iPhone/Android; £1.99; cert 4+; Kairosoft
Japanese developer Kairosoft is making a cult reputation for itself among smartphone gamers, thanks to its quirky collection of simulation games. Game Dev Story introduced the company to the West with its oh-so meta simulation of a games studio, and it was followed by games focusing on a school, a hot springs resort and a shopping mall. Now comes motor racing. Grand Prix Story shares the pixel-art graphics of its predecessors, and also many of the game mechanics. You have to put teams of drivers and mechanics together, build cars and compete in races, while unlocking new parts and car types and upgrading them as you go. Playing the game is a balancing act, juggling upgrades, staff training and cars. As with other Kairosoft games, once the game pulls you in, it is fearsomely addictive
Pocket Academy and Game Dev Story developer Kairosoft has accused Beijing Shi Jun, its publisher in China, of stealing code and violating contract terms.
A Chinese company... stealing IP from another company?!!?!
Well that's just.... unbelievable!!!
/s
Kairosoft is a Japanese video game developer located in Tokyo, founded in 1996. Until 2016, they have released over 40 simulation games for mobile available in English. During my recent hunt for great demos on the Nintendo Switch, I came across several games by Kairosoft and fell in love. Since November 2019, you can play select beloved titles as demos for free, or purchase the full versions on the Switch for approximately $17 USD (or less) each.
SXO: You can now play Grand Prix Story on your Switch and while it's not as deep as something like motorsport manager, its still lots of fun.
