Project Highrise: Architect's Edition

Project Highrise: Architect's Edition is a great overall package for any sim fan to enjoy. Thanks to the DLC, there is a lot of content here to enjoy, and a really addicting experience to have. The scenarios could be a little more varied, but they all have their own set of unique challenges to overcome - not to mention, for those that prefer, the sandbox mode allows players to enjoy building any way they want. Playing on the Switch is generally a good experience, albeit the UI can pose some challenges to clarity on the screen, particularly in undocked mode. This is a title to pick up, though, and is sure to scratch the simulation itch for so many.

If long-form strategy/sim titles are your cup of tea, then Project Highrise was made for you. This is certainly not an everyman’s game, as those without an acquired taste may likely become very bored. In fact, one of my friends watched me play it for a few moments and (seemingly sarcastically) said: “Wow, you must have a lot of patience.” And they had a point: You need patience in this type of game, especially if you plan on going through all the scenarios. Still, it’s a rewarding experience once you get the hang of it all.

It’s such a pleasantly mellow time that hours can just vanish as you constantly think about doing just one more thing before calling it quits for the day. Something a little more ambitious might have been more interesting in the long run, but for what it is there’s still some fun to be had.

There’s lots to do in this game, there’s lots of challenge and it all works pretty smoothly. But Project Highrise just feels flat and never achieves the “just one more turn” level of addiction that I love in the best sim titles. Despite its strengths, including the extra content in the Architect’s Edition, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi that’s lacking – be it color, humor, variety, what have you – that had me just wishing I could hang up my hardhat after not too long.