Model Builder Preview.

Publisher: Green Man Gaming Publishing

Developer: Moonlit S.A. / Kuba Wojcik

Platform: Windows/Steam (reviewed)

Release Date: January 27th, 2022

Price: TBA

To begin with, this is a demo and not all features are complete.

I have to admit, my first thought on seeing this was, “who thought this was a good idea?” Certainly, there are worse game concepts out there, such as “Shower with your dad simulator 2015.” No, I’m not kidding, that is totally a thing and Erik should review it. Anyway, this is the internet, there is a niche for anything, so let’s put this to the test and see if it's any fun to play.

Rather to my surprise, yes, it is fun to play. Model Builder is a simulation of, wait for it, model building. By this, I meant it's precisely what it says it is. You take the simulated model out of the simulated box, simulate separating the simulated parts from the simulated forms with your simulated scalpel. Once this is done, you arrange these parts into the proper order and move on to simulating the assembling, gluing and painting of the model. When finished, you can place your simulated model on a simulated shelf, so you can admire it for all time, or until your hard drive crashes anyway.

Wisecracks aside, the idea here is to experience the hobby without spending a lot of money or space on kits, or to practice a bit before tackling the real thing. There are two basic play modes — in the first, players follow the instructions after a tutorial, while in the second they have more freedom. Every model requires a different approach and as the player gains experience, they can use more complicated tools. There is a wide variety of models from cars to figurines and of course the Spitfire from the demo.

Not exactly a regulation paint job is it Carl?

I should emphasize it’s a simulator, not a shortcut. Model Builder makes the assembly process challenging and requires a lot of patience and is just as unforgiving as that model of the USS Johnston I build when I was 11, let's just say I had worse luck with that than the IJN did with the real ship. I should note that painting can be a bit easier here. You can use a sort of stencil for your pattern, or you can paint it freehand. This produces better outcomes than some of my creations, for example, the aforementioned model of the Johnston ended up purple and green. The sound effects are what you would expect, mellow piano and synthesizer tunes befitting the study of a noble creature such as yourself.

The controls are very well laid out, with everything very intuitive. Bottom line, it’s a surprisingly relaxing casual game and even attracted some notice from my eleven-year-old. If you like your modeling or just wish for a blast from your youth, download the demo and give Model Builder a try. The full game is set to hit the water on January 27, 2022.

The Good

Good design
Interesting concept

The Bad

Somewhat limited appeal
Unable to make completed models fight

Model Builder (PC) Preview