The Corporate Machine
- March 25, 2015
- Stardock
Get on Steam"The Corporate Machine" is a strategy game that challenges players to build and manage their own corporations. Compete against AI-controlled rivals to expand your business, dominate markets, and increase profits. Balance research, production, and sales to outmaneuver your competitors and become a corporate titan.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Great, easy to play time waster with surprisingly complex gameplay.
- Nostalgic classic that offers a fun and engaging experience for fans of economic simulation games.
- The game provides a unique take on corporate strategy, allowing players to manage production, research, and marketing effectively.
- Outdated graphics and user interface that may not appeal to modern gamers.
- Frequent crashes and bugs that disrupt gameplay, making it frustrating at times.
- Limited content with only a few products to sell, leading to a desire for more variety and options.
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely criticized as outdated and of poor quality, with many reviewers noting that they detract from the overall experience. Despite the lackluster visuals and user interface, some players still find the gameplay enjoyable and entertaining, suggesting that the game can be fun if one can overlook its graphical shortcomings. Overall, while the graphics are a significant drawback, the game's engaging gameplay may still appeal to certain players.
“While some games are kind of ageless, others don't age that well.”
“The graphics and sound options in the game are basic, which can be a turn-off, but you can choose to turn off the game's music and overlook the graphics quality.”
“This is an updated version that runs on a modern computer without the need for extensive setup, but don't expect any graphic or sound quality updates.”
“Recommended, though because the graphics are such crap and you might have some doubts whether the game is a keeper, wait for the sale price.”
“Not only that but this is an updated version (as in it runs on a modern computer without the need for extensive set-up; don't expect any graphic/sound/quality of life updates) of what wasn't the best version of the game.”
“Terrible graphics.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay centers around achieving revenue targets to recruit salespeople and expand into new regions, offering an engaging premise with enjoyable elements and a level of tension. However, players note that the mechanics can be slow and may not function optimally, and the lack of guidance for newcomers detracts from the overall experience. While the graphics could be improved, the core gameplay remains appealing.
“The basic gameplay involves reaching revenue targets to attract new salespeople, who are used to dominate new regions.”
“Even without having read the manual, there are gameplay elements that are enjoyable and the basic premise has a great hook.”
“Yes, of course, the game could use improved graphics - but the gameplay is enjoyable and has a nice level of tension.”
“Slow gameplay.”
“I think the mechanics aren't working, to be honest.”
“The game is okay, but it lacks any sort of guide to help new players out and is fairly simple in its gameplay.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game demonstrates a mix of stability experiences; while it launches smoothly on Windows 10 Pro x64 without initial issues, players report frequent random freezes and lockups that hinder gameplay, reminiscent of older versions. Overall, the stability is inconsistent, with notable bugs persisting from previous iterations.
“It even has all the bugs that were never patched; random freezes, building graphics that don't upgrade, multiple lockups!”
“Just like the old days - except the game randomly freezes, you can hear the music, click/build stuff, but nothing gets done and time doesn't lapse.”
“Unfortunately, it freezes up often which is annoying.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is reminiscent of classic titles, but players have noted that it can be overshadowed by technical issues, such as random freezes. Additionally, the lack of volume control and basic graphics detracts from the overall experience, leading some to opt for turning off the music entirely.
“Just like the old days - except the game randomly freezes. You can hear the music, click/build stuff, but nothing gets done and time doesn't lapse.”
“The graphics and sound options in the game are not great. Basic graphics and no volume control are a turn-off, but you can turn off the game's music and ignore the graphics quality.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect is balanced between marketing and research, with marketing enhancing product appeal and research focusing on improving performance and cost-efficiency, ultimately benefiting profit margins.
“Marketing and research are roughly equal; the former provides unstated bonuses in sales by making the product more attractive, while the latter can enhance the performance, features, or cost-effectiveness of the product, ultimately improving your profit margin.”
