In the realm of life simulation games, a formidable contender is emerging, and its name may not be the catchiest, but its visuals are undeniably impressive. Unveiled by Krafton, the publisher behind PUBG, InZoi (stylized as “inZOI”) made a striking debut at the recent G-Star convention in South Korea, leaving gamers intrigued about its potential to rival The Sims.
GamesRadar first caught wind of InZoi, and based on the showcased six-minute gameplay trailer, it appears to offer a hyper-realistic life simulation experience. The trailer covers a range of activities, from character creation to daily life simulation and a comprehensive build mode. InZoi seems to encompass familiar elements such as cooking, exercising, working, and cleaning, complete with a needs system for hunger and hygiene, as well as ambitions for your Zoi to fulfill. The trailer also hints at a schedule editing feature, suggesting that characters can follow set routines even when not under direct control, visiting locations like offices, convenience stores, internet cafes, and parks.
While it’s not entirely clear if InZoi is an open-world game, it promises a level of free-roaming that Sims enthusiasts have longed for. Notable features include menu tabs for weather, city editing, and managing crowds, sparking speculation about whether the gameplay leans more towards a dollhouse experience than a strict simulation.
The official trailer describes InZoi as “a life simulation game where players become gods within the game, allowing them to change everything as they wish and experience endless new stories in various forms of life.” However, the translation from the G-Star website suggests a more personalized touch, stating that players can “become the protagonist who leads the life you want,” emphasizing extensive character creation and control over activities.
The author highlights the extensive editing options for clothing and furniture as one exciting aspect. InZoi boasts a full-color wheel picker for both, complete with pattern and material swatches. Furniture editing features modular pieces, a concept praised by gamers, echoing early Sims 5 reveals.
For a more in-depth look at InZoi, Krafton sponsored videos featuring hands-on gameplay from habitual Sims players are available. YouTube content creator Acottonsock provides a breakdown of her experiences with InZoi, discussing both likes and dislikes, including impressive furniture tools and current drawbacks in areas like baby and romance gameplay.
While some may prefer the stylized visual direction of other upcoming Sims competitors, such as Paralives, InZoi appears to be a worthy addition to the growing list. While it is not yet possible to drive a car, Acottonsock confirmed that characters can hit them, which adds a layer of caution to the lives of Zois in this promising new life simulation game.
