The past 18 months have seen a resurgence in titles using the "dirty deed" as a hook to get gamers` attention.
Console title BMXXX ushered in this era with an offering that enabled players to control topless female bicyclists. The controversial Singles soon followed. This Sims-like incarnation focused on developing an intimate relationship between two roommates. Even the infamous Leisure Suit Larry franchise was resurrected with a title that consisted of numerous adult-oriented mini-games.
Pets not wanted
Now, with the release of Playboy: The Mansion, gamers have a management title to round off the genre. In the game, the player assumes the role of Hugh Heffner as he tries to dominate the adult magazine industry. The player takes control of publishing the monthly Playboy magazine and running the notorious mansion.
Being a management title, this means the player will have to monitor Heffner`s finances, employ suitable staff, host parties and ensure the mansion keeps developing in a way that reflects the rising fame of an adult industry entrepreneur.
There are two game modes: campaign and sandbox. The campaign mode consists of 12 missions that include choosing suitable centrefolds for the magazine and developing relationships with celebrities. The sandbox gives you carte blanche to create your empire.
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Think of Playboy: The Mansion as The Sims meets Zoo Tycoon. On the one level, you will need to micro-manage Heffner as he builds relationships with Playboy Bunnies, centrefolds, staff and various influential people.
Like The Sims, all the characters have specific needs. Fulfil the right ones and the relationship will strengthen. Conversations have romantic, informal and business options. As one would expect from a game of this nature, the romantic ones will eventually lead to a romp between the sheets (or in some cases, bushes).
In the same vein, you will be able to outfit the mansion with a plethora of luxuries in different categories. Fancy that setting sun backdrop for your next photo shoot? How about that nice entertainment system for those wild pool parties?
I buy it for the articles
Publishing the magazine adds a different twist to the management genre. You will need to convince celebrities to pose for you, hire photographers and journalists to add content and even take care of the photo shoots yourself.
During the photo shoot, you are given a set number of photographs to take. You can tell the model to change her pose and even her clothes (or lack thereof). Once a shoot has been completed, you pick the centrefold shot as well as a cover photograph. Magazine sales will reflect the popularity of the magazine to earn you fame and money.
Completing objectives in the campaign mode will give you points with which content such as historical Playboy magazine covers, photographs and interviews can be unlocked.
Let`s party!
Playboy: The Mansion attempts to break the mould for adult titles through some of its ideas. Unfortunately, it is still essentially an adult title that does its best not to be too difficult. Seeing as the nature of such titles is graphic-focused, this game is not the best looking in the world.
At least, the title should be credited for offering fans of the genre something with a little more substance than traditional fare.
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