Construction Simulator Review

Whilst many iterations of titles that aim to simulate construction have been released over the years, Construction Simulator is the first to make its way to the PlayStation 5. With two unique maps to explore, a wide array of vehicles to drive, and many missions to tackle, does this title do enough to stand out from the countless other similar games already available?

The main objectives of Construction Simulator are quite simple: expand your business and make a profit. Rinse and repeat! You’ll interact with different NPCs that provide you with tasks to complete, each with a set goal or objective to complete. Story isn’t the focus here, and although you’ll meet unique individuals on your way to building your reputation, there isn’t a narrative to act as the driving force to your progression. It was nice to see that each map offers its own set of missions, so you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in terms of advancing in the game, including optional side missions if you want to earn some extra cash.

It wouldn’t be overly dramatic to say that Construction Simulator isn’t pushing the limits of the PlayStation 5’s technology. The occasional muddy, low-resolution textures are most prevalent in the environments, although character models were surprisingly good, even if the animations were odd-looking (the player character’s run animation in particular). The biggest stand out is just how well-modelled the construction vehicles are, which are highly detailed both inside and out.

Audio is much the same, all of the machines sound authentic, with all the mechanical crunches and loud engine noises one would expect from these hulking vehicles. The voice acting is perhaps most surprising; titles in the simulator genre are not usually known for their top-quality performances, but it must be said that the lines in Construction Simulator are rather well delivered!

One huge disappointment was the lack of DualSense features supported on the PS5; not being able to feel the crunch of the gravel as you drove over it or the triggers resisting your touch as you positioned a crane into place, was a little bit of a letdown.

Actual construction work is tough (I’d assume) and it takes a lot of skill to be able to learn to control just one of the many vehicles, and a team of individuals to drive each one. Thankfully, Construction Simulator does away with the need for years of training by providing a simple control scheme that will have you operating heavy machinery in no time. With over 90 vehicles available, this helps by not having to jump into a tutorial for every new one purchased or unlocked. What isn’t so simple is the constant swapping back and forth between operating the crane arm on a vehicle and the camera. The camera as a whole is slightly wonky, and oftentimes I found myself in a battle to better position it so I could actually see what was going on.

Once you’ve won the battle against the camera, however, Construction Simulator handles really well. Vehicles have a sense of weight to them whilst driving, and operating the crane arms on certain machines is done by using both analogue sticks, allowing for greater accuracy.

Much of the game is streamlined, allowing players to jump straight into the actual construction should they so wish. Small touches such as skipping the drive to the job location via fast travel, having someone deliver the building materials straight to the site and saving you time from loading them up at the building yard can cut some of the tedium out of missions and was a very welcome addition. There was never a point where I felt overwhelmed or that a feature was just too obscure to understand, creating an incredibly laid-back gaming experience.

Whilst every contract you undertake may be varied, be it something as simple as replacing a damaged pipe or laying down the foundations for a new building, you don’t have much input in how to go about them. This gives Construction Simulator a sort of “paint by numbers” feel, and whilst that can lead to a relaxed time as you build away without having to think too much, it can lead to boredom after a while.

The two unique maps you can select are varied enough to make it worth exploring both, with either the bustling American city or the more subdued European town offering different missions to make them feel more than just a “do you prefer the city or the countryside” choice. It’s also worth noting that you aren’t locked out of the map you didn’t select,, and can swap settings as and when you feel like a change of scenery.

Construction Simulator is a rather automated experience, with minimal player choice in how things are constructed, which often lead to the game becoming slightly boring. When I was in the mood to shovel some dirt or jump into a crane, I found a lot to love, so if you’re looking for a new simulator game (perhaps to tide you over until the PlayStation release of PowerWash Simulator?) then you could do much worse than giving Construction Simulator a go.