When it comes to public transportation, in my experience there’s really no place more chaotic or better than the London Underground (it all depends on who you ask, the time of day, the moon’s alignment… and other(worldly) factors). Some even believe they have what it takes to make that whole thing run without a hitch. I say they’re mad, but with Overcrowd: A Commute ‘Em Up, we’ll be able to find out.
If you’re like me, the above screenshot is bound to bring about memories of a simpler time. One of emptying park attendants’ pockets by selling cheap salty fries and overpriced drinks nearby, in Theme Park. That’s what Overcrowd: A Commute ‘Em Up reminds me of, anyway, what with all its business stuff and people to manage, ensuring no one gets lost trying to find the right platform (which happens more often than you’d think on the tube).
Whether it will hook me as much remains to be seen, but I am definitely liking the game’s potential. For greatness that is, because what’s not to like about the idea of being in charge of the tube, the everyday lives of millions in your hands, staff to manage, and so on? Might also be a good idea to work towards turning a profit amidst it all, for you won’t get far without money. Neither in life nor… in-game.
There’s a lot to manage too, seeing how “everything from bin emptying, generator refueling, power, litter collection, heat, commuter AI and staff activities are simulated down to the individual level”. Wow. Hopefully, the interface will be up to the task, because keeping track of all that is going to be a nightmare otherwise. That said, if someone doesn’t know where to go, there’s always the option to have staff usher them (or put up additional signs for a more long-term solution).
Speaking of which, much like that of your average commuter, staff members also have needs, and you’ll want to make sure these are taken care of as well. Unless you fancy dealing with a walkout (note: I don’t know if that’s actually in the game, but still), of course. And while we’re at it, how about those pesky criminals? Yeah. How to deal with them? Well, there’s the classic “make sure you have enough employees at hand”. Alternatively… actually, that’s it. Simply have staff incarcerate or eject any troublemakers.
As for everything else, eh, just do your best to balance it all, making sure that fancy tech tree becomes your new best friend so that upgrades can be acquired in a timely manner, alongside new equipment and other useful luxuries. Oh, and above all else, be sure to… mind the gap!
Overcrowd: A Commute ‘Em Up will be available on Steam, come Spring 2019.
