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Colt: 6
A relatively simple addition to the Tycoon and Sim genre, Hollywood Tycoon still managed to hook me. There isn’t much strategy other than construct movie set, buy script, find compatible actor (according to the 4 starred attributes), then buy more sets and repeat. There are no worker strikes or external factors like earthquakes to compensate, so you won’t find the depth of other management games. Still, I liked getting that little ego boost when my film was a hit. The interface and controls could use some polish, but the cheesy synth soundtrack and corny visuals add to the campy charm.

Kayla: 6
Hollywood Tycoon begins with your uncle dying and leaving you his studio. This would be amazing were it not for the fact that: A) your uncle is dead and B) his studio is mysteriously empty, leaving you with little choice other than to build it back up once more. As mentioned, you have the build the studio back up from scratch, meaning that you must build everything from actor’s trailers to sound studios to a prop storage area. The way you choose to rebuild your studio is entirely up to you, as is the choice of what scripts to use, which sets to employ and what actors to hire. This gives you a wide range of tactics to utilize to become a tycoon which, in theory, this sounds rather marvelous. Reality soon struck, however, and I grew frustrated after wasting two months in-game waiting for just the right actor or plot type to scroll by. Also, the slow pace in which you earn money put a slight damper on my enjoyment level, but I assume it’s because I was never meant to be a business manager. The music throughout is tolerable. It’s not ambitious by any means, nor is it particularly horrid. The same can be said of the graphics—there’s worse, sure, but I’ve also seen far better. The customizable avatar needs some tuning up. The game also skipped during every cut scene. Normally I wouldn’t be quite so finicky about graphics, but if I’m to pay twenty dollars for a game, I would prefer its graphics be comparable to a game I can buy for seven. Even with all the drawbacks, Hollywood Tycoon was still entertaining, though I had no desire to buy the game myself. It was just another way to let an hour slide idly by.

Andrew: 9
It’s the most fun I’ve had in a while. I created an explosion filled action flick called “Death Combat” starring tough guy superstars “Able Steel” and “Hunk McGiver.” If that alone isn’t worth the price of admission, I’m not sure what is. Unfortunately, the gameplay moves too quickly and prevents you from focusing on creating amazing films which is easily the game’s biggest strong point. Still it’s a delight to build huge sets and combine actors and scripts to make the perfect film.

Ben: 5
Hollywood Tycoon is great in its ability to admit the existence of a sci-fi romantic comedy, but little else. Hollywood lacks the depth usually found in a tycoon game, but tries to hide it behind funky pixilated graphics and a completely unnecessary avatar (or “avastar,” ugh) customization feature. Scripts, equipment, and actors all have proficiencies in four areas: comedy, drama, romance and action. Purchasing and combining elements with the same traits makes for a lucrative picture. You can spend money to expand your sets and improve the quality of scripts, actors, etc., but the game ultimately boils down to waiting for the right actor or script card to scroll across the top of the screen.

Average: 6.50

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