Review in Progress: Early Access of inZOI

Crafting a life simulator that’s both enjoyable and reflective of reality is no small feat. Developers must strike a balance, offering enough creative freedom and customizability while imposing just enough rules to make choices realistic and challenging. All these elements need to be skillfully interwoven to create a satisfying gameplay experience. Recreating life, as it turns out, is a challenging endeavor, a sentiment even Dr. Frankenstein might agree with. But despite these complexities, Krafton seems to have made a commendable attempt with inZOI, based on what I’ve experienced during its Early Access phase. The game’s stunningly realistic visual appeal leaves a lasting first impression, and the ambitious underlying simulation systems initially come together in impressive harmony. However, as I immerse myself further into this world, the cracks in inZOI’s universe begin to appear, suggesting a world less dynamic than one might hope for.

Let’s address the obvious comparison: inZOI naturally invites comparisons to The Sims, a benchmark in the life simulation genre. Like The Sims, you assume the role of an all-seeing entity controlling virtual citizens as they navigate their lives, often with a delightful touch of chaos. Customize homes from the ground up, tweak each person’s features (in this world known as Zoi), and delve into the local drama. Your Zois have lives — jobs, schools, and a local area to explore, contingent upon how much free will you choose to grant them. While these surface-level similarities are apparent, Krafton’s take on this genre reveals its own unique flavor.

Starting anew in inZOI first requires crafting a household using the Character Creator Studio. Beyond picking names, genders, and ages, you also select a Trait that shapes your avatar’s personality. Among 18 traits like Authoritarian or Individualist, each selection provides a handy Characteristics sidebar which outlines how this choice impacts their in-game behavior. As a dedicated freelancer, I went with the Go-Getter trait, emphasizing work activities — an amusing detail being its penchant for holding onto nervousness longer than most Zois. In the ebb and flow of virtual life, liking or disliking fast food or fitness influences their mood further. While inZOI simplifies personality traits for convenience, it can occasionally feel limiting.

Customizing appearances, players can choose from a vast array of presets or utilize a more detailed approach, adjusting anchor points on your Zoi’s body and face. I chose a blend of methods, finding a close match and sculpting them to mirror myself. A broad palette of preset and custom colors allows for nuanced choices. Thanks to inZOI’s realistic style, my Zoi quickly took on a lifelike appearance, making the process of matching their makeup and hair to my own a delight.

What sets inZOI apart is undeniably its fashion sense. The creators insist on crafting nine distinct ensembles for different occasions, including formal attire, sleepwear, and season-appropriate outfits. Modern trends like cargo pants mingle with classics like military jackets, while t-shirts come in various lengths for endless mix-and-match potential. I spent significant time curating a Y2K-inspired look, complete with quirky leg warmers and an oversized baseball jersey. Despite some quirks with baggier clothing clipping, designing outfits was easily one of inZOI’s more polished and enjoyable features.

With your family assembled, the next task is securing a home. As of now, inZOI offers two locations: Dowon, inspired by Korean cities, and the Californian Bliss Bay. Players can construct their dream homes or select from pre-made lots. Each town includes a handful of communal spaces like shops, cafes, and parks. This is where the ambitious efforts of Krafton start to show wear. While the aesthetic details — like neon signs painting Dowon’s streets in vivid color — impress, a closer look reveals somewhat lifeless settings. These details, although meticulously designed, sometimes feel like mere facades.

This sense of emptiness persists in daily gameplay. I can manage my Zoi’s basic needs, but integrating them meaningfully into the game world proves challenging. The Go-Getter trait failed to significantly distinguish my Zoi’s activities, even when compared to others with contrasting traits. Dialogue often felt repetitive across different households, with conversations about Cryptocurrency and humility frequently popping up. Initially amusing, the repetition soon became somewhat monotonous, impeding relationship development.

Despite these shortcomings, inZOI excels in minute details. Functional treadmill displays or hyper-realistic food graphics add liveliness, making me feel my Zoi’s hunger pangs as they eat. Yet, these well-crafted moments starkly contrast the mundanity of repetitive interactions, reducing my Zoi to a sort of programmable automaton. Additional layers might emerge as they develop preferences and form friendships, though so far, across my 15-hour play session, such changes remain elusive.

inZOI is firmly in Early Access, evident from its current state. While the lifelike graphics and occasional detailed interactions offer depth, they coexist with unfinished, less immersive sections, sometimes leaving the world feeling sterile. Nevertheless, amid these shortcomings lies potential depth waiting to be unlocked. I’m eager to see how inZOI evolves, both in anticipation of its full potential and as I prepare a comprehensive review in the weeks to come.