Review Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year Developer: Hipsoft Publisher: Hipsoft Genre: Casual Game Release Date: 2008 Platform: Review by Karla Munger January 8, 2009		Buy this game at Trade for this game at:
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We thought it would be fun to review some of the casual games we currently have available in our JA Casual Game Center. Needless to say, these games are very addictive and while our enthusiastic reviews are, for the most part short, the time spent playing these games is not. Once you have read the review, drop by the JA Casual Game Center and download a free trial version of the game for yourself, but remember - you have been warned!

Considering that sequels tend to bite, it may come as no surprise that Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year isn't as good as the original. Nope. Hipsoft has taken the perfectly wonderful Built-a-lot...and....made it even better. Yes, folks, here we have a rarity: a sequel that tops the original.

BAL2 takes the best of its predecessor and adds some great new features. Players can now construct business and garden centers as well as shops, parks and refineries. The six all-new residences, ranging from Ramblers to Castles, can be painted and landscaped. Sawmills have been replaced by Recycle Centers. Gone are banks, upgrade permits, and property taxes (yes!). Something called Neighborhood Appeal has been added, and we can now purchase efficiency training for workers.

As with the original, BAL2 has eight neighborhoods/35 levels, with the first neighborhood serving as a tutorial. It's still very much up to players to develop winning strategies throughout the rest of the game. And again, there is more than one way to succeed in each level.

After completion of all 35 levels, players are treated to a bonus level in each neighborhood. These eight levels really put strategic thinking to the test.

While challenging -- sometimes extremely so -- BAL2 carries forth the original's tradition of being quite fair while providing an enjoyable and rewarding mental workout. It also boasts the same high-quality look and sound as the its predecessor. I give it two enthusiastic and wholehearted thumbs-up!

P.S. Hipsoft, if you're listening: Please, please make more games like this!

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