There was a time not too long ago when I wouldn’t touch the simulation genre. Like many, I thought, “Why would I want to play an everyday job?” As it turns out, the genre is hugely satisfying and downright fun. So, I jumped in headfirst. Now, I can’t get enough, which brings me to this Drug Dealer Simulator 2 review. Is it an everyday job? I hope not, but it’s still a different experience from the norm.
Editor’s Note: The Guide Hall received a review copy of the game from the developer/publisher/PR for this review. Their generosity does not impact our overall opinion or thoughts on the game!
To start from humble beginnings, essentially washed up on a beach and thrust into the underworld, with a bunker to call home and clientele awaiting your every move, provides an immediate dopamine hit. You fill a role in Drug Dealer Simulator 2. You fill it well. But for now, you’re a small fry in a big ocean.
You start small, as any good simulation game does, and work your way up as your empire grows and expands its reach across multiple islands. You’ll begin by slinging a few baggies’ worth of product to the occasional customer who texts you. But in time, you’ll purchase safe houses, buy speedboats, run from the law, invest in better laboratory equipment, craft and cook unique products that earn you more per sale, and legitimately build an empire. It’s Breaking Bad in video game form, albeit with a bit more jank involved.
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Now, I’m not one to shy away from jank. It’s a staple in many of my favorite games, and if you’re interested in Drug Dealer Simulator 2, you likely understand precisely what you’re in for here. It’s a unique game, not without its problems, but none of them mar the overall experience. I never endured any game-breaking bugs, significant crashes, or annoyances in the gameplay that prevented me from playing or progressing.
Am I an outlier? Sure! Many others did have subpar experiences, but I’m only factoring in my experience. In my eyes, the most annoying aspect of the game stems from an early-game gameplay experience, traversing the islands on foot. Is it game-breaking? No. Is it annoying? Yes! You can’t just climb any hill, typically speaking. You must follow a set path despite the game touting improved movement and parkour systems. It’s rigid.
Speaking of rigid, the characters you interact with. They’re some of the most cardboard, cookie-cutter NPCs imaginable, but they’re par for the course in a simulation game. In fact, I’m nearly positive all simulator developers use the same character models and animations.
Is it a problem? Does it take away from the overall experience? Again, not so much. It’s a nitpick, one many players will likely encounter but ignore because the gameplay and progression feel genuinely entertaining and exciting!
But that’s enough about any negatives!
You’ll spend some time waiting around as plants grow and dry, pots simmer with ingredients, and crafting times take longer and longer the more product you produce in bulk. Sometimes, it’s a waiting game. But you don’t have to sit around twiddling your thumbs. You can keep a bit of product on hand, wander the various islands, improve your reputation by selling to new customers, or schedule appointments with customers via your phone. It’s convenient and keeps you busy.
Furthermore, there’s a story in the background, with returning characters from the first game. It’s easily ignored if you’d rather focus on the actual gameplay. Still, for those who want to immerse themselves in the drug underworld, it’s enticing enough to keep you pushing forward toward greatness. In time, you’ll impact the island around you, hire employees, and expand your network of safehouses; it’s all immense fun and offers plenty of depth.
Ultimately, you’ll walk away satisfied with over 100 hours or more of gameplay under your belt. It’s a satisfying and fun experience, and I highly recommend playing if you’re a fan of simulators and crime games!