing for those who love simulator games.

Building A Business Empire

As the owner and main operator of a business, you decide what contracts to complete and what equipment to purchase, though some jobs require specific tools to complete. Like ETS2, it is up to you to decide if purchasing machinery outright is the best option, or if renting it makes more financial sense. Obviously, the initial capital layout favors renting machinery, but in the long-term, it makes sense to buy your own equipment.

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The earliest jobs serve as an extension to the tutorial, such as driving a backhoe to the home of a client who needs some pipes dug up and replaced in their yard. During jobs, you will also need to ensure you have the proper supplies, which means driving to the building materials supplier to purchase things like pipes, pallets of paint, insulation, generators, and more depending on the scope of the project at hand.

Much like ETS2, the story is almost non-existent, and instead, the player is given as close to a real experience to the construction world as possible within the limits of a console game. The lack of an official story is in no way a downside, as these simulator games are meant to be experienced as one wishes, though with that said, there is little machine and vehicle customization, which would have been a nice extra to see.

The Financial Side Of Construction

As mentioned, players will need to purchase supplies and buy or rent vehicles to expand their operations. Luckily, Construction Simulator 2, has a readily available and generous system of loans in place from the in-game financial institution. So long as players take and complete contracts for work, they should have no problem repaying their loans in full and expanding their empire.

Via: nintendoenthusiast.com

RELATED: Pre-Order Construction Simulator 2 On Switch For A Discount

Is The Game Enjoyable?

Without a doubt, Construction Simulator 2 is an enjoyable game that succeeds in bringing everything one expects to the portable Nintendo Switch. The game takes itself seriously, clearly outlining objectives and fining players who break the rules of the road. This can be turned off for newer players learning to maneuver heavy machinery, but the core point is that each job is meant to be treated as realistically as possible.

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The only caveat here is that simulator games are exactly that: a simulator of real-world conditions that will be loved by its target audience, but may have difficulty branching out to other players. Still, this is a great game for those who know what to expect from the genre.

In the long run, Construction Simulator 2 is sure to satisfy Nintendo Switch players for quite some time. After mastering all the machines, and that is no quick task, playing every so often becomes more of a relaxing and practiced experience. With a broad range of contracts to fulfill, one can casually pick up this game from time to time and still feel satisfied knowing that they are progressing in their levels, as well as through growing the business and paying off their loans to continue expanding even further.

Via: nintendoenthusiast.com

A Good Port, But New Features Would Have Been Great

These simulator games, be it for construction or the wildly popular Euro Truck Simulator 2, are often best played with the goal of being taken seriously and played like an enthusiast in their favorite hobby. This is to say that while one can, if they so choose, barrel down the street in their flatbed truck, smashing into every car in sight, the point is to take the tasks in the game seriously.

Construction Simulator 2 provides a space to engage in the world of construction in a way that is engaging, deep, and demands attention and practice to master all the machinery available. Whether in docked or handheld mode, the game feels like a good addition to the Nintendo Switch.

The only real downside is the lack of new features. With the game having already existed as early as 2017, it feels like a missed opportunity not to have additional contracts, machinery, and features. If one has played this game elsewhere, there is nothing new to experience outside of having the ability to play on-the-go, and even that is up for debate if one does not mind playing the iOS or Android version.

A review code for Construction Simulator 2 was provided to TheGamer for this review. Construction Simulator 2 is available now for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android.

Construction Simulator 2

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