Early Access Review of inZOI: In Progress

Crafting a life simulator that’s both engaging and reflective of reality is no small feat. The challenge lies in finding the sweet spot between giving players enough creative freedom and imposing rules that make choices feel both realistic and rewarding. It requires designers to seamlessly connect these player decisions in a way that feels gratifying. It’s a tough gig—hats off to you, Dr. Frankenstein, for diving into those murky waters first! Yet, despite the inherent difficulties, Krafton has thrown their hat into the ring with inZOI, and based on my experience with its Early Access launch, it’s a commendable effort. Visually, the game leaves a striking impression with its vibrant, realistic aesthetic. Initially, the gameplay systems present themselves with an impressive synchronicity, yet the more time I spend in inZOI’s universe, the more apparent the cracks become, making the world feel emptier than initially anticipated.

From the get-go, the unavoidable comparison to The Sims comes to mind. inZOI is trying to not only draw inspiration from but perhaps even compete with this iconic series. Here, you take on the role of an all-powerful overseer, orchestrating the lives of characters, or Zois, guiding them through their daily routines, and occasionally, a bit of chaos. You can construct homes from the ground up and customize every aspect of your Zoi. They can take on jobs, head to school, or roam their neighborhood with varying degrees of autonomy based on your whims. These introductory parallels to The Sims dissolve quickly once you delve into the unique elements Krafton brings to this genre.

Starting a new game involves creating a household through the Character Creator Studio, where details like your avatar’s name, gender, and age are complemented by selecting a defining Trait. With 18 Traits such as Authoritarian or Individualist, each provides a snapshot of how your choice influences their in-game behavior. Embracing my identity as a hardworking freelancer, I went with the Go-Getter Trait, which adds an endearing bit of realism by holding onto nervousness a bit longer than other Zois. As the Zoi navigates life’s ups and downs, their personality further develops through likes and dislikes, ranging from fast food to exercise, affecting their mood. While this feature simplifies personality choices into straightforward options, it occasionally feels a bit constrained.

Visually, you can select from an extensive list of presets or get meticulous, sculpting your Zoi’s appearance down to the smallest detail. I found balance by choosing a preset resembling my features and tweaking it further. The game offers both preset colors and a nuanced color picker for greater variety, allowing for a surprisingly lifelike representation. I enjoyed coordinating my Zoi’s hairstyle and makeup, enhancing the realism.

What truly sets inZOI apart is its fashion element. During creation, you assign nine outfits, catering to different scenarios, from formal events to lounging at home, or adapting to seasonal weather. The clothing range spans from contemporary items like cargo parachute pants to classic military or leather jackets. Basic tees come in varied lengths, providing ample room for personal flair. I delighted in assembling a Y2K-inspired ensemble, complete with leg warmers and Doc Marten look-alikes. Despite some minor flaws, like bigger clothing pieces clipping awkwardly with the characters, this aspect of the game felt notably refined and was a joy to explore.

Once you’ve sorted out your family, it’s time to secure a place to live. inZOI currently offers two locations: the Korean-inspired city of Dowon and the sunny Bliss Bay in California. You have the choice to construct your own house or settle into a pre-designed lot. Each town features a handful of public spaces like shops and parks. It was here that the precarious balance of Krafton’s ambitious project began to reveal its frailties. While Dowon dazzles with its vivid neon signs and Bliss Bay offers serene coastal vibes, spending more time in these spaces exposed an underlying emptiness. The vibrant signs often adorn vacant buildings, and the sun’s rays highlight immobile set pieces. Though the illusion of a lively environment is present and appreciated—with charming touches like a faux McDonald’s bringing a smile—there’s an undeniable feeling of superficiality.

This sense of hollowness extended into my Zoi’s everyday life. Despite managing their basic needs, like hunger and cleanliness, integrating them into the digital culture proved challenging. My choice of the Go-Getter Trait seemed inconsequential in daily activities, as did the oppositional personalities assigned to other Zois. Attempting to diversify my household hit similar roadblocks, with repetitive conversations surfacing regardless of which character I controlled. Topics like cryptocurrency humorously popped up in conversation trees, losing their charm after repeated occurrences and making it feel like relationships weren’t progressing.

There’s a certain charm to realistic elements—like your Zoi’s treadmill displaying stats, or the detail in their meals—so lifelike it made me hungry alongside them. However, these well-designed actions emphasize the lackluster alternatives, sometimes making interactions feel mechanical. Over time, my Zoi appeared less an individual with depth and more a slightly autonomous puppet, going through motions without significant meaning. While it’s possible that the experience will broaden as my Zoi expands their social circle, the roughly 15 hours I’ve invested thus far haven’t shown substantial evolution.

inZOI’s Karma system does offer a refreshing angle, penalizing or rewarding Zois based on their decisions. Choices accompanied by a yin-yang icon indicate how actions affect their Karmic score. While initially cynical, the system’s eventual impact was surprising. After sending my Zoi on a negative streak at the park, it took a shift towards positive behavior to finally achieve success with a stubborn claw machine. Karma adds a subtle boundary to test, although more varied actions influencing the score would enhance the experience further.

There’s much left to uncover before a final verdict, including diving deeper into aspects like careers, vehicles, and the intricacies of building structures. As an Early Access game, inZOI certainly feels like a work in progress. The life-like graphics and detailed interactions often contrast with the rougher, less immersive elements, creating an occasional sterile atmosphere. Yet, embedded within these rough patches is surprising depth. I’m eager to see if inZOI can fulfill its lofty promises, both down the line and as I prepare to give my final review of this launch version in the coming weeks.