Hot Springs Story v1.0.2

Hot Springs Story v1.0.2

Requires Android: 1.6 and up


Hey gamers, don't download Hot Springs Story expecting the crazed addictiveness of Game Dev Story. Lightning doesn't strike twice in Kairosoft's next simulator. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't download it at all. In fact, Hot Springs Story actually has a lot more moving parts than Game Dev, making it a richer experience.


Hot Springs Story puts you in charge of a new resort. Instead of trafficking in video games, you're selling access to steam baths and hot springs. The goal is to build out a spa, starting from a very meager four-room facility. But with a growing bank account and a decent customer base, you can expand your spa to include multiple bathing areas, sleeping rooms, and commerce/recreational spots. Maintaining the serene atmosphere is also important, so keep adding trees, rocks, and other decorations to your resort.


Whereas Game Dev Story was all about watching trends and improving your employees, Hot Springs Story focuses on building and managing customer satisfaction. Response to your decisions is almost immediate. Launching a new game was a risk, because you didn't really know how things would truly turn out until the day the game went on sale – kind of like the real video game industry. Here, you'll find out immediately that placing a ping pong table and arcade machine next to a relaxing hot tub was a dumb idea.

Milestones in Hot Springs Story are measured by magazine stories. There are different rags that cover the spa scene, so your goal is to cater not only to customers, but to the editors of different magazines. A good write-up means more business. Fortunately, you can choose which magazine will cover your spa, which gives Hot Springs Story structure. Knowing the criteria for success in advance gives you both time and direction for building up the next iteration of your spa.

Now, I'm still a sucker for Game Dev Story and will log in from time to time to launch a new project. But I've seen all there is to see over there and it's now just coasting on charm. Hot Springs Story, on the other hand, offers a much deeper play. Building a spa is enjoyable in itself. The pacing is just right here, too, as Hot Springs Story offers both a great tutorial and scalable virtual time. When your guests are asleep, time speeds up so you're back in action much sooner.

The pixel art still looks great. Hot Springs Story mercifully adds landscape mode, giving you a wide view of your spa empire. This is especially helpful when you've really built up a huge resort. You can pull up a virtual pad in portrait, which is useful for placing tiles if you find yourself struggling with object placement. However, the menu system is too obtuse and just not as user-friendly as it needs to be. Text is often clipped or not sized right for boxes. Game Dev Story faltered here, too.

Screenshot :
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