Cattle Call: Hollywood Talent Manager

Rather disappointed to see the dev team consider this game to be complete in this state. The long and short of it is that in Early Access they fixed the absolute game breaking bugs that made it feel like it wasn't even a complete piece of software, but they didn't improve any of the systems that made the game feel no better than most of the freeware projects you can download online. If you're totally enamored with the idea of running an acting talent agency, maybe this game is for you b/c I can't think of any others, but if you're like me and you'll play games about MMA, WW2, Record Labels, Crime Squads, literally anything as long as you're managing something, I really can't recommend spending any amount of money on this one.

Unfortunately, this game is unfinished. The interface is badly made and requires you to click hundreds if not thousands of times just to look for roles for your actors. They force you to press a submit button to see the info on a role instead of just see an entire list of all the roles AND the requirements for these roles... The game is a really nice concept, but the interface kills it big time. It pains me to make such a negative review, but the dev forced my hand by ending the Early Release state. I was holding my review until they have improved the interface, but I believe they are just too lazy just to copy paste stuff from one window to another that you just resize. Pity! I cannot recommand this game to anyone due to its very poor interface albeit the original idea and that the rest of the game is pleasant. The bad interface kills your fun after a short while, maybe after two hours of play tops. The game is missing goals (ones that you pick at game setup and some that are always there). So it is just an infinite sandbox that you lose interest after a couple of tries once you have understood how the game works. That's another thing, once you understand how the game works, there is no challenge at all. Putting goals or more deadlines for actors and a harsher reputation (not in terms of technical numbers but in consequences due to your actions and choices). Do not buy this game until the designers have made a better interface.

Dev stopped updating this game, it was in Early Access for 6 months and Dev decided to avoid any work he'd release a half finished game and call it "finished"

Admittedly this game is buggy, and for a fair amount of people that will really turn them off. The game crashes a fair amount and there are definitely issues with the UI and Morale of actors/actresses. That being said this game is insanely addictive for anyone that likes management games. I have not been able to put it down over the past 4 hours and did not know where the time went. Working with an actor or actress to land big roles and to become a better actor/actress is enthralling. Another great benefit is that the creator of the game is very active on the Steam forums and is actively attempting to fix issues and listen to suggestions. Addictiveness: 9/10 Fun: 8/10 UI: 4/10 Bugs: 3/10 Overall: 7.75/10

I've bought a lot of games on Steam, I think there are over 200 in my library. Some I've loved, some I've enjoyed and found fault with. Some I didn't like and some I refunded. But never before, until now, did I feel like a game developer had defrauded me. Do not buy this. I know it's only ten dollars, but releasing a game in this state and selling it to people is straight up fraud.

Despite many bugs this game is quite enjoyable. The clunky GUI may be an obstacle for some, but I have fun searching role by role for appropriate parts for my clients. Although some might find it awkward, it's rewarding to slowly build your agency and remember your clients' attributes, skills, looks etc. A very promising Early Access game, I hope to see developed into a full release.

DO.NOT.BUY! I have 94 hours in early access to help the dev make a better game, and what did they do? They bailed, the "dad is going out for cigaratte" style. No formal announcement whatsoever; just ran away. The game has not improved anything from its initial state. Many suggestions were made but no big one were implemented. Do not give your money to devs like this one, especially so when the game isn't that fun anyway. It is fundamentally broken in many ways. I would be willing to write long paragraphs but they do not deserve my effort. If you want to know more, just ask in the comments and I will break it down for you. STAY.THE.F.AWAY!!!