InZOI Review: A Simulator of Pretty Screenshots and Videos, Not Real Life – For Now

Contents:

• One ​​of the best character editors
• Cities and their customization
• Versatile building mode
• AI features and experimental functions
• Frustrating gameplay

One ​​of the best character editors

The first step in your gaming journey will be creating a virtual character. The advertising campaign focused on the character editor, which has become one of the game's key features. Before the early access release, Krafton gave players the opportunity to test this editor. As a result, users began actively creating virtual copies of celebrities, characters from popular games, TV series, and even memes. This process is not only engaging, but also allows each player to express their individuality in the game world.

In Early Access, the situation remains the same: when visiting the local creator aggregator Canvas, you can find replicas of famous personalities like Angelina Jolie, Billie Eilish, and Geralt of Rivia. I decided to develop a character from scratch to explore all the editor's capabilities firsthand. This will allow me to better understand the functionality and apply it to create unique images.

The character's face and body customization is performed at a high level, which allows you to create the desired image using a variety of templates. The editor is flexible and provides many customization options. However, the game lacks some key features, such as a variety of hairstyles, makeup options, and the ability to adjust the placement of markings, including scars, moles, and vitiligo. As a fan of long hair, I was disappointed by the limited selection. It's also worth noting that the game lacks a photo-based appearance feature, which would greatly improve the character customization process.

In the MMORPGs Throne and Liberty, users can upload photos to the character editor, allowing the game to automatically create an image as close to the image as possible. In contrast, in InZOI, creating a replica of yourself or another person requires manual intervention. However, it is also possible to use other players' existing artwork uploaded to Canvas, expanding character customization options.

The clothing and accessory selection has been significantly improved thanks to the use of artificial intelligence to generate patterns based on text queries. Now you can easily upload images with the desired pattern directly into the game and create unique items, such as a T-shirt with an image of your favorite pet. I already made a T-shirt like this myself.

In InZOI, you will encounter unique opportunities to use artificial intelligence at every stage. If you're missing horns, a halo, a bow, or any other decorative element, you can upload an image to a dedicated 3D printer. After analyzing the photo, it will create a 3D model, greatly simplifying the process of creating custom accessories. This solution allows users to create unique elements for their projects, expanding the boundaries of creativity and self-expression.

You can equip this accessory to your character, enhancing their look. However, creating a high-quality 3D model can be challenging, as the game often struggles to generate the back of the item. In addition, it is important to carefully select the image of the accessory so that nothing interferes with its correct recognition.

Creating hair with a 3D printer is possible, but the results often look unnatural and resemble plastic extensions attached to a character's head. This approach doesn't take into account the physics and natural movement of hair, resulting in an unflattering visual effect. To achieve a more realistic result, factors such as texture, weight, and dynamics of hair must be taken into account, making 3D printing a challenging task in this regard.

Customizing your Zoeys' looks can be a daunting task, as each character requires you to choose nine different looks suitable for all situations, from everyday wear to winter and summer outfits. This approach allows you to create a unique style for each Zoey, making the process more engaging and personalized. The right choice of clothing will not only highlight the character's personality but also add variety to the gameplay.

In the character editor, you must specify a first name, last name, age, gender, as well as a character trait and preferences that will determine the desired life. Unlike preferences and the desired life, which can be changed during the game, a character trait is permanent and will influence the character's aspirations, mood, values, and desires throughout the game. Choosing the right parameters will help create a unique and memorable character, capable of interacting with the game world and reflecting the player's personal interests.

In character creation mode, you can organize a full-fledged photo shoot. You can adjust the lighting, apply various filters to screenshots, and position your virtual character in the desired pose and facial expressions. This is a great opportunity for game photographers to show off their creativity and capture unique moments.

InZOI significantly surpasses The Sims in terms of character customization options. Despite the fact that the game is still in early access, it offers an extensive set of tools for creating unique characters with a variety of accessories. Official mod support, coming in May, promises even more options for users, opening up new horizons for creativity and character customization.

Cities and Their Customization

After two hours spent in the character creation editor, you're certainly looking forward to immersing yourself in the gameplay and eager to place your Zoey in one of the available homes. However, don't rush to leave the editor: InZOI invites you to linger to customize the appearance of the city in which your story will unfold. Customizing the environment will add uniqueness to your gaming experience, allowing you to create the perfect world for your character.

The city can be customized with a high level of detail. You determine the level of cleanliness, the types of trees, the flowers that will bloom, and the animals that will inhabit this space (for now, these are decorative species). Additionally, you can upload your own images and videos to billboards, which will help create a unique atmosphere and aesthetically pleasing views.

In addition to the appearance of the game, it is possible to customize various aspects of gameplay. You can adjust the speed at which characters form or break relationships, as well as the frequency of fires. You can also adjust the population size, the number of vehicles, and many other parameters. This allows you to create a unique gaming experience that suits your preferences and playstyle.

Currently, players can choose between settling in Dowon or Bliss Bay, which offer unique gameplay opportunities and diverse career paths. Dowon, reminiscent of Seoul, offers the opportunity to become an idol or a firefighter, which opens up interesting gameplay aspects. In Bliss Bay, players can try out roles as an amusement park employee or a furniture store consultant. These professions allow you to actively control your character, observing their work routine and interacting with the world around them. In other careers, your virtual hero will be absent from the screen, and players will not be able to see their activities. The choice of residence and career path significantly impacts the gameplay experience and character development opportunities.

I visited both towns, but began the main game in Dowon. Bliss Bay appeals with its beauty and sunny atmosphere, as well as its proximity to the ocean. However, Zoeys don't yet know how to swim in the ocean, and the local career paths didn't seem as engaging as those in Dowon. Dovon offers more interesting things to explore and have fun, making it more appealing to play.

Versatile Build Mode

The build mode in InZOI gives players extensive options for creating unique homes that can absorb hours of your time. The building features are similar to those in The Sims, including the ability to build foundations, install walls, create stairs, and lay floors. All the necessary tools to design and build your ideal home are at your fingertips, allowing you to create both simple and complex designs. In InZOI, you can fully realize your architectural vision and create a space that matches your style. The differences in interior design begin to emerge during the design phase. In InZOI, users have extensive customization options for every interior element. You can choose textures, adjust details, and tailor all items to your preferences. If the standard set of elements in InZOI isn't enough, there's also the option to create custom furniture. Using a dedicated editor, you can combine various elements from different models to create a unique piece. For example, if you need a chair with specific legs, seat, and hardware, you simply switch to custom furniture mode and assemble the chair like a construction set in your preferred editor. This allows you to achieve maximum compliance with your requirements and interior style.

If you don't have enough patterns available in the game, simply upload an image you like in the item editing menu. This way, you can create a unique bed with the desired pattern on the pillowcase, which will add personality to your interior.

Creating a geeky room with figurines is made easier with the 3D printer's features. Use the 3D printer menu, similar to the character creation menu, to upload a photo of the desired object. The game converts the image into a 3D model that can be added to your room. The resulting objects can be further customized by replacing existing in-game item models with your own unique designs. This way, you can create a unique space that reflects your personality and interests.

I turned an Ahri figurine from League of Legends into a speaker. Zoe used it to play music. While the quality of the scanned object could have been better, it looked quite attractive on the computer desk at a reduced size.

The functions of scanning and placing the necessary models, as well as the ability to load patterns and textures, significantly expand the capabilities of the build mode, allowing you to create the interior of your dreams. In this regard, InZOI surpasses The Sims, where adding custom objects is only possible with the help of mods. While some objects, such as swimming pools, are not yet available for construction, this is likely a temporary issue and is expected to be added in the future.

AI features and experimental functions

One of the key features of InZOI is its artificial intelligence-based functions. Players can integrate real-life movements into the game, creating a unique interactive experience for their Zoey. Simply open the AI ​​emotion editor and upload a video or image of the pose, which will be analyzed by the AI ​​and transferred into the gameplay. This feature works effectively even if the uploaded video doesn't depict a person, such as a chibi anime girl. This makes InZOI an excellent tool for creating in-game series, a particular favorite among The Sims community.

iPhone owners can rejoice at a new feature: facial expression transfer to games using facial capture technology. This feature allows characters in games to accurately mirror your facial expressions, creating a fully immersive experience. Unfortunately, I couldn't test this feature because I have an Android smartphone.

Experimental features are available in the game menu, including the Smart Zoe mode, which can be applied to both your character and all city residents. This feature increases the level of realism of virtual characters, allowing players to access their thoughts, fine-tune their personality traits, and observe how events affect their worldview and character. Using Smart Zoe mode enriches the gameplay, allowing you to more deeply immerse yourself in the world around you.

Enabling Smart Zoe for all city residents may significantly increase the load on your computer. We recommend using this option only on powerful systems with high-performance specifications. Please note that not all video cards support this mode. If your video card is not suitable for this feature, the game will notify you.

Frustrating Gameplay

Once all the settings are completed, inZOI opens the gameplay, but you may be disappointed.

In the first hours of the game, your eyes will run wild from the abundance of possibilities. Players are presented with a large, free-roaming city, where NPCs are busy with their own affairs, and the locations are striking in their beauty and thoughtfulness. At first, it seems like there are many interesting things to do. However, after a few hours, the local bustle begins to become boring, and players begin to desire a deeper interaction with their Zoey - their skills, needs, and relationships with other characters. At this stage, certain difficulties arise that require attention and strategy to overcome.

The interaction and behavior of adult characters in The Sims is carefully designed. Players can experience a full range of core features, such as skill development, satisfying needs, creating friendships, and changing character moods. The last two aspects are particularly noteworthy, as they play a key role in gameplay. Characters can establish various social connections, and their moods influence everyday actions and interactions, making the gaming experience more rich and realistic.

The game's dialogue is highly varied. The developers took the characters' mental states into account, which is reflected in their conversation topics. Characters can engage in engaging discussions about the meaning of life, share pride in their unique furniture, or discuss trending memes from social media. Conversation topics change depending on the characters' mood, which significantly increases the level of realism and player engagement in the gameplay.

Relationships with strangers can be developed in three main directions: love, colleagues and friendship. Improving all of these aspects simultaneously opens up new opportunities for communication and a variety of dialogue topics. As your relationship progresses, it's important to discuss the status of your interactions with your partner. This can lead to their development to a new level or maintain their current state. This approach provides room for experimentation. For example, a successful work relationship with a colleague may not always develop into a true friendship.

The game constantly reminds you to discuss your relationship, nagging you. Each time this situation arises, it highlights Zoe's card and displays a notification, which irritates players. This intrusive behavior can distract from the gameplay and reduce enjoyment.

The mood system in Zoey raises many questions among players. A character can suddenly become depressed, and the game provides no explanation for the causes of these mood swings or how to resolve them. Unlike The Sims, where the player receives notifications about a character's state, in Zoey, the factors contributing to changes in emotional background are left to the player to guess. This can make it difficult to control characters and reduce the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.

To understand the nuances of adulthood, I began a relationship with a local artist I met in the park. It was an instant connection. After just 20 minutes of talking, we agreed to a date, 10 minutes later we were discussing an engagement, and 5 minutes later we were planning a wedding. Such rapid steps have become for us a symbol of our unusual and rich love story.

Organization The level of online events reaches a high level. When planning a wedding, it's important to choose a suitable location, determine the duration of the ceremony, and approve the guest list. It's also important to agree on rules regarding the behavior of participants. For example, if you want to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings at a virtual wedding, include prohibited actions in the event rules. This will help create a harmonious atmosphere and ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

The day before the wedding, I suddenly realized the character's willfulness in the game. I mostly controlled only my character, occasionally paying attention to my future husband. This turned out to be an unpleasant surprise for me: my partner had started a relationship on a local dating site and even managed to go on a date. While my character was upset and angry, I couldn't understand what exactly was bothering her before the important event. Unlike The Sims, which has notifications, here you have to find the reasons yourself, for example, by scrolling through your memory journal.

The experience proved valuable: Zoeys effectively manage their needs and find activities when the player doesn't supervise them. Whether you'll appreciate their independence remains to be seen. However, if you have a large family and it's difficult to keep track of everyone, you don't have to worry about someone going hungry while spending time on the computer. They will find ways to organize their lives themselves.

The wedding took place, and the event was truly unforgettable. The decorations were magnificent: the bouquet toss, the reading of love letters, and the spectacular walk along the white carpet among the flowers and guests created a magical atmosphere. We wanted to capture every moment to create a memorable video of our day. I turned to an experienced wedding video editor for professional editing of the wedding video, and the result exceeded all expectations.

Despite the complicated relationship between my newlyweds, I still decided to have a child. The pregnancy and birth process in InZOI is very similar to The Sims. Zoya's pregnancy lasts three in-game days, after which an exclamation point appears on her icon. Clicking on it triggers a video of the new mother and her baby. However, it is worth noting that the interaction with children and their growing up process in the game remain unfinished and require improvement.

With a newborn, time spent with them can seem limited. A baby in a cradle doesn't yet require attention like feeding or diaper changes, and active play is impossible. However, during this period, you can interact with your baby and observe how genetic traits are emerging. In my case, a boy was born, and it was immediately obvious that he inherited his eye color from his mother and his hair from his father. This early interaction not only strengthens the emotional bond, but also allows for a better understanding of how genetics influences a child's appearance.

The next stage of development is infancy. During this period, you need to care for your baby: feed them, change diapers, and interact with them. The baby becomes playable as a character. Although they are already capable of playing with toys, crawling around the apartment independently, and expressing their emotions, there are still some aspects that require attention and understanding. This game does not include elements of first steps, teaching first words, or potty training. There is no need to train your baby; the most you can do is warn them against putting objects in their mouth. Caring for them boils down to changing diapers and feeding them a bottle. Even putting them to bed is done independently: the baby simply materializes a small rug with a pillow on the floor. The changing table and high chair are nothing more than decorations for the nursery and have no impact on the gameplay. In this regard, InZOI is significantly inferior to The Sims. The process of raising a child in InZOI boils down to simple conversations and satisfying two basic needs, with no emphasis on the education and development of the future person, even if it's virtual. There are no notifications about growing up. The child suddenly becomes a schoolchild, and there's no opportunity to organize a birthday party or take a beautiful screenshot. The game devolves into routine activities: going to school, doing homework on the computer, satisfying needs, communicating with family, and gradually maturing into a teenager. This approach deprives players of the opportunity to enjoy the important moments of transition from one stage of life to another, which makes the gameplay less engaging and memorable.

The gameplay of this game leaves There's much to be desired. It lacks challenge and is too lenient towards the player. Despite being a life simulator, the game doesn't feel like it's truly alive. The character can't face the consequences of failing to pay bills and becoming homeless, because when the balance drops below 1,000 Meow (the local currency), the game automatically awards 2,500 Meow as "social assistance," preventing starvation. Furthermore, there's a built-in cheat button for getting money, allowing you to instantly increase your balance by 50,000 Meow. This makes the gameplay too easy and deprives the player of a true challenge. It's difficult to die from external factors in the game. Even if you try to fix broken equipment without any skills, your character, Zoya, won't be harmed or electrocuted. Although the game features arrests for crimes, the police don't perform their duties properly. I deliberately turned Zoya's cheating husband into a criminal and aggressor to test the game mechanics: he stole from an ATM. However, when the police arrived, they merely stood by and chatted among themselves. Even if you tried to attack them, they wouldn't arrest the thief or send him to jail. This highlights the ineffectiveness of the game's law enforcement mechanisms.

Until the latest update, characters could die of "natural causes" at any point in adulthood. My Zoey encountered this controversial mechanic of the realistic probability system and died in the prime of life. All her needs were at maximum levels, she suffered from no illnesses, and her mood was excellent. However, an uncancellable "Die of Natural Causes" action occurred that repeated itself over and over, even when reloading the save. This situation highlights the problems with the game's mechanics and raises questions about its balance and realism.

The city's resident karma system currently has little meaning. Every 24 hours of gameplay, you press buttons to punish or reward residents based on their karma—the number of good or bad deeds they've committed. Positive karma grants them good luck and improved health, while negative karma brings misfortune and increases the risk of illness. This mechanic adds an element of interaction and allows players to influence the lives of virtual residents, making gameplay more engaging and dynamic.

As the number of characters with bad karma increases in the city, the percentage of ghosts increases, making it difficult for new families to settle in. As a result, a city with low karma can become completely empty. The current system resembles an annoying mobile game that requires constant button mashing. Despite my efforts to punish bad characters and reward good ones, karma in the city remains constantly "under threat," and I see no way to influence it.

Krafton will likely continue to refine all systems and gameplay mechanics before the full release. In particular, attention will be paid to the various stages of virtual characters' lives. However, at the moment, the project has not reached the level required to be called "The Sims killer."

Yes, even in Early Access, InZOI offers many opportunities for content creators, including customization of poses, character appearances, dances, and detailed elaboration of home interiors. InZOI is truly impressive in its beauty and has great potential. However, users expect it to be first and foremost a life simulator, and not simply a tool for creating beautiful screenshots and videos, as is the case now. Developers should pay attention to gameplay elements that will allow users to immerse themselves in a full-fledged virtual world, and not limit themselves to just visual aesthetics.