2023 video game
| House Flipper 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) |
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| Publisher(s) |
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| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) | Windows Xbox Series X/S |
| Release | December 14, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
House Flipper 2 is a simulation game developed by Frozen District and Empyrean. Frozen District and PlayWay published it in 2023 for Windows. It is the sequel to House Flipper (2018) and involves flipping real estate.
Gameplay
Players flip real estate by cleaning up and restoring houses. Players can play through a campaign, in which they are given specific tasks to complete. These must be completed in sequence and are accompanied by a story. Assembly mode allows players to build and install items in the house manually instead of simply clicking them in place. This rewards players with discounts on purchases. Sandbox mode allows players to design a house from scratch instead of renovating a pre-made house.
Development
Polish companies Empyrean and Frozen District developed both House Flipper and its sequel. Development began in 2020. The size of the development team more than doubled compared to House Flipper. The team wanted a more uniform art style for House Flipper 2. The first game used asset store packages, each of which had its own art style. Limitations of the previous design led them to develop House Flipper 2 from a new code base, allowing them to implement features like a sandbox mode that were not possible with the original code. House Flipper 2 was released for Windows on December 14, 2023. Ports to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are planned to be released on April 10, 2024.
Reception
House Flipper 2 received "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator Metacritic. IGN described it as "a worthwhile iterative upgrade" and praised the new graphics and the new sandbox mode. PC Gamer recommended House Flipper on the strength of its sandbox mode, which they felt was exciting. The Guardian compared it to the simple pleasure of popping bubble wrap with the added bonus of numbers that continually grow larger. Although acknowledging that it is not a realistic simulation, TechRadar said it is "absolutely essential" for fans of the first game and called it addictive fun, though they criticized the load times. GamesRadar praised the new visuals, quality of life improvements, and the gameplay, but they said the sandbox mode can feel overwhelming for players used to being given goals.
Accolades
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | The Steam Awards | Sit Back and Relax | Pending |
References
- ^ Dealessandri, Marie (December 12, 2023). "Building House Flipper 2 from the ground up". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ Weber, Rachel (December 15, 2023). "House Flipper 2 Review". IGN. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- "House Flipper 2". Gematsu. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- "House Flipper 2". Metacritic. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- Sykes, Tom (December 12, 2023). "House Flipper 2 review". PC Gamer. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- Reuben, Nic (December 13, 2023). "House Flipper 2 review – moreish and meditative fixer-upper fantasy". The Guardian. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- Wood, Rhys (December 12, 2023). "House Flipper 2 review - a grand design". TechRadar. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- Bellingham, Hope (December 12, 2023). "House Flipper 2 review: 'More satisfying than ever'". GamesRadar. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- Watts, Steve (December 17, 2024). "The Steam Awards 2024 Nominees Announced". GameSpot. Retrieved December 17, 2024.