Crafting a life simulator that’s both fun and a reflection of real life is no small feat. The trick lies in balancing creativity and customization with a set of realistic rules that make choices feel challenging. Then, you have to seamlessly integrate these choices into something that feels satisfying. Creating an artificial world that’s believable is a tall order – no offense intended, Dr. Frankenstein! Despite these challenges, Krafton has managed to make a commendable attempt with inZOI, based on my experience with its Early Access version. The game captivates right from the start with its breathtaking, realistic visuals, and its ambitious simulation systems initially blend wonderfully. However, as I delve deeper, the cracks in inZOI’s universe begin to show, revealing a world that’s less vibrant than expected.
Let’s address the obvious first: inZOI invites direct comparisons to The Sims, a game it clearly draws inspiration from and seeks to rival. You step into the role of an omnipotent entity, creating and controlling little characters, or Zois, who lead their lives either gloriously or disastrously. You can construct their homes, tweak their features, and throw them headfirst into all the local drama. These Zois can work, attend school, and roam their surroundings, all under the level of autonomy you dictate. But while the surface-level parallels to The Sims exist, the moment you dig deeper, Krafton’s unique twist on this beloved genre becomes evident.
When starting a new game in inZOI, you initially need to create a household via the Character Creator Studio. You get to decide your avatar’s name, gender, age, and assign a Trait shaping their personality. There are 18 Traits to choose from, ranging from Authoritarian to Individualist, each with a handy sidebar detailing how it will influence gameplay. As someone who values professional hustle, I went with the Go-Getter trait—it’s all about the grind but also comes with a knack for nervousness that sticks around longer than you’d hope. As you dive into the ebb and flow of virtual life, your Zoi’s ego will evolve further with preferences in food and fitness, impacting their mood. While these personality archetypes offer convenient choices, they can sometimes feel a bit restrictive.
Visually, you can choose from a wide range of presets or take a more detailed approach by adjusting specific features on your Zoi’s body and face. I opted for a combination of both, creating a version that closely resembled my own image. With a palette of preset and customizable colors, inZOI’s realistic design helped my Zoi look remarkably lifelike. Coordinating their hair and makeup with my own was an enjoyable task.
One standout feature of inZOI is its fashion sense, which clearly distinguishes it from similar games. While creating your characters, you’re tasked with assembling nine different outfits—covering formalwear, sleepwear, and seasonal attire. There’s a good mix of current trends, like parachute pants, alongside classic styles such as leather jackets. You can play with clothing lengths, layers, and more. I had a blast piecing together a Y2K-inspired attire with leg warmers and an oversized baseball jersey. It’s not perfect; baggier clothes sometimes clip strangely on Zois. Despite this, the clothing system feels well-refined, and I thoroughly enjoyed dressing up my characters.
Once your family is set, you’ll need to find them a place to live. As of now, inZOI offers two locations: the Korean-inspired Dowon and the Californiansque Bliss Bay. You can build or move into a house, with each town featuring public spaces like shops and parks. However, it’s here that the ambitious scope of Krafton’s vision starts to reveal its limitations. In Dowon, neon lights drape streets in a dreamy glow, while Bliss Bay radiates serene coastal vibes under a setting sun. But linger a while, and it feels somewhat artificial. The neon sits atop empty structures, and sunlight plays on static props. Despite the effort to simulate a bustling community—like the amusing faux McDonalds—there’s an undeniable facade to the ambiance.
This sense of artifice persists in the daily life of my Zois. While I managed basic needs like hunger and hygiene, the impact of their personalities felt muted. Despite choosing the Go-Getter trait, it scarcely influenced daily activities—my other Zoi exhibited similar behavior, even with an opposing personality trait. Starting a new family didn’t alleviate this, with dialogue often recycling regardless of who I controlled. Topics like Cryptocurrency repeatedly resurfaced, offering amusement initially but eventually making relationship progression feel a bit redundant.
The game does contain delightful touches, like functional treadmill screens and convincing meal displays that even had my stomach growling alongside my avatar’s. However, such intricate details contrast sharply with the more simplistic, repetitive elements. Gradually, my Zoi seemed less an individual and more a drone, performing tasks aimlessly. Perhaps this will change as they make friends and develop preferences, but over 15 hours of gameplay, I noticed little evolution.
A redeeming quality is inZOI’s Karma system, where actions bring rewards or penalties. Some actions present a choice with a yin-yang symbol indicating their effect on Karma. Initially skeptical, I came to appreciate this system. For instance, after unleashing my Zoi’s anger at a park, their attempt at winning a toy from a claw machine failed despite numerous tries. Shifting to good deeds like helping strangers quickly yielded a reward on the next try. While the Karma mechanics are rewarding, I wish more actions affected it.
There’s still a lot left to explore—careers, vehicles, and the depth of the build mode—to form a full opinion. inZOI is an Early Access game, and it certainly feels like one. The lifelike visuals and detailed interactions clash with the rougher, less immersive aspects, creating a sometimes sterile world. Yet, hidden among these imperfections are hints of depth, and I’m eager to see if inZOI can fulfill its ambitious promises, both in the long-term and as I prepare to finalize my review in the weeks ahead.
