When it comes to management sims, the Two Point series has carved out a niche for itself with its unique blend of quirky humor, engaging mechanics, and just the right amount of challenge. The latest addition, Two Point Museum was one of Gamescom’s 2024 surprises and I played it! Let’s manage this museum!
Creating some buzz
In Two Point Museum, your main goal is to turn an empty museum into a must-visit cultural hotspot. But unlike your typical art gallery, this museum isn’t just about showcasing ancient artifacts or paintings. Nope, this is a place where you’ll find everything from rare fossils to bizarre relics like a fossilized floppy disk. The charm of Two Point Museum lies in its playful approach and easy to control experience.
The key to success in the game is generating buzz, and that’s where your management skills come in. You need to curate your exhibits to attract different types of visitors, from curious kids to hardcore history nerds. The demo let me experiment with a variety of options, from placing life-sized dinosaur skeletons to designing interactive displays. Each choice impacts the overall vibe of your museum, and it’s your job to ensure that every visitor leaves with a smile on their face; and, hopefully, a lighter wallet.
Expedition time
But what’s a museum without some truly unique artifacts? Two Point Museum introduces a clever mechanic that adds an adventurous twist to the gameplay: expeditions. To keep your exhibits fresh, you’ll need to send out teams of prehistorical experts to dig up rare items. These expeditions are a bit of a gamble since you never quite know what your team will bring back. Maybe they’ll return with a stunning T-Rex skull, or maybe it’ll be something completely unexpected, like that fossilized floppy disk I mentioned earlier. It’s this element of surprise that keeps the gameplay engaging, as you’re always curious to see what new treasures you can display next.
The process of preparing and launching these expeditions is surprisingly detailed. You need to hire the right experts, equip them with the best tools, and choose the most promising sites. Once they return, it’s up to you to decide how best to display their finds to maximize the museum’s appeal. It’s a satisfying loop that adds depth to the management aspect of the game.
A bit of strategy
Running a successful museum isn’t just about the exhibits; it’s also about the people who keep the place running smoothly. In the demo, I got to hire various types of staff, from cheerful ticket sellers to knowledgeable guides and, of course, the indispensable janitors who keep the floors as clean as possible. Each staff member comes with their own set of skills and quirks, adding a layer of strategy to how you manage your human resources.
The humor that Two Point games are known for is alive and well in the interactions with your staff and visitors. The museum’s PA system, voiced by a hilariously passive-aggressive announcer, constantly throws out sarcastic remarks that had me chuckling as I played. Whether she’s complaining about the state of the bathrooms or offering “helpful” advice on managing your visitors, the announcer adds a delightful touch of personality to the game that keeps things funny and relaxed.
Early conclusion:
Two Point Museum fits perfectly within the Two Point franchise, offering a fresh take on the management sim that’s both relaxing and engaging. With its charming humor, fun gameplay, and endless customization, Two Point Museum is shaping up to be another hit for Two Point Studios.
