Jason is a movie monster
Publisher: Activision
Tue, 27 December 2005
by: Jason
Every so often a game comes along that doesn't fit into any of the pre determined genres, some fade into obscurity, while others define genres all on their own (Grand Theft Auto 3 for example). The Movies is one of these games, the closest comparison I could make is to something like the Sims, or possibly Playboy the Mansion. But, comparisons aside, The Movies is certainly something special.
I'm always a bit cautious of a game with a manual you could use to beat bears to death, but for once it isn't necessary to read the instructions of biblical proportions to understand what the hell is going on. The game provides a quick tutorial on the basics and then the helpful guides are selectable via the options menu.
 | | "But I had a vasectomy!?" |
The starting point for our game is the 1920s. when movie studios were springing up like wildflowers, with a bundle of cash and not much else you take on the task of running a movie studio...from scratch- i.e. a dirty great paddock to satisfy your every construction whim.
Anyone who has played any of the "Theme" games e.g.: theme park, theme hospital etc will find themselves instantly at home here). Staff will have to be hired; your studio employs many varied people from builders and janitors to stars and directors, all of whom need to be kept happy to varying degrees.
An example would be your stars (actors and directors)- they need to be watched fairly closely, if left to their own devices for too long they may develop a drinking problem or an eating disorder, which in turn will have a negative effect on their career. Then there is the question of your star's image, they require a makeover every so often.
The actual process of making movies is quite simple to begin with, you build sets, hire scriptwriters to write scripts, you assign stars to a script, your stars film the movie (you can even zoom in and watch this progress in real time), you release the movie, it makes money and the cycle begins again. After about 5 years of game time a custom scriptwriting facility becomes available, allowing you almost full control over every detail of your next blockbuster. This is closely followed by a research facility allowing access to new sets, costumes and props. With the construction of different sets you will be able to create movies of different genres like comedy, romance, action sci-fi and horror.
The control interface uses a click and hold method to select things that works well but the ability to drag stars and other studio staff off of their icons down the left side of the screen is especially helpful. If anything in this game there is almost too much to do and any of the components of the game could almost ship on their own. It is almost a full time effort to keep your studio clean and appealing; with hiring janitors, placing plants and statues, snack vans to feed your staff, restrooms for other needs. At times you can almost forget you're supposed to be making movies.
 | | The whole crew was excited to get rolling on "Duece Bigalow: Wild West Gigolo" |
While the graphics look ok initially, it's only when you zoom in on the action that you fully appreciate how much detail has gone into this. The sound is also quite fitting, with an almost constant stream of bleeps and whistles' telling you what is going on. Also, on the sound front, it is possible to add your own sound files to your movies for that personal touch.
We can probably all agree the point of movies is to be watched and that is exactly what happens next. If you happen to knock out a masterpiece then you can upload it to The Movies website and hopefully earn credits you can spend on more sets etc... With which to make another screen gem.
This is certainly an interesting and possibly addictive game; I found my self compelled to keep playing just to see what cool new sets and buildings for my studio I would unlock next. And I haven't even mentioned the starmaker software that comes with the game- fully allowing you to create your own stars from scratch (again almost a game in itself). This game WILL take up a large portion of your life, be prepared.
by: Jason
More articles by Jason
Finally a game that provides evidence all that time playing isn't wasted (unless you make another catwoman or something) | |
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