Developer: Weltenbauer
Publisher: Astragon Entertainment
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Switch
Tested on: Switch
Construction Simulator 2 US – Console Edition (Switch) – Review
Last year, we reviewed Construction Simulator 2 US Console Edition that came out for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. While the game’s mechanics proved to be very realistic, the graphical quality of the game was somewhat unimpressive. Almost a year later we get to relive the game on Nintendo’s Switch. While we wondered if there were any changes, or if the game used any of the Switch’s unique capabilities, we were disappointed to see that the game was a direct port.
Story
Just like in the other version, you get to select a character from different genders or ethnic groups, which allows each person to find a character that fits him/her or just to make a cool persona for your company. Pete is back with his tutorial level and after completing his little refreshment course, you are good to start your first job. The classic side-by-side conversations are also back and they can be nicely read on the Switch’s screen without the need for glasses.
Graphics
It seems that the graphics have been simplified even more to make the game run better on the Switch. The original game did not have high definition assets to begin with, so it seemed like it was made ready for the handheld console, yet the fact that it took a year for a port to happen means that the developers had to shave even more details off to make it run smoothly. Sadly, there are still frequent frame drops present during the gameplay.
Sound
The sound hasn’t changed from the other version. The music and effects play out nice on both handheld and docked mode. The music is again the typical southern country music that sets the mood just right for working in the hot American sun. The sound effects do the trick and sound more than realistic enough for this type of game. As it’s a simulator, you won’t be treated to something you wouldn’t expect.
Gameplay
Construction Simulator 2 US Switch Edition is, as you may already have guessed, a simulator game about construction work. Put on your steel-tipped shoes, bring your Hard Hat and start doing construction work for the city. In the beginning, you will select a character and name your company. As it has been some years since you have worked in construction, you shall enlist the help of Pete to dust off those skills and run a little tutorial course. After the exam, you will be able to start doing work in the city. Your first job is a familiar one (to those who have played the console version): fixing a broken pipe at someone’s house. This job will require a new vehicle and Pete will tell you that you can either buy them or rent them for a small fee. The bulldozer is on the house, so you can start your firm with a few tools of the trade.
During the job, you will notice that the game has kept its realism and works pretty well on the Switch. The exception is the frequent frame drops during driving around, which might be due to the many cars spawning in on the roads and the lower processing power that the Switch has. Controlling the vehicles feels a bit worse compared to the other version as inputs seem delayed and button presses aren’t that responsive. Apart from that, everything runs decently enough to enjoy the title on the go or at home.
The gameplay is slow just like how it should be and for this reason, we wouldn’t really recommend playing this game too much when you are out. Given the limited battery life, you might find yourself digging a hole into boredom rather than enjoying something better. There are no content cuts, so you still have the same jobs and the same vehicles. No noticeable content was added and it seems that they only reworked the graphics a bit. They also didn’t take any of the Switch’s hardware functions into consideration such as certain motion controls or the usage of the touch screen.
Conclusion
While Construction Simulator 2 US was a decent game on the bigger consoles, it feels that for a Switch title it falls a bit short. The core element of the Switch is either easy multiplayer or portability, and while the multiplayer aspect can be easy dismissed, this isn’t a game that we can advise playing on the go. The gameplay is slow because it is a realistic simulator title, yet you wouldn’t want to get caught with a low battery when tackling a job, because those things take time. The game is a direct port with only the graphics toned down a bit. It is advised to rather get it in its full glory on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One if you have those platforms at your disposal. If you only own a Switch, then this one is worth considering when it drops in price.
Construction Simulator 2 US - Console Edition (Switch) – Review,
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