While Outpost Kaloki X looks like a simulation title, it's more of a puzzle game. The idea of building things to attract customers, even in the quirky environment of Kaloki, should lead to some strategy. Instead, its objectives ensure it's closed from the player's ideas, and forces them to follow a specific path to complete them.
There are two story modes here, each with a different take on the universe the game is set inside. While enjoyable with its light nature and catchy music, its game play doesn't break out of a confined space. You'll be presented with a space station, and need to lay down specific types of structures to appeal to the needs/wants of the traveling patrons. You only have so many spaces to do so. That means each new addition is critical.
The problem is that it's too specific. From the objectives, you'll immediately know what needs to be built. For instance, if the area needs science buildings, you'll make money from those. Sure, you can build other structures, but the game is set in its ways and it's usually pointless to build anything else. You won't have any space consumers stepping into an arcade in an area based on science, and vice versa.
This rigid nature means you'll need to build exactly what the mission is asking for within the time limit. There's little to no leeway. It takes away what should be the game's selling point and its place in the genre. It's not strategy, so it's hard to place it. There is a sandbox mode that lets you build what you want, though since this lacks any type of goal, growth system, or any real point, time spent here is basically wasted. It's a shame too, because there's an excellent console strategy game hidden here.
Kaloki isn't deep, and the interface is easy to understand and flip through. Small text is a major problem, though that becomes the sole complaint of the menu system. Its clean look produces a decent overall presentation without much in the way of heavy detailing.
Eventually, there's that off chance Kaloki will get a sequel (this is really only an update of a PC title), and hopefully the structure will allow for open game play. That's the only thing it really needs to break open and become memorable. Outpost Kaloki just can't fit in as it plays now.
Outpost Kaloki X is a rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence.
Article comments
1 - Josh
This game seemed like there was a lot of strategy in later levels, especially if you want to make the gold times. Did you play a lot of levels and still feel like it lacked strategy?
There also seem to be a lot of gamer points evenly spaced throughout the levels. You could easily pick up more than 20 :)
2 - Steve Taylor
Hi. Thanks for the review. I'm sorry you were disappointed with the game, but I'm grateful to hear your opinion about it! I hope you don't mind a couple of quick comments:
If you have the chance to play some of the later levels or separate challenges (such as the Survival levels), I think you might find a bit more strategy involved, but I understand that you have other games to play. These levels still fall within the constraints of the game system, of course, so they may not affect your opinion.
The text size was an interesting problem and we actually spent a lot of time working on it. It's a text-heavy game, and fitting everything on the screen was not easy. If you happen to be playing the game in high definition, you can scale the UI up and down to your liking in the Options screen. Naturally, this is not very helpful for people playing in normal TV resolution... :)
Thanks,
-- Steve Taylor
-- NinjaBee
3 - Atoyot
My daughter and wife both love this game, so we had to buy it. Then they had to teach me how to play. I like it. Simple, fun, and a game you can play with your kids. If Oblivion wasn't sucking up all my time, I would be playing this one even more. Also, don't forget all the downloadable content.
4 - Ken Edwards
This is one of those XBLA games that does give you downloadable content. Not to mention FREE levels, not just the for-pay ones.
That was a nice comment by Steve Taylor, as I had missed any options to change the text size.
5 - Case
This is actually the only original (OK, it was a PC title before, but I mean it didn't come out on an Atari or Genesis first) XBLA game that I liked the demo of. A little pricey for what it is, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. To me it actually has a high level of replay value too due to the time challenges.
Very fun game, no complaints about text size or lack of flexibility. One of the few Marketplace items I would suggest buying.