There’s a simulator for just about everything, which explains why Chinese Parents—a simulator about, well, Chinese parents—exists. Developer Coconut Island announced that the game will be hitting the Nintendo Switch this summer, so if you’ve ever been struck by the urge to wrestle your family members for red envelopes while on the go, now’s your chance. The game was only recently translated into English, but has sold over 2.3 million copies since hitting Steam in 2018.
In Chinese Parents, you play as a Chinese child from birth to the age of 18. Players invest points in various skill categories such as physical ability, emotional capacity, intelligence, and even artistic talent. Live your life as you please, but be warned: the “Gaokao”, otherwise known as the most important examination in a Chinese child’s life, looms just over the horizon; how you spend your time during your childhood will determine whether or not you pass the exam, get into university, and snag your dream career. Maybe Mom made one or two points.
Will you have a relaxed, easy-going childhood? Or are you going to go full tiger parent and have your child cram their way into a top university? The choice, as with all simulation games, is up to you, but balancing your child's achievements with their stress bar is no easy feat. An overabundance of stress will lead to your child developing a "negative personality", which the Chinese culture and the game consider undesirable.
In addition to the usual point investment aspect of most simulation games, Chinese Parents also has its fair share of mini-games. From tile matching to knock off Pokémon duels, this game has it all. You can even choose to date, and if you get invested in your child and don’t want to let them go after the fateful exam day, you can play as their child and continue the family from generation to generation.
Chinese Parents puts a playful slant on the stereotypical portrayal of Chinese childrearing, as much satire as it is critique. While the game can be a little clunky—it was developed by a team of two when it first released—it maintains a cheeky, campy charm that will certainly translate well to the Nintendo Switch.
Source: Gematsu