Model Builder
- February 8, 2022
- Moonlit S.A.
- 14h median play time
"Model Builder" is a simulation game that allows players to create and customize their own model kits. Choose from a variety of tools and materials to bring your designs to life in a relaxing, zen-like atmosphere. With realistic physics and attention to detail, this game is perfect for both hobbyists and model kit enthusiasts.
Reviews
- The game offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for model building enthusiasts, allowing players to paint and assemble models without the mess of real-life materials.
- The variety of models available is impressive, catering to different interests such as tanks, planes, and fantasy figures, with the potential for more content in the future.
- The developers are responsive to feedback and actively working on patches to improve the game, showing a commitment to enhancing the player experience.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs, including issues with models disappearing, progress not saving, and performance problems that can hinder gameplay.
- The painting mechanics can be frustrating, with airbrush tools sometimes applying paint inconsistently, leading to tedious and time-consuming processes.
- The user interface and controls can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult for players to navigate and interact with models effectively.
- story42 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story mode is described as enjoyable and intriguing, featuring a heartfelt backstory involving a protagonist and their grandfather, with various missions that can be both fun and laborious. However, players have reported significant bugs that hinder story progression, such as missing parts and soft locks, which detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the concept and the length of the story mode, others find it frustrating due to these technical issues.
“Thoroughly enjoying this sim, relaxing and so far the story is intriguing.”
“Currently around 30 models available in the base game with various color schemes and a great story mode that's around 15 hours of fun if you are in a hurry, or a lot more if you want your story mode models to be absolutely perfect.”
“It's quaint and has a nice, heartfelt backstory.”
“Something about a grandpa I don't remember because I may as well read a story about a second coat of paint drying in the Sahara... and it would still be more interesting.”
“I encountered a story progress bug where I had no choice but to start over.”
“I'll change this when the story campaign of the game is actually playable.”
- gameplay41 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it monotonous and lacking in engaging mechanics, while others appreciate the casual modeling experience and the depth of the painting and assembly processes. Many users noted that the game starts simply but gradually introduces more complexity, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate simulation games. Overall, while the gameplay can be relaxing and well-constructed, it may not satisfy those seeking more challenging or varied mechanics.
“The music fits well, and there seems to be a nicely constructed gameplay mechanic underpinning career mode.”
“It starts easy but you can already see that the levels will become much harder with more pieces and paint jobs, but also more fun. The game starts very well and is simple enough to understand the mechanics, like spraying, dry painting, using a wash, and so on.”
“So far I've played career mode, which plays similarly to how other simulator games do, and it works well as a guide through the different models, with complexity in mechanics and steps generally increasing as you go.”
“The gameplay is a symphony of boredom, where you're subjected to the mindless task of arranging virtual pieces in a way that would make even the most dedicated insomniac yearn for more excitement.”
“It's almost as if the developers wanted to create an auditory experience that perfectly mirrors the soul-sucking nature of the gameplay.”
“Based on the lack of content, forced mechanics, and the general tone of the game, it's just not up to the task for the price point it pulls.”
- optimization31 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting poor performance, low framerates, and crashes, particularly on higher settings. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, the consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization updates to enhance performance and stability. Despite these issues, there is hope among players for future improvements from the developers.
“I think there is a lot of room for performance optimization.”
“The game definitely needs some polish and optimization, but as it is, it's still quite an amazing and soothing experience.”
“The game needs optimization though and Steam Workshop support would greatly enhance its longevity.”
“Sadly, the last update completely broke the game for me; I can't pass 5 fps in-game despite buttery performance previously.”
“The game needs some optimization updates; it runs at 25-50 fps at ultra on my 4060 Ti 16GB.”
“However, the game is very unoptimized from a performance standpoint.”
- stability31 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- -6 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Many recommend saving often to avoid losing progress due to these issues, and while some appreciate the game's concept, the overall experience is marred by its instability, making it difficult to recommend in its current state.
“I would not hesitate to re-buy if there is confirmation that this is bug-free.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes or glitches, making for a seamless experience.”
“I've played for hours without encountering any issues, which speaks volumes about its stability.”
“This game is broken...buggy as hell... it won't always save your game and when it does, you come back and your completed models are no longer completed.”
“I like the idea of this game but it's far too buggy and broken for me to recommend, to the point where it took me three tries to get through the tutorial as I kept encountering progress-blocking bugs that required a restart each time.”
“Game premise is fun, but freezes and game-breaking bugs have ruined the experience.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the aesthetic appeal and realism of the models, while others criticize the visuals as outdated and lacking detail. Many users report performance issues, including crashes and lag, particularly when adjusting graphic settings, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, some players find the graphics enjoyable and fitting for the game's concept.
“For people who genuinely enjoy this kind of stuff, the game seems to be great though, great graphics and a good user interface.”
“It's graphically pleasing and seems to run swiftly enough for me in full detail at 1440p.”
“This game has truly made me happy, in a modern world with new features and groundbreaking graphics.”
“Graphically, Model Builder manages to achieve the impressive feat of being simultaneously bland and outdated.”
“The visuals lack any semblance of artistic flair or attention to detail, making one wonder if the developers accidentally stumbled upon a time machine that transported them straight from the early 2000s.”
“Graphics aren't good, but still it drains my computer out and movement is quite slideshow.”
- music14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it generic and uninspiring, while others appreciate its chill and relaxing qualities that complement the gameplay. A few users noted that the soundtrack could benefit from more variety or options, such as the ability to integrate streaming services. Overall, while the music may not be universally appealing, it fits well within the game's atmosphere for those who enjoy its style.
“No timers, no pressure, and some chill music playing in the background.”
“The music fits well; and there seems to be a nicely constructed gameplay mechanic underpinning career mode.”
“Cool, nice looking game, have relaxing soundtrack as well.”
“The soundtrack makes me want to jump out my basement window though.”
“Could use more music options, or something like the ability to play a streaming service in the background would be great.”
“- the music is an acquired taste.”
- grinding13 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, particularly due to the repetitive nature of model building and painting, which can feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience. Issues such as inconsistent controls, bugs that hinder progress, and the need to repeatedly complete the same models for achievements contribute to a frustrating grind. While some appreciate the concept and effort of the developers, many express a desire for improvements to reduce the grind and enhance overall enjoyment.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Now that is useful for their insanely grindy achievement of 50k; after story and side missions, I was only at about 16k.”
“Update after playing several more hours: the game has become very tedious and I have little desire to work with it any longer.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt backstory, which resonates deeply with players, often evoking strong feelings and even tears.
“I almost shed a tear right there and then.”
“It's quaint and has a nice, heartfelt backstory.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express a desire for the monetization model to evolve, suggesting that it could serve as an effective advertising platform for companies, similar to CD Projekt Red's approach, by showcasing upcoming models, tools, and paints.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is appreciated for its relatable moments, particularly when it playfully frustrates players by hiding the final piece, evoking a sense of real-life annoyance that adds to the comedic experience.
“It's quite funny when it decides to hide the final piece, creating that little bit of annoyance that feels just like losing something in real life, haha.”
“The humor in the game is spot on, with clever jokes and witty dialogue that keep you laughing throughout.”
“I love how the game uses absurd situations to create humor; it never fails to catch me off guard and make me chuckle.”