Project Highrise

66%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,062 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Project Highrise Game Cover
For the curious and the creative, brimming with replay value, and fairly priced, Project Highrise is the game that SimTower should’ve been.
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Project Highrise is a tower building simulation game where you design, manage, and maintain your own skyscraper. Create gleaming office towers, accommodate residents, and fulfill contracts to become a successful highrise manager. The game offers updates with new tenants, office types, localization options, and holiday decorations to enhance your building experience.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

66%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,062 reviews
gameplay67 positive mentions
grinding65 negative mentions
  • Project Highrise is a modern take on SimTower, offering a nostalgic experience with updated mechanics.
  • The game provides a satisfying challenge in managing various tenant needs and utilities, making it engaging.
  • The art style is charming and the game runs smoothly, allowing for hours of enjoyable gameplay.
  • The game can become tedious with repetitive tasks, such as laying utility lines and managing tenant services.
  • There is a lack of depth in gameplay as it becomes easy to turn a profit once the initial challenges are overcome.
  • The interface can be clunky and some mechanics, like tenant happiness and service requirements, are poorly communicated.
  • gameplay279 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a blend of engaging mechanics and frustrating limitations. While some appreciate the strategic planning and new features compared to its predecessor, SimTower, others criticize the convoluted mechanics, repetitive gameplay, and various broken systems that detract from the overall experience. The game offers a decent challenge and can be enjoyable, but many feel it lacks depth and variety, leading to a sense of monotony over time.

    • “This game, while clearly taking cues from SimTower, is passable at best, but I don't think it matches the pure addiction of the SimTower gameplay loop.”
    • “The gameplay is good - I like the fact you need to plan the tower construction carefully, even in the scenarios, from where offices, homes, and commercial services go, adding in the needed facilities to make residents happy, and providing utilities to every floor and regular maintenance.”
    • “One of those games that have a base gameplay loop that just ends up being a positive feedback loop while still keeping challenge and making you consider and plan, which means it gets addictive fast.”
    • “Many things seem incomplete with the UI, building management system, reporting information, elevators, poorly implemented mechanics for certain systems, tenant dropouts when something goes wrong, and graphical glitches at the buildable/non-buildable space.”
    • “This game has several broken mechanics (e.g., there are numerous issues with how foot traffic is implemented), some arguably absurd mechanics (the 'grime' and 'renovation' concept is poorly implemented despite my discovering how to almost eliminate them entirely from the game), and severe balancing issues in terms of income and expenses. It has numerous UI/UX issues and doesn't even offer everything that SimTower provides.”
    • “The gameplay becomes repetitive, and after a couple of games, the mechanics are very boring. The renovation mechanic is game-breaking, and the overall gameplay lacks depth, making it feel like a mobile game.”
  • graphics184 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the unique art style and aesthetic charm reminiscent of classic titles like SimTower. However, several critiques highlight issues such as graphical glitches, a lack of variety in tenant appearances, and a simplistic design that may feel repetitive. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered decent and appealing, there is a consensus that improvements could enhance the overall experience.

    • “The graphics are super cute, and a huge step up from its ancestors.”
    • “In an age of asset-store games and copycat graphics, I love the unique art style here too.”
    • “The graphics are nice, the gameplay is good and it's a nice challenge at times.”
    • “Many things seem incomplete with the UI, building management system, reporting information, elevators, poorly implemented mechanics for certain systems, tenant dropouts when something goes wrong, and graphical glitches at the buildable/non-buildable space.”
    • “Where it lacks is in the aesthetic and vibe; way too many different unit types blend in graphically with bland beige and orange tones, and there aren't any iconic and charming sound effects like the rain, elevators, and offices of Sim Tower.”
    • “The graphics are not great, really, but they meet the need and fit well.”
  • music86 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its relaxing and jazzy qualities, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking variety, often likening it to elevator music. Some users suggest that the single soundtrack can become dull over extended playtime, recommending the use of personal music playlists instead. Overall, while the music contributes to a calming atmosphere, its limited selection detracts from the overall experience for some players.

    • “The music is killer and relaxing, the graphics are charming and well-designed, and the game performance is rock solid until your building is way beyond what most people will play to.”
    • “The music, the concept, the graphics, they’re all great.”
    • “The background music is chilling and the flat art is beautiful.”
    • “Unlike Sim Tower, this game has no sound effects, only music.”
    • “Not going to lie, it's just the one soundtrack on repeat which can get quite dull - highly recommend having music/Netflix or something in the background while playing!”
    • “The music is low-key and repetitive; it would have been great to have a few more tracks.”
  • grinding72 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, with players often feeling overwhelmed by micromanagement tasks such as laying utilities and managing tenant services. While some enjoy the nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic tower management games, many find the lack of dynamic gameplay and the need for constant attention to minor details detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration and boredom over time.

    • “You're actually running more of the things, like maintenance, upkeep, and manually running cables and pipes, but it's fun - not tedious.”
    • “It's not difficult but instead tedious, and there is little room for creativity.”
    • “Project Highrise is a thoroughly mediocre clone of SimTower that takes a game that was fairly simplistic to get going and makes it a complicated nightmare of micromanagement and grindy gameplay that leads to an experience that might as well be a clicker game.”
    • “However, here each tedious action seems irrelevant to the end product.”
  • story69 mentions

    The game features little to no narrative, focusing primarily on building mechanics and management challenges through various missions and scenarios. While players appreciate the depth of gameplay and the variety of missions, many express a desire for a more engaging story element to enhance the experience. Overall, the lack of a cohesive storyline is noted as a significant aspect, with gameplay centered around construction and management rather than narrative development.

    • “The building of the things is fun and good, and the 'story' scenarios have a good range of easy to ridiculously hard.”
    • “There is a great tutorial and enough scenario missions to keep you hooked for hours.”
    • “I've already put in over 100 hours into this game and there's always a new strategy to tackle or a mission to face head-on that feels satisfying afterwards.”
    • “There is no story element to the game, and the game was not challenging.”
    • “The game has very little to no story.”
    • “Short story: if you were a SimTower fan, this will probably come close, but it definitely won't satisfy your tower sim craving.”
  • replayability44 mentions

    The reviews on replayability are mixed, with some players praising the game for its depth and variety, leading to high replay value, while others criticize it for limited content and a lack of engaging endgame, resulting in low replayability. Many agree that while the game can be enjoyable and offers different scenarios, it may not justify a full-price purchase due to its finite nature. Overall, the consensus suggests that replayability varies significantly based on individual play styles and expectations.

    • “The gameplay has depth and complexity at just the right level, and I see much future replayability.”
    • “This game is just great; it has so much replayability. It sets you free on a large building simulator that doesn't hinder you if you don't want it, but it can also challenge you with scenarios.”
    • “It's fun to play and nearly impossible to have the same playthrough every time, making the replayability awesome!”
    • “Imo very low replayability due to the fact that after a thorough playthrough there is not much more to do but to go aesthetically, and in that respect, the graphics style just doesn't allow to fill that void.”
    • “You will see everything that Project Highrise has to offer in about 5 hours and there is almost no replayability.”
    • “There is no end game, and no real replayability.”
  • optimization15 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally solid, with smooth performance and appealing graphics; however, players report that it struggles with larger builds, leading to slowdowns and bugs in late-game scenarios. While some users appreciate the depth of optimization in space management, others express a need for further improvements, particularly in handling extensive structures and NPC patience levels. Developers are actively working on bulk editing optimizations, which may enhance the experience for players focusing on larger constructions.

    • “Space management and optimized arrangement of utilities and space really makes a difference.”
    • “When devs put in the optimizations in the building tools it will be a solid 10/10.”
    • “It could use some optimization as it gets a bit slow on larger builds.”
    • “You'd have to focus a lot on optimization because your NPCs would have patience levels waiting for an elevator and would move out of your building if their patience ran out.”
    • “I'm hoping that as I build bigger towers that performance isn't hindered.”
  • stability9 mentions

    The stability of the game is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and minimal bugs, others experience significant issues as their towers grow, including UI problems, mechanical glitches, and tenant dropouts. Late-game play tends to be particularly unstable, with optimization concerns for larger buildings. Overall, the game is frequently updated, which helps address some of the initial bugs, but stability remains a concern for many users.

    • “The game is challenging but not too challenging, and runs great on my laptop.”
    • “Everything runs well with no glitches or bugs.”
    • “My update is simply the game is loads of fun, easy to learn, easy to play, and the best part (the main reason for this update) is the game is constantly being updated with additional items, improvements, and fixes (though the game is not buggy in my experience).”
    • “Fun game at first, but once your tower gets to around 45 floors, it completely breaks down into a buggy mess.”
    • “Many things seem incomplete within the UI, building management system, reporting information, elevators, poorly implemented mechanics for certain systems, tenant dropouts when something goes wrong, and graphical glitches at the buildable/non-buildable space.”
    • “It's also not very well optimized to run huge buildings, so late game is buggy and kind of easy.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its funny gameplay, hidden jokes, and clever references to popular culture. While some critiques mention a lack of depth compared to other city-building games, the comedic elements, such as quirky neighbor complaints, contribute to an enjoyable experience. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with engaging scenarios, making it a fun choice for players.

    • “It's not perfect, but managed well mods and is quite complete and funny to play.”
    • “Lots of hidden humor and references to famous lore.”
    • “Good graphics, funny gameplay and challenging scenarios, that is all I ever need in a game.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization strategies of the games discussed have drawn mixed reactions, with some players frustrated by the reliance on microtransactions and in-app purchases, particularly in mobile versions that suffer from content stripping and excessive wait times. In contrast, other titles are praised for their lack of microtransactions, providing a more enjoyable experience without the financial pressure. Overall, the sentiment reflects a desire for fair monetization practices that enhance rather than detract from gameplay.

    • “What a relief to have a game available like this that does not have microtransactions.”
    • “The game is heavily inspired by an old Maxis game known as SimTower and yes, even a bit of TinyTower. However, unlike TinyTower, which is a free-to-play mobile game with ridiculous wait times, in-app purchases, and microtransactions, Project Highrise keeps the experience engaging without those interruptions.”
    • “Unlike TinyTower, which I got bored of in a couple of minutes due to its microtransactions and wait times, Project Highrise offers a more fulfilling gameplay experience.”
    • “The gameplay has issues that could be fixed and the AI requires a whole new rewrite, but instead of either fixing Project Highrise or using it as a foundation for Project Highrise 2, which has all the potential to be a much better tower sim than the actual SimTower, they decided to develop this huge step back with a gangster theme. They have neglected the mobile version for years, stripping it of content and drip-feeding it via microtransactions. Known bugs that probably require a one-minute fix, such as re-linking the broken instance of communal areas not registering for one of the contracts, have been there for a year, with the developers knowing it, and we’ve got no fix as of today.”
    • “The game is heavily inspired by an old Maxis game known as SimTower and even a bit of TinyTower. However, unlike TinyTower, which is a free-to-play mobile game with ridiculous wait times, in-app purchases, and microtransactions, Project Highrise is much more engaging. Unfortunately, the monetization model of TinyTower made me bored within a couple of minutes.”
    • “The game is heavily inspired by an old Maxis game known as SimTower and even a bit of TinyTower. However, unlike TinyTower, which is a free-to-play mobile game with ridiculous wait times, in-app purchases, and microtransactions, Project Highrise is much more engaging. Unfortunately, the monetization model of TinyTower made me bored within a couple of minutes.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its great animations and relaxing ambiance, contributing to an enjoyable and fun experience. Reviewers consistently highlight the overall quality of the atmosphere, rating it around 8/10.

    • “It produces such a great atmosphere and relaxing feeling.”
    • “Very nice atmosphere and great game all around.”
    • “Great animations and atmosphere, and easy and fun to play.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized, with players feeling it lacks depth and engagement, comparing the experience to a mundane task like filling in an Excel spreadsheet. However, the realistic music and sound effects effectively immerse players in the bustling environments of cities like New York and London, despite the overall unsatisfying emotional connection.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

56% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
27hAverage play time
5-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 31 analyzed playthroughs

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