Constructor Classic 1997 (2017)

Developer: System 3
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Simulation
Rating: 4.4 of 5, 86 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 4.1 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A cynical city-building simulation where you ruthlessly outmaneuver rivals through resource management and shady tactics.

strategiccompetitivecutthroatresource managementsatiricaltensepunishing

What players say

Players mostly buy it for nostalgia, but they say it aged poorly and is harder than the PS1 version. The game is chaotic, tenants and councils constantly frustrate, and save often is good advice. Some report missing multiplayer.

Screenshots

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More by System 3 Software

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.