inZOI Early Access: A Review in Progress

Creating a life simulator that’s both entertaining and true to reality is no easy feat. It’s about finding that perfect blend of customization and creativity while maintaining enough structure to make decision-making feel authentic and challenging. Developer Krafton seems to have embraced this challenge head-on with inZOI, as seen from its Early Access version that I’ve recently explored. The game makes a striking first impression with its stunningly realistic graphics and ambitious simulator mechanics that initially work in harmony. However, as I spend more time navigating inZOI’s universe, I’ve noticed a few cracks appear, leaving the world feeling somewhat emptier than anticipated.

First things first, the elephant in the room: inZOI inevitably draws parallels with The Sims, a franchise it clearly admires and aspires to rival. You step into the shoes of an all-seeing entity, crafting and guiding your digital citizens, or “Zoi,” through their often tumultuous lives. You can construct homes from the ground up, tweak every detail of your Zoi’s appearance, and embroil them in local drama. Your Zois have careers, attend school, and explore their surroundings, exercising as much or as little autonomy as you grant them. But once you dig deeper, Krafton’s unique spin on the life-simulation genre starts to emerge.

Jumping into a new game means first creating a household with the Character Creator Studio. Here you choose names, genders, ages, and even a Trait that shapes their personality. With 18 options ranging from Authoritarian to Individualist, each Trait provides insights on how it influences in-game behavior. I went with the Go-Getter trait, perfect for a freelancer, which amusingly holds onto nervousness more than other Zois. As your Zoi lives out their virtual life, they’ll develop further, discovering likes and dislikes like fast food or fitness that impact their mood. While inZOI offers convenient personality archetypes, they can sometimes feel a bit restrictive.

In terms of appearance, you can choose from a variety of presets or dive into meticulous tweaking of your Zoi’s features. I enjoyed mixing these options, striving for a likeness to myself. Color customization is rich, enhancing your choices with realism. Thanks to inZOI’s authentic visual style, I ended up with a Zoi who looked quite lifelike, and I had a blast matching their hair and make-up to my own.

The character customization doesn’t stop there. What really sets inZOI apart is its fashion aspect. You’ll assemble nine different outfits, including both everyday and occasion-specific wear. The selection spans trendy cargo pants to timeless leather jackets. With so many combinations possible, it’s easy to get immersed in crafting the perfect look. I spent ages creating a throwback Y2K ensemble with leg warmers and an oversized jersey. The system does have some hiccups, like occasional clothing clipping issues, but it remains one of inZOI’s more refined features, making the dress-up element truly enjoyable.

Once your family is ready, it’s time to find them a home. inZOI offers two locales: the bustling, Korean-inspired Dowon City and serene Bliss Bay, reminiscent of California’s coastline. You can either construct a new home or settle into a pre-made one. Each area includes a handful of public spots, like cafes and parks. But it’s here I first noticed inZOI beginning to reveal its imperfections. The vibrant neon glow of Dowon and the calming sunsets of Bliss Bay are visually captivating, yet feel somewhat superficial. Buildings sometimes feel empty, their vibrant exteriors masking a lack of true depth. Though I admired the world’s crafted aesthetics – especially a cheeky rendition of a famous fast-food chain – I couldn’t escape the sense of an elaborate facade.

This sense of emptiness extends into the Zoi’s lives. I could manage basic needs like appetite and cleanliness but struggled to feel integrated into the digital world. Despite my choice of the Go-Getter trait, I didn’t notice much impact on daily activities, nor did contrasting traits for my Zois seem to make a difference. Even interactions tended to repeat, with topics like cryptocurrency frequently popping up, amusing at first but tiresome over time, making relationship progression feel stunted.

Initially delightful details, like a realistic treadmill display or enticing food, highlighted this discrepancy. They’re well-executed, yet other, more repetitive elements felt less warm. As I logged more hours, my Zoi seemed less unique, more like a drone following routine without purpose. While I hope their personalities will flourish over time, I’ve yet to see significant evidence of this within my 15-hour gameplay.

This is an Early Access game, and as such, it comes with both its charm and its drawbacks. Navigating quirks like karma greatly enriches the experience. Actions influencing their moral score add depth – aiding strangers boosts karma, while indulging in petty crime impacts it negatively. Despite my initial doubts, karma’s effects became apparent when my unruly Zoi struggled with reward machines, only to succeed after a stint of good behavior, enlightening gameplay dynamics that I enjoyed exploring.

There’s still much left to uncover—exploring careers, vehicle options, and delving into the intricate build mode—but as of now, inZOI distinctly feels like a work in progress. Its sharply realistic visuals and plethora of detailed interactions clash somewhat jarringly with less polished areas, lending an odd, sometimes sterile vibe. There’s a wealth of depth waiting to be tapped into, and I’m eager to see if inZOI can ultimately fulfill its grand ambitions—both as I prepare for my full review and anticipate future updates.