Job Simulator
Year: 2016
Rating: E10+
Time Played: ~2.5 hours
While I didn’t know it at the time, one of the first Virtual Reality games I ever encountered was none other than Job Simulator. Many years later, I bought this game for my Oculus Quest and immediately understood the appeal. Sure, the graphics aren’t top-notch, but that’s not the point of Job Simulator. If anything, it’s an easy introduction into the world of VR that allows the user to play around in a variety of “job” environments. The comedy in this game is quite amusing; however, its replay value is fairly limited.
Set in the far future, Job Simulator pokes fun at several professions, including Auto Mechanic, Gourmet Chef, Store Clerk, and Office Worker. Anyone who has experienced any of these jobs will likely get a chuckle out of its tongue-in-cheek satire. As a single-player game, it only takes a few hours to complete all four campaigns. And while the tasks are the same on repeat playthroughs, there is the option of an “endless” overtime mode that continues these tasks randomly until the player is ready to quit.
Aside from the options for adjusting the game’s physics, there’s not much else to do in Job Simulator than, well…jobs. Despite one person being unable to enjoy multiple playthroughs, I rate this game so highly because it is great for parties. Introducing people to VR can be a challenge, but Job Simulator makes it approachable and fun as you watch people try to navigate these occupations in a virtual environment. The fact that this was the first VR game I ever encountered speaks volumes of its lasting presence in the VR space. While you might not play it regularly, it’s definitely a must-have for any VR headset owner’s library.
An amusing introductory experience for VR, I give Job Simulator 4.0 stars out of 5.
