We’ve all been eagerly anticipating InZOI, a game that promises a new take on the life sim genre that has been previously dominated by The Sims. But is it the alternative we’ve all been waiting for? That depends on what you’re looking for in a life sim. Here’s my in-depth review after several hours of gameplay.

InZOI First Impressions

One of the first things you’ll notice about InZOI is its RPG-style of movement. Unlike The Sims, where you click to move, InZOI lets you control your character in real-time using the WASD keys. This also extends to driving, making for a more immersive experience.

The controls feel intuitive, especially if you’re familiar with The Sims, though the camera takes some getting used to. While The Sims allows you to freely scroll across the map and observe different Sims, InZOI prefers an over-the-shoulder perspective, keeping the focus on your active character. This can feel a bit restrictive, especially if you enjoy multitasking in simulation games.

Open World Exploration

One of the biggest draws of InZOI is its open world—a feature that longtime Sims players have been missing since The Sims 3. The world feels alive, with NPCs out and about, and I like seeing who I am going to run into. However, there are still some limitations such as fake lots and work-related rabbit holes. Despite this, the cities feel much more lively compared to The Sims 4’s separate neighborhoods.

Performance, Graphics & Early Access 

For an early access title, InZOI runs fairly well. I encountered occasional pathing issues, like walking through buildings, but these were rare. My game never crashed during my five to six hours of gameplay, though I’ve seen reports of stability issues from other players. Overall, it’s a solid experience, with only a few minor hiccups.

If you’re considering InZOI, keep in mind that its graphics and processor requirements are significantly higher than The Sims. The game leans towards hyper-realism, which looks great but demands a powerful PC to run smoothly.

Build/Buy Mode & Customization

I didn’t dive too deeply into the 3D printing or AI-generated object features, but the build and buy options feel solid. If you’re familiar with The Sims, you’ll find the system comfortable and easy to use. While I’m not the best at building, I was pleased with the variety of objects available in the game so far.

Social Interactions – Plenty of Choices but Ones Lacking Depth

One of InZOI’s strengths is its dialogue system. There are tons of social interaction options—so many that some seem a bit odd, likely due to AI-generated writing. However, this variety could be great for players who love roleplaying.

That said, relationships in InZOI don’t yet have the same depth as The Sims. The chaos, drama, and intricate family-building mechanics that make The Sims so engaging aren’t quite there yet. If you enjoy storytelling and sandbox play, this may be a drawback.

Final Thoughts – Is InZOI Worth It?

Overall, InZOI shows a lot of promise, especially with the potential for mods. If you’re looking for a realistic life sim that doesnt have the quirky, colorful charm of The Sims, InZOI could be a great fit. However, if you crave deep relationships, somewhat chaotic gameplay, and the signature humor of The Sims, you might find InZOI lacking in comparison—at least for now.

Should You Try InZOI?

If you love the idea of an open-world life sim, real-time movement, and a more “realistic” experience, InZOI is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer the rich storytelling, humor, and drama of The Sims, you might want to wait for future updates before diving in.

Have you played InZOI yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!