Galacticare: A Fresh Take on Hospital Management Simulators
Galacticare brings a new twist to the hospital management simulator genre, reminiscent of Two Point Hospital, another favorite of mine. Thanks to Brightrock Games and CULT Games, we had the chance to try out the first two levels of the demo. Let’s dive into our first impressions and see if Galacticare can captivate you with its relaxing, sandbox-style hospital simulation.
Story & Presentation
In Galacticare, you step into the role of the Director, tasked with building various hospital facilities to treat diverse diseases. Each level comes with its own scenario. For instance, the second level involves treating patients from a music festival, requiring you to quickly attend to VIPs to maintain your hospital’s reputation.
The game features a star rating system to measure your hospital’s quality. Although I think a yearly awards mechanic, like in Two Point Hospital, could enhance this aspect. Also, instead of displaying how many days have passed, the game shows a scoring system with the time taken to complete a level and your star rating.
When you hit certain star ratings, new items become available. While you can continue playing after achieving the main objectives, you may eventually find it less engaging once you’ve expanded all the wings.
On a side note, if you’re planning to record or stream your gameplay, ensure your GPU can handle the load, as I experienced frame drops. Otherwise, playing casually off-stream should offer a smooth experience.
Customization
Galacticare simplifies room-building with intuitive mechanics, like duplicating built rooms to quickly expand your hospital system. Similar to other simulators, you can copy room blueprints and build as long as you have sufficient funds.
In the demo, there are two room types: Treatment Rooms, which generate revenue starting with a Diagnosis Room, and Support Rooms, like the Staff Lounge, which allow your doctors to take breaks. We’re expecting more rooms to be added in the full version of the game.
Diseases & Races
One of the most intriguing features of Galacticare is its playful take on diseases. Each condition comes with a clever name that manifests literally. For example, a patient with “Metal Head” has a head made of metal, treatable in the Laser Room. This whimsical approach adds a lighthearted touch to the serious business of interstellar healthcare.
The game also introduces various alien races, each with unique traits and preferences. The Dyonai, for example, favor plant decorations and ample seating. Failing to meet these specific needs increases the likelihood of them leaving your hospital dissatisfied.
In summary, Galacticare presents a delightful and engaging twist on typical hospital management games. Its unique diseases, intuitive customization, and special attention to alien patient needs create a rich and enjoyable gaming experience.