In the world of simulator games, where players immerse themselves in the worlds of extreme makeovers, property flipping, farming, power washing, and so on, House Flipper 2 emerges as a beacon of innovation and refinement. Developed by Empyrean and published by Frozen District, this sequel builds upon the sturdy foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a gaming experience that is as immersive as it is satisfying.
At the heart of House Flipper 2 lies the original game’s core, and while they build upon it with new features, that gameplay loop is so satisfying I lost track of time. One of the most immediately noticeable changes is in graphics. In comparison, the first installment sported a lower-budget aesthetic with what I can describe as flatter lighting. House Flipper 2 dazzles with its vibrant colors, detailed environments, and lighting effects. From the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the trees to the warm ambiance of a well-lit living room, every aspect of the game’s visuals exudes a sense of charm that the first game now feels like it was missing.
House Flipper 2 introduces notable improvements to gameplay mechanics as well. The leveling-up mechanic rewards players for their continued use of the tools by unlocking skill points that can be used to upgrade said tools. Take, for example, the brush; if you clean up dirty floors and walls enough times, you’ll unlock a point that can be redeemed for a spray bottle. You can spray this bottle to soak the stain, resulting in it taking far less time to wipe up. This not only enhances the efficiency of the renovation process but also provides a tangible sense of progression and a feeling of accomplishment as players work their way through the game.
Another welcome addition to House Flipper 2 is the Sandbox mode, which allows players to unleash their creativity and build homes from scratch. With the ability to edit lot dimensions and terrain heights and even switch between first-person and top-down perspectives, the Sandbox mode offers endless possibilities for experimentation and design. Coupled with the game’s vast catalog of furniture pieces, players are only limited by their imagination.
In House Flipper 2, players are tasked with fulfilling the renovation wishes of various clients, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. Whether it’s cleaning up after a wild influencer party or helping a career-oriented individual spruce up their living space, the quests in House Flipper 2 are not only entertaining but also diverse, keeping players engaged and intrigued. However, the greatest strength of House Flipper 2 lies in its ability to provide a relaxing and stress-free gaming experience. Like its predecessor, the game offers a laid-back approach to gameplay, with no sense of urgency or pressure to rush through tasks. Whether you’re meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny of a cluttered room or carefully planning the layout of a new home, House Flipper 2 encourages players to take their time and enjoy the process. The emails you receive from clients may sound urgent, but there is no timer, and you will not get penalized for making a mistake. In fact, if you accidentally throw something away that you should have sold instead, there is an upgrade perk for your trash bag that will let you earn the total sold amount for the item trashed, relieving any stress about using the wrong tool. There is even a Flipper Sense that will highlight all the items in the room you need to use the currently selected tool. The game wants you to relax and complete the checklist.
That being said, House Flipper 2 is not without its flaws. I was slightly disappointed by the absence of certain DLC content from the first game, such as lawn maintenance. While this content may be added to future updates or purchased through DLC packs, its omission is still noticeable and may detract from the overall experience for some players. I’m okay with it, but it does sting a bit when you’re outside the house, and you know that you could have taken a lawnmower to that tall bit of overgrowth.
In terms of controls, House Flipper 2 offers support for both controllers and keyboard/mouse setups. While both options are viable, there are moments where the precision of a mouse is preferred, mainly when placing objects or highlighting items for disposal. However, playing with a controller wasn’t terrible, so you’ll be fine using whichever method you find most comfortable.
House Flipper 2 is a worthy successor to the original game, offering an enhanced and more polished experience for fans of the genre. This gaming experience is as rewarding as it is enjoyable. Its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and charming emails will delight both newcomers and returning players alike. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of flipping houses or indulging in extreme home makeovers, House Flipper 2 is the game for you. Just be prepared to lose track of time as you immerse yourself in its addictive gameplay loop.
A Steam code was provided by the publisher for review purposes
