The Sims for Real Businessmen
Another reviewer described Big Ambitions as “The Sims for men,” and they really hit the nail on the head. Big Ambitions offers a immersive game world in which you start out at the bottom and work your way up from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur and millionaire. Managing your businesses is challenging and fun without ever becoming overly complicated.
The great thing about Big Ambitions is that it combines the economic management aspect with that of a life sim. This gives you a reason to make money that goes beyond simply watching the numbers grow. It is incredibly motivating to imagine what you could spend your profits on: a new sports car, a bigger property, or even a yacht. The so far basic, but well-designed life-sim aspect, which I hope will be expanded even further in the future, is incredibly important to the game. It makes the player's progression much more noticable and rewarding.
This is also where I see a lot of potential for the game. Future updates could add new items, interior decorations, businesses, and much more. For example, wellness centers could be added as a new type of business, allowing you to eventually place your very own sauna in your apartment. This would further connect the business-management and life-sim aspects of the game.
It would also be great to have more ways to invest and grow your capital. For example, real estate could play a bigger role. Buying properties and earning rental income is already possible, but currently feels rather pointless. Investments in the stock market could also be an interesting addition.
That said, you shouldn't forget that the game already offers a fantastic experience in version 1.0.
For me personally Big Ambitions is simply a perfect genre mix. It is ideal for people who would rather jump into their Porsche and head to the virtual golf club after a hard day at the office than spend hours pondering over excel-spreadsheets like hardcore business planners.
