Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 Review: Salvage and Chill
An on-the-waterfront simulator that taps into the oddly satisfying world of ship dismantling.
last updated Dec 10, 2023
Satisfying entry into the shipbreaking business with potential held back only by its barnacled bugs.
The Grind & Shine of Shipbreaking
Embarking on an adventure with Ship Graveyard Simulator 2, one can't help but admire the simple yet compelling motif of tearing down behemoth vessels to their nuts and bolts. Pridefully polishing your tools of destruction before launching into gleeful deconstruction provides a staggering sense of accomplishment. Whether solo or with friends, the experience is akin to a meditative practice – albeit one with a penchant for creating metallic avalanches. The charm lies in the interplay between strategic disassembly and the cathartic crack of the hammer, though the gameplay loop does risk becoming monotonous without the finesse of well-thought-out expansions.
Soothing Sounds of the Shipyard
If there's a standout performer amidst the busied shores of Ship Graveyard Simulator 2, it would be the meticulously crafted soundscape. The clangs and bangs resonate with an authenticity that could convince you're actually at sea, armed with a torch and hammer instead of a mouse and keyboard. The background music acts as a tranquil counterpoint to the inherent violence of dismemberment, crafting an overall atmosphere that is equal parts zen garden and industrial workshop. It's quite easy to lose hours amidst the rhythmic destruction, especially if you've dialed in some of your favorite tunes to accompany the ship's last voyage to Valhalla.
A Visually Viable Vessel Venture
Graphically, the simulator doesn't shy away from showcasing large-scale destruction with a sharp visual style, although it may not push the latest hardware to its limits. Performance generally follows suit with a steady framerate that mirrors the consistent hammer thuds – most of the time. The building-tearing, steel-rendering action is beautifully translated through decent textures and lighting. However, disgruntled mariners should note the common occurrence of wonky physics with ship parts defying gravity, which serves as a distress beacon calling for prompt developer attention lest it capsizes the overall shipbreaking escapade.
Upgrade Aplenty, Buggery Bountiful
Sweating through your in-game overalls, you'll quickly find the joy in upgrading tools and adding power to your ship-wrecking causes. However, this ship isn't without holes; the sporadic bugs can chew through your patience faster than a rusty anchor. The community's cries for patches are as loud as the crashes of falling steel, yet optimism remains that upcoming updates won't simply add more wrecks but will address the existing leaks in the gameplay. After all, smooth seas never made skilled sailors—or, in this case, bug-free simulators.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Games Incubator, Hypnotic Ants
Publisher
Games Incubator, PlayWay S.A.
Release Date
August 16, 2023
The Verdict
Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 floats a boat full of potential and serves as a satisfying entry into the shipbreaking business. From its significant improvements over the first iteration to the absorption of Hardspace Shipbreaker's influences, the waves it makes provide both chill and thrill. It stands as a beacon of indie craftsmanship, but may require a dedicated lifeboat squad in the form of subsequent bug-fixing updates to keep it fully afloat. Nonetheless, it’s well worth donning the digital hard hat and hitting the high seas of steel reclamation, making it a recommended salvage operation for those looking to unplug their minds and scrap the day away.
