JudgeSim, is a game that is about the fight against crime as well as the fight against poverty and family issues. In this game we are a judge in a corrupt country called Banana Republic.
What is Banana Republic? Well, you should give the game a try and you will soon understand it without the need for any further explanation. From what I have experienced, I can easily say that the developers did a great job of portraying the idea of a ‘corrupt’ country so well.
You start your journey as a Judge in small area with few cases. Don’t get me wrong, the area might be small but the dreams of the criminals are big. With the “reap what you sow” mentality, working as a man of honour and dignity has only led to endless demands from family and possible abandonment because you can’t give them what they want. Not only does the game teach you how to be a good judge, but it also teaches you how to be a responsible father as well.
As a responsible father, I lost all my money gambling. Also, the more I played, the more I thought that my wife should find a job as soon as possible so we can cover our bills. With those problems in mind,you look for an escape in gambling or in drinking in the game. I don’t know if it’s one of the perks of being a banana republic, but: Alcohol prices in the game are getting higher and higher. So alcohol is not going to solve anything, you guys!
As you continue to solve the cases, you might get the feeling that the game is constantly throwing a few boring cases in your way, but that is not the case. There are well-crafted details, witty clues and so much more on in almost every case. JudgeSim shows us that there’s no need for fancy graphics or flashy mechanics to have a good game. The game succeeds in drawing you in and making you feel part of this chaotic world. The game constantly tests your morality, either by threatening you if you don’t let some criminals slide away or by offering you money to change your mind about a case.
Apart from these details, I felt that the game was a little longer than I had hoped. After a while I got bored and pushed myself to finish the game. I’ve heard that the game has different endings, maybe it’s just me, but the ending I got wasn’t satisfying and felt pointless. I hoped to see more interactive relationship with our family. Some dialogues or some events as a family. Also there is a mini-game system that you have to interact with in order to see clues regarding your case, for me those mini-games was not fun and complicated. // p.s: my favorite child is my son as he rarely asks for money.
Summary:
JudgeSim is a breath of fresh air. The game draws you in and lets you become a Sherlock in your own world for a while. As long as you play the game with a break every now and then, I think the game will give you a pleasant experience from start to finish.
– Graphics: 7/10
– Sound & Music: 8/10
– Gameplay: 8/10
– My point for the game is solid 7.6 / 10