Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 is the latest simulation title to hit the market. It is a bigger and better proposition than the original, but it is still a bit of a niche product. This won’t bother fans of simulation gaming, but anyone else may find it tiresome, repetitive, and lacking in a wow factor. I love the mundane task element of this genre, so this was appealing. However, if you fancy something more aggressive and faster-paced, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Skyhook Games has published and developed this single-player affair. It focuses on lawn care, cleaning, weed pulling, and business management. There has been some great improvement when it comes to “grass mechanics”, staff management, and your headquarters. However, there have been some horrible bugs as well. The launch of this sequel has been problematic, but many of the early release glitches have been resolved. Consequently, if you are jumping into this now, you shouldn’t experience too many issues.
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2’s lack of story shouldn’t be a shock.
If you follow my reviews, you’ll know I love a good story. This desire doesn’t fade when I play this genre. However, I’ve learned to accept the lack of a strong story whenever tackling a simulation game. Instead of a plot, you focus on growing your fledgling business. You begin with one ride-on mower and no employees. Thankfully, this changes pretty quickly as you buy new equipment, hire staff, and make the most of every situation.
The core ideas are simple to follow, and the opening missions act as an icebreaker. With new mechanics to master, this was a gentle way of adjusting your thinking. Yet, it doesn’t take long for things to ramp up. Huge gardens, a grading system, and equipment management must be understood and addressed if you want your business to thrive. Thankfully, none of these elements is tough to understand, and some basic planning keeps you on top of your business.
Better in every way.
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 has improved every aspect of its blueprint. The original was well received, so they didn’t have to change things too much. Luckily, the minor adjustments to the base game work exceptionally well. The job contracts are bigger and more challenging than the original. Although it is relaxing and relatively straightforward, there can be pressure if you want to gain the maximum score and money per contract.
As your mowing business mastered the UK previously, it was only right that we get to see it move across the pond and tackle American backyards. This offered huge scope for amazing areas and gardens that would blow you away. On top of this, you are asked to contend with varying grass heights and densities. There is leaf blowing and collection to focus on, raking to enjoy, and plenty of rubbish to gather. In short, there are plenty of little jobs to master and huge contracts to complete.
The ugly.
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 had plenty of time to grow into an exceptional sequel, but it suffers from performance issues. There were the early release gameplay elements that held it back, but these have since been patched out. Therefore, I’m referring to the frame rate issues that make this revolting to look at. It feels juddery and slow, and this was nauseating. Some may blame my PC setup, but it’s pretty powerful and well above what is required to run this game.
Additionally, I tested this on my Xbox Series X, and it didn’t run particularly well on there either. This is unfortunate, as no one likes their immersive and relaxing game to make them feel ill. I’m hoping that the developer somehow resolves this problem, but I’m not sure they can.
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 offers huge scope.
Despite the performance issues, Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 has huge areas to work with. The backyards are massive, and the array of tasks will keep you busy. The impressive grass mechanics make this a realistic simulation title. You can see the differences between cut and uncut grass. Moreover, I loved the grass deformation effects. This is what makes the frame rate problems so annoying. In many ways, this game is fantastic. However, the vomit-inducing frame rates were unforgivable.
The audio blends upbeat music with some ultra-realistic engine sounds. I love the juxtaposition between the high-energy music and the calm ambient noises. Furthermore, the brutish nature of your lawn mower and weed whacker was tough to ignore.
Great controls.
If you want a simulation game that is relatively plug-and-play, this is the sim title for you. There is a small learning curve, but the game offers a fantastic tutorial. Moreover, the control layout is intuitive, and this can be mastered in no time.
The developer has incorporated dynamic gardens to increase replay value and longevity. Although the changes are minor, it offers enough depth to keep you interested during lengthy careers. Furthermore, the use of people management and a headquarters adds more reasons to return.
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 could have been amazing.
I’m not going to give up on Lawn Mowing Simulator 2. Despite the performance issues, there is a fantastic sim title to enjoy. The new mechanics are great, and moving the action to the States was a stroke of genius. I also love the new equipment and the exceptional grass mechanics. Accordingly, I like it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you master your American business? Pick your equipment, hire some staff, and clean up every backyard.
