Do you recall when KRAFTON alluded to a Virtual Human, ANA, in 2022? KRAFTON had a different perspective on the matter, unlike most AI critics who believed it would be nothing more than another random AI effort. With the Battle Royale massively multiplayer online game (MMO) PUBG: Battlegrounds, this South Korean developer has already established a name for themselves, and things are set to get much more significant now. This time, to our surprise, they venture into a genre that no one would have ever considered: Life Simulation. The announcement of their next major release, inZOI, took place at a gaming convention in South Korea, so yes, it is official now.

inZOI is an ambitious project that can change the life simulation genre. It is a game that has this potential. Compared to other life simulation games, this one stands out due to its distinctive gameplay mechanics and profound engagement in a virtual world. As a result of its capacity to provide players with a virtual world that can be explored and interacted with, it has the potential to compete with games such as the online game Second Life.

The capacity of inZOI to allow us to step into the role of both ZOI (player-created avatars) and Gods within the game is one of the most distinctive characteristics of this particular game. This function provides us with an infinite number of opportunities to alter and manage the universe, which opens up new avenues for creative expression and self-expression at the same time.

Additionally, the wide and expansive universe of inZOI is believed to be over a hundredfold broader than the world of PUBG: Battlegrounds, providing us with a great deal of space to explore and experience new things. Even though inZOI is still being developed, it has already received a great deal of attention from both Life Sim enthusiasts and critics.

Without a doubt, KRAFTON believes the game will be a smashing hit and can completely transform the life simulation genre. Uniquely kind and forward-thinking, this game gives players an experience distinct from other life simulation games. The game features a wide and open world that provides players with much room to explore and experience new things.

So, what exactly is inZOI? Visualize The Sims with a focus on real-world consequences. Like The Sims, you are responsible for creating your character and deciding how to obtain a job. On one hand, people can experience love, parenthood, and fulfilling their dreams; on the other, catastrophe may strike. There is a possibility of dying in this game. Players are prompted to choose between continuing the game as is or rewinding time to the moment a character dies so they can avert it.

The inZOI team has stated that they hope the game conveys the lesson that life isn't always peachy and that sometimes we simply have to roll with the punches. Fans of Maxis argue that the game cannot potentially compete with The Sims until it brings an even more diverse range of characters to choose from when creating them. Some people have mentioned that the game features a variety of skin colors and possibilities and that diversity is already incorporated into the game, even at this early stage.

The character generator appears to have a lot of detail. There is a large selection of adorable clothing, which is wonderful, and the tool for creating personalized patterns appears to be of great value. Therefore, you can make your own clothing. In addition, they have used artificial intelligence as a tool for creating unique patterns.

This allows you to generate whatever image or pattern you choose and then apply it to your clothing, providing an infinite number of opportunities for customization. You may also use this option to create unique artwork and patterns for your fantasy home's furnishings and wall paints. It's reminiscent of Dreamlight Valley but on a whole other scale. That's the kind of small detail that may make this game uniquely yours.

It is also possible to schedule your ZOI's life for the entire week, another element that jumps out as distinct from The Sims. Setting up their lifestyle, including what they do on what day and at what hour, is accomplished through the scheduling tool. Characteristics, desires, and skills may be leveled up in every ZOI. Additionally, there are preferences, which are things that they enjoy and don't like. By matching those preferences with another ZOI, you can choose whether or not you will have a romantic relationship with another character in the game.

It seems to be fairly easy to fall in love, get married, and have a child in the game at present; however, it is still in its early stages of development, and I got the impression that they only wanted those who were trying it out to have the opportunity to experience that aspect of the game. In the final version of the game, I believe it will take a lot longer, and yes, your Zo and your partner can go to bed together, become pregnant, and have a child without any complications.

Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, the game's visuals look absolutely stunning, but unfortunately, A tiny bit short of optimal. The official gameplay made available to the public has a relatively low frame rate. Even if the game is still in its early stages of production, optimization is typically done later, closer to the finish of the process. Thus, I do not doubt that it will get better. Players who have participated in the game have reported that cats are roaming about the city, which is good news for those who would rather be a cat mommy or a cat daddy.

You can feed and pet the stray cats, and there is a discussion option that allows you to consider adopting a cat together. However, pets are not yet included in the game; I would anticipate that this will be added either before the game is released or immediately after it is released. A wide variety of interests are displayed in the trailer.

This city offers various activities, including gardening, working out at the gym, practicing yoga, going to the arcade, and playing crane machines. It appears that there is a lot that you can do in this city already. Additionally, I think it is partially about constructing the stories in the manner you would like them to be.

At this time, there is no anticipated release date for the game; nevertheless, we are closely checking it. KRAFTON, a corporation with a history of accomplishments, is responsible for its development. The game inZOI is one that you should look at if you are a fan of games that simulate real-life scenarios.

Because it has the potential to be a genuinely revolutionary game, you will not want to pass up the opportunity to play it. Additionally, The Sims 5 is being developed, meaning that the Life Sim genre will burst at the seams over the next couple of years. This game and Life by You and Paralives will be released.

Does this finally have what it takes to become the best Life Sim game, surpassing even The Sims? It has a very detailed character creator, the graphics are stunning, the build mode is highly detailed, and it even allows you to play as Gods in the city, changing the weather, the time of day, the season, and other aspects of the game.

At long last, it appears we're getting some rivals, which should be entertaining to play on their own and, fingers crossed, will finally prompt Maxis to start working on the next The Sims game. These games definitely have a shot at cornering some markets. Who knows—maybe as a byproduct, they'll finally shake up EA and make The Sims awesome again, catering to player preferences.
 

Asura Kagawa (@AsuraKagawa)
Editor, NoobFeed