7.5

Review: Crime Simulator

Introduction

In Crime Simulator You crawl into the skin of a criminal who just got fired from prison, but still has a heavy debt. The only way to get back on your feet? Sneaking, breaking and entering, stealing, and sometimes using brutal force to get money. It is a game that mixes elements of stealth and action, with a time pressure that gives each mission a constant tension.

Where many stealth games give you all the time to make a plan, throws Crime Simulator deadlines on top. The result is a mix of adrenaline and strategic thinking that is sometimes addictive, but can also become frustrating.

Nuclear mechanics

The heart of the game revolves around the completion of “jobs†hindered assignments where you enter homes, shops or other locations to steal valuables. Each mission takes place in one of three city areas, each with their own layout, security systems and patrolling NPCâ€TMs.

The game can solo being played, but really comes to life in cooperative mode with up to four players. In co-op you can divide tasks: One player keeps watch, another cracks locks, while the rest loads stuff. This collaboration often results in chaotic, but hilarious moments.

Tactics & Tools

Your arsenal is surprisingly extensive:

• Lockpicks for silent burglaries
• Sleep gas to take out guards or residents
• Drones to explore the environment
• Crossbows for silent shutdowns
• Scanners and cable binders to neutralize security and opponents

The game encourages creativity, but sometimes brutal force is just as effective as a smart sneak route.

The progression system is quite extensive, with more than 15 skills that can change your playing style. Remember:

• Larger inventory space
• Crack faster locks
• Make less noise during movement
• Increased stamina
• Better view in the dark

In addition, you can upgrade accommodation with furniture and appliances. A bed restores your health, a treadmill increases your endurance, and closets give you more storage. These upgrades feel functional and give a tangible reason to invest your spoils.

The downside is that progression sometimes feels slow. Important skill upgrades depend on random drops, so you sometimes have to repeat multiple missions before you really get stronger.