Clock Simulator
Title: Clock Simulator
Developer: Kool2Play
Website: https://www.kool2play.com/clocksimulator
Genre: Rhythm
Platform: Switch (reviewed), PC, iOS, Android
Audience: 3+
Release Date: 10/01/19
Price: £3.59 – Rapid Reviews UK was very kindly provided with a review code for this game.
What the Developers Say
One of the most original game concepts is now available on the Nintendo Switch! Clock Simulator is a minimalistic rhythm game. It puts the player in the role of the clock itself to explore the concept of time in a whole new way and offer challenge, relaxation, or plain and simple fun. All that a clock needs to do is to advance precisely once every second. Second, after second, after second, after second … Sounds simple enough? But could YOU take over and do it? Calm down. Relax. Focus on your inner rhythm. Click once a second. Every second. You are the clock.
Clock Simulator offers:
- A unique concept – a clock-based rhythm game: you are the clock
- Controls so simple you could play with your eyes closed
- A variety of play modes and themes ranging from meditative to arcade, all Joy-Con friendly
- Option to unlock modes and themes you enjoy – play them at your leisure
- Two competitive multiplayer modes – exclusively on Nintendo Switch
- Controls utilise the steering possibilities provided by Nintendo Switch
Introduction
When I was offered a code for a game called Clock Simulator, I laughed.
There’s a lot of simulator games out there for trains, farms, American truck driving and the like. But not one for being a clock. Well, there wasn’t, but now this niche market is filled with the surprisingly entertaining Clock Simulator.
Clock Simulator is mostly a fun minigame collection that all revolve around the same rough mechanic. You’re a clock, and you have to keep in time.
Looks & Sounds
I’m going to say right now that I am a fan of how this game looks. The design, in particular, is fresh and modern and not what I was expecting at all. It’s minimal in a way that doesn’t look cheap, and the simplicity of the design mirrors the game mechanic well.
The sounds in the game are similarly minimal, and they work well with the gameplay too. Many levels have just the ticking of you advancing the second hand, and I found this game quite relaxing to play because of it.
The screenshot above is right, and it can be a great mindfulness experience.
Gameplay & Replayability
The gameplay in almost every level is a play on counting seconds and tapping at the right time. In many levels, you can use the touchscreen on the Switch to advance time, which was my preferred method. I was slightly annoyed when I couldn’t, or when levels didn’t seem to work without Joycons connected as this is also a mobile game playable purely through touch. So it’s reasonable to expect to play this game like you would a phone game, but you can’t always do that.
When you start the game, you’re greeted with a list of the minigames you’ve unlocked as seen above. There’s a lot of games on offer with the majority of the differences being in the presentation. I’d rate the replayability quite high as it’s a score attack style game in the same way Tetris or Lumines is, and I have come back a few times after I thought I was done with it to see if I could beat my score on a game I liked.
There are also some Switch exclusive multiplayer modes, and I enjoyed those too. There’s not enough for it to become a big party game, but I think that’s reflected in the price.
Conclusion
Clock Simulator is surprising. I was surprised that somebody called a game Clock Simulator and I was even more surprised that it was good. Even the multiplayer modes were good, and caused some tense moments in my household!
The only reason I can’t wholeheartedly recommend Clock Simulator is that it’s free on iOS and Android and honestly having played that version a few times I do prefer it there. The Switch exclusive multiplayer doesn’t seem worth £3.59, but as a package, it’s pretty good.
Rapid Reviews UK Rating
You can purchase Clock Simulator on the Nintendo Switch eShop at the following link, https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Clock-Simulator-1493596.html#Overview
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