MODEL Debut3 #nicola

I have a love-hate relationship with this. Every couple of years I use my 3DS to replay one of the Style Savvy games because I still haven’t found anything that quite replaces them. This game is the closest I’ve gotten. The fashion side is exactly what I wanted. You build relationships, shop for clothes that get added to your inventory, create looks for magazine covers and TV jobs, buy new hair and makeup, and slowly work your way up through the fashion world. That part scratched the Style Savvy itch pretty well. Unfortunately, some things really bothered me. The controls can feel wonky at times, the translated dialogue is basic and poorly executed, and the customization is incredibly limited in places it really shouldn’t be. The skin-tone selection is especially bad. I’m not a woman of color, but when a game is built around fashion and customization, I want options. The available tones are basically variations of white, while the game gives you tons of colors for clothing, hair, makeup, accessories, and backgrounds. Not every look works with the same skin tone, and after a while it felt repetitive. Body customization isn’t much better. You get one body type: very thin and completely straight. No curves, no slider, nothing. For a $40 fashion game, that’s disappointing. If you’re fine with dressing the same white toothpick over and over, then this game is for you. For me, though, it only slightly scratches the Style Savvy itch.

If you are looking for a brain break then I recommend this game-but only for the sale price. The game follows a repetitive cycle (off day, work day, repeat) with some brief character interactions. Although I wish that there was more depth to the gameplay and character interactions, I recognize that it is a kid's game. The game reminds me of the first Style Savvy DS game, but with less storytelling. Pros: - Easy to earn achievements and progress (the game provides ample hints to guide players and wiggle room for mistakes), so gameplay is relaxing - cute visuals - A dress-up game on steam! Very rare find - Plenty of different clothes to unlock Cons: - Can feel grindy - Character interaction lacks depth and salience. None of your choices effect your relationships with other characters - Only one body type for characters - Lack of diverse character customization (i.e. limited skin tone range and lack of textured hairstyles)

i really enjoy the gameplay loop, but i cannot recommend this game due to its glaring lack of antialiasing. this is a lazy and disappointing port that is borderline unplayable on higher res monitors.