Sitting atop the current Steam sales chart is the latest released game, Schedule I. With over 414,000 concurrent players, it has outperformed titans such as Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals. See what it has to offer with this Schedule I game review.
From Small-Time Dealer to Drug Kingpin
Fill in the shoes of an aspiring drug leader in a fictional place called Hyland Point. In Schedule I, players start as small-time pusher in the town, delivering goods to customers manually. Eventually, they’ll build on their operation to create a full-fledged drug empire. This game allows players to grow weed plants, cook meth, and even procure cocaine as they expand their business.
Moreover, they’ll have to purchase properties, grow employee numbers, and create production facilities to establish their empire. Players will experience the life of a drug leader in this newly released game. Unlike other crime simulators, Schedule I has a surprisingly chill approach with beautiful sunrises, a blissful soundtrack, and functional mechanics. This lets players choose their route between being a massive drug dealer or skating around the town making small deals.
The Co-op Experience: Chaos and Camaraderie
Schedule I also offers a multiplayer experience for those who opt for something different from solo plays. In solo, players can focus on laid-back empire-building, but the friends option transforms the game into full operation. They can divide tasks and manage operations together, creating a chaotic and fun experience.
With this, they can either create a successful drug cartel or spend time getting chased by police officers. The game received a lot of interest from the gaming community with this chaotic multiplayer experience. From methodical business management, it can evolve to an unpredictable mayhem on players’ interaction with customers. This provides a comedic relief to the overall game experience.
An Unexpected Tone: Breaking Bad Meets Goofiness
A concern over the game premise of illegal drug manufacturing and distribution is the potential glorification of the situation. However, the distinct goofy tone of the game made it feel more like a parody rather than a serious crime simulator. It features characters like “Cranky Frank”, a resident with a saucepan on his head and tighty-whities.
Also, this allows you to experience drugs that temporarily reduce the world’s gravity or do silly activities. It can be gambling at six slot machines all at once or evading police from catching you with excessive contraband. Moreover, the police aren’t very threatening and likely leave you alone at most.
With this, Schedule I stands differently from other crime games, leaning on gritty realism instead of fun simulation. It doesn’t emphasize the moral complexities of drug transactions but on creating an entertaining playground for growing the drug business.
Early Access Potential and Future Plans
Developer TVGS shared a detailed roadmap of Schedule I for the next two years. Players definitely have a lot to look forward to as the game is still an Early Access title. The game will have significant map expansions, additional drugs, and a production process. Plus, it’ll develop even more complex business management systems.
For now, the post-launch patches will focus on fixing the bugs and multiplayer issues. Yet, more monthly content updates are to come out based on community feedback. The core gameplay loop stressed the growth of business operations. Some players are hoping to have accessible activities and life in Hyland Point like golf, karaoke, or hanging out.
Verdict: A Refreshing Indie Success
Schedule I undeniably hit the jackpot based on the reaction from the gaming community. It has received “overwhelmingly positive” Steam reviews with its fun and quirky drug business operations. It really gives a refreshing experience, standing apart from other existing crime simulator games. So, if you’re looking for a unique career path to fill in, then this game might be worth your time. That’s all for this Schedule I game review.
