14 DAY TRIAL // Kudos 2 has just been released for Mac, with a demo version being available for free download. The aim of the game is to shape a character's life between their twentieth to their thirtieth birthday. You start out as uneducated, broke, with a pathetic job, which motivates you to get that character climbing the social ladder.
Kudos 2 is a life-simulation strategy game from Positech Games (the makers of Democracy and Rock Legend). In this Sims clone, you can improve your character's life by making them happier, more popular and wealthier. You also get to pick their friends, and how they spend their free time, but timing is of the essence – players must manage their character's activities wisely, as they can only choose to do one thing each day, or two at the weekend. In Positech Games' opinion, “this makes Kudos 2 a game of agonizing choices.”
“Do you turn down an invitation from a friend because you are too tired from work? Do you put more time into your friends or your career? When do you find time to look for a better job, or to spend time with your pet?” goes the game description. Kudos 2 uses artwork by legendary comic artist Jamie McKelvie.
“If you enjoy games like 'The Sims' you will love Kudos 2, as it's a similar theme but done in a totally original way,” says the developer. “Whereas 'The Sims' plays like an arcade game, Kudos 2 gives you time to think carefully about all the decisions your character makes, from which people they associate with (your friends personalities rub off on you) to what TV they watch (news is educational, but depressing!), to what food they eat (alcohol boosts your confidence, but don't drink too much...). Kudos is the game for people who love life simulation games, but want something new,” Positech concludes.
The developer also points out that Kudos 2 has very low system requirements, adding to the reasons why you shouldn't miss out on the free demo. Convinced? By all means, grab Kudos 2 using the link below, and tell us how you liked it.