Constructor

Description

Constructor is one of those titles that managed to attract players with its unique blend of strategy, humour and urban simulation. The game puts the player in the role of an ambitious builder whose goal is to build an expanding environment full of houses, factory buildings and other structures, while simultaneously manipulating the inhabitants and negotiating with competitors.

What sets Constructor apart from other building games of the time is its unique approach to interacting with the urban population and exploiting different types of tenants. Players must not only construct different buildings, but also strategically manage different types of tenants, from hard-working laborers to oddball characters like hippies and gangsters. Each type of tenant has its own specific characteristics and game mechanics that can be the key to achieving success or, conversely, total failure.

Constructor's graphics may look dated today, but at the time of its release it managed to impress with its colourful and vibrant art style, which brought a lot of charm to the game. The animations are handled with attention to detail and add to the game's main charm. The soundtrack and music are also very well crafted, although they can feel repetitive after a long time.

The game is also renowned for its humour and satirical undertones which run throughout the game. From the ironic dialogues, to the crazy action situations, to the absurd quests, everything here is laugh-out-loud funny. This specific kind of humour is also one of the key elements that helped Constructor stand out in the competition of strategy games of the time.

As solidly designed as the game is, its pitfalls can be its difficulty and complexity. Players who are not used to quick and often chaotic decision making may soon be overwhelmed. The game's difficulty can become a deterrent, but those who enjoy a challenge will find it rewarding.

Constructor remains a gem among strategy games from the late 90s, and its unique mix of urban simulation, human resource management and vicious tactics ensures that it still has a place in the hearts of nostalgic gamers. For those who fancy a dose of humorous yet challenging strategy, Constructor is an experience worth discovering and retrospectively appreciating.