Hot Springs Story is a hot spring business simulation video game developed and published by Kairosoft for the Android, iOS, and the Nintendo Switch. It was released for iOS on February 28, 2011, for Android on April 18, 2011, and for Nintendo Switch on October 11, 2018.[3] The game focuses on a hot spring resort which the player is tasked with managing and making a profit from. It received mostly positive reviews from critics. A sequel, Hot Springs Story 2, was released in 2020.[4]
| Hot Springs Story | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Kairosoft |
| Publisher(s) | Samsung Electronics |
| Designer(s) | Adrian Frutiger Alan Aldridge |
| Platform(s) | iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Gameplay
editHot Springs Story focuses on a hot spring resort business, where it is the player's job to expand the resort and to juggle the needs of customers.[5] In order to attract more wealthy clientele, the player must impress guidebook writers who will increase the rating of the establishment.[5] The player must juggle advertising, construction, and using booster items on specific rooms to increase their desirability for customers, all while managing the staff and a number of different issues.[6]
Economy types
edit| Economy status | What happens |
|---|---|
| Bubble | More overnight guests |
| Boom | More investments |
| Steady | Usual business |
| Recess | Negative effects on advertising |
| Depression | No money on guests |
Customer Patience
editNot all customers are the same, and have different patient levels.[citation needed]
| Number | Customer Type | Patience Level | Overnight Stayer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Antique Dlr | Low | Yes |
| 2. | College Student | Low | Yes |
| 3. | Office Clerk | Medium | Maybe |
| 4. | Singer | Medium | No |
| 5. | Farmer | Medium | Yes |
| 6. | Yuppie | High | Maybe |
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 83/100[7] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Eurogamer | 7/10[5] |
| IGN | 8.0/10[8] |
| TouchArcade |   [6] |
Although Hot Springs Story received mostly positive reviews, the reception was muted compared to the hype and success that Kairosoft's previous Western release, Game Dev Story, garnered; it received an 83/100 from review aggregator website Metacritic.[7] IGN's Levi Buchanan felt that although it lacked the charm of Game Dev Story, that Hot Springs Story was in some ways deeper, with the building aspects giving it more depth overall.[8] TouchArcade noted that although the game could feel daunting at first, it ultimately was an incredibly deep and addicting simulation game.[6] Pocket Gamer's Mike Rose praised the game's content and special features, but felt that the game held little to no direction in the very beginning.[9] Gamezebo's Dan Zuccarelli heavily criticized the game for "playing itself", noting that he fell asleep during one playthrough without it affecting his progress in the game.[10]
References
edit- ^ Hearn, Rob (February 28, 2011). "Kairosoft's Hot Springs Story hits the App Store, gets introductory price cut". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Will (April 18, 2011). "Game Dev Story follow-up Hot Springs Story opens on Android Market". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
- ^ Reynolds, Matthew (10 October 2018). "Nintendo Switch upcoming games list, Switch Online NES games list and all 2018 release dates". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
- ^ "Hot Springs Story2". App Store. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
- ^ a b c Reed, Kristan (March 14, 2011). "Mobile Games Roundup". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on February 1, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ a b c Hall, Chris (March 3, 2011). "'Hot Springs Story' Review – Zen Gaming from the Makers of 'Game Dev Story'". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on April 21, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ a b "Hot Springs Story for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 23, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ a b Buchanan, Levi (March 7, 2011). "Hot Springs Story iPhone Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on August 25, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ Rose, Mike (2 March 2011). "Hot Springs Story Review". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ Zuccarelli, Dan (March 7, 2011). "Hot Springs Story Review". Gamezebo. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.