Two Point Museum review (PS5)

Two Point Studios, known for their quirky and fun management simulations, ventures into the realm of cultural preservation with Two Point Museum. Following the successes of Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, this latest installment invites players to design and manage their own museums, blending the studio’s signature humor with intricate gameplay mechanics. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.

At its core, Two Point Museum tasks players with curating exhibits, organizing expeditions for rare artifacts, and ensuring visitor satisfaction – which can be quite the balancing act. The game’s campaign mode serves as a comprehensive tutorial, introducing players to various museum themes, from haunted artifacts to paleontology. This structured approach gradually unveils the complexities of museum management, making it both engaging and informative. Additionally, the sandbox mode offers flexibility, allowing for resource-rich or challenging budget-constrained gameplay, catering to a wide range of player preferences while enhancing the game’s lasting appeal.

A standout feature is the expedition system, where players dispatch experts to unearth unique artifacts – a bit like the expeditions in the Jurassic World Evolution games. This element adds depth to the gameplay, as the success of these missions directly influences the museum’s appeal. Balancing the allocation of resources between expeditions and in-house operations becomes a strategic endeavor, enhancing the overall management experience.

Visually, the game maintains the vibrant and familiar aesthetic characteristic of the Two Point series. The playful art style complements the game’s lighthearted tone, making the management tasks enjoyable. However, some players might find the visual similarities to previous titles a bit too familiar, potentially craving more innovation and/or detail in the game’s visual design.

The audio design is both functional and entertaining, featuring upbeat background music and quirky sound effects that enhance the immersive experience. The soundtrack adapts to the museum’s ambiance, subtly guiding the player’s mood and focus. While not groundbreaking and mostly subtle, the audio elements effectively support the game’s overall atmosphere.

Control-wise, Two Point Museum translates well to the PlayStation 5. The interface is intuitive, with menus and options easily accessible via the controller. The learning curve is gentle, accommodating both newcomers and seasoned players. However, occasional pathfinding issues with staff AI can disrupt the smooth operation of the museum, requiring manual intervention to resolve.

Despite its strengths, the game does have areas that could benefit from refinement. Some gameplay elements feel too reminiscent of earlier Two Point titles, potentially leading to a sense of déjà vu for long-time fans. Additionally, while the humor is a hallmark of the series, it may not resonate with everyone, and the reliance on familiar comedic tropes might not appeal to all players.

In conclusion, Two Point Museum offers a charming and intricate management experience that stays true to Two Point Studios’ distinctive style. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre or the studio’s own brand, it provides a solid and enjoyable simulation that will satisfy fans and newcomers alike. Its blend of humor, strategic depth, and engaging mechanics ensures that players will find themselves immersed in the world of museum management – which turns out can be way more fun than you’d probably imagine.

Score: 8.2/10