Disclaimer: I’m not trashing or disparaging any of the developers for their hard work. I know game dev isn’t as easy as it seems, and things won’t always be perfect, we won’t always get want we want, and I’m grateful that the Pixeltail team has been so transparent and open to the community about their work.
I will be scoring every new condo item added in this update by 4 criteria:
(Click each for details)
Necessity
How much a condo builder might need an item like this to complete their project. An item that would only be used in very specific circumstances would score lower than an item that would be used for more general circumstances.
Fidelity
The visual quality of the item’s model(s).
Generally, a higher fidelity item will have:
- No harsh polygonal edges. (Proportional to the default size of the model.)
- High resolution textures. (Proportional to the default size of the model.)
- Realistic/believable shading and materials (e.g, a pillow should not look like it’s made of metal, a toaster should not look like it’s made of wood. Rounded edges should be rounded.)
- No bugs or glitches (Z-Fighting, lighting inconsistencies, customization not saving, scaling offset issues, etc.)
Customizability
How customizable the item is. An item with high customizablity might have:
- Coloring options. Ideally, every part of the item should be colorable, including particles and emitted lights, and the color of the item should not be tinted with the original color of the item. (i.e an item that is green by default should not have that green tint influence the player selected colors.)
- Object Variation. Item should have multiple variations available in the edit menu. If necessary. For Example, a Jar item might have an option to remove the lid, and options to fill the jar with either a solid substance or liquid. A new canvas primitive should have half, quarter, and eighth divisions if necessary.
- Canvasable: Any item which could have a generic, labelless version of itself should have one. This is mainly for food items. Jars, bottles, cans, sealed bags, should all have their own respective canvas item for personalization.
Interactivity
How interactable the item is through the game and through I/O. An item with good interactivity might have:
- Item should have believable and expected function within reason. Any Item with similar functions to previously existing items should have similar interactivity. (e.g, a lamp should be able to be turned on and off, and have all light functions. An item with a door or hatch should have all door functions.) Items that are purely decorative, and expected to be decorative will always score a 3 out of 5.
- Any interactivity provided by the item should have some way to be removed for decorative purposes. (A door should be lockable, a machine should have an option to not be useable.) Some objects, like the “Basic Shape Button” allow deactivation of interactivity through I/O.
- I/O functionality: Any interactable item should have inputs and outputs for each interaction. These should be consistent with other items of it’s kind. Chairs should have the same I/O functionality as every other chair.
Each category will have it’s own respective scoring out of 5, which will then be used to determine the overall score of the item.
Item Review: “Plaza Update & Winter Update Part 2”
There were 38 purchasable condo items added in this update. 2 items added are holiday store exclusive. There’s a lot to cover, so prepare yourself.
Item 1: Snow Shovel
Necessity: 4/5
Tools like this are perfect clutter for garages, sheds, and outdoor areas in a home.
Fidelity: 5/5
For such a simple item, the materials are incredibly detailed. The plastic has a subtle, realistic shine, and subtle roughness with small scratches and marks. The wood grain looks great as well.
Customizability: 3/5
Both plastic and wood can be colored. Both colorings allow for a bright, vibrant white, allowing full color choice. However, the metal of the shovel “blade” cannot be independently colored, and shares a color slider with the rest of the shovel head. I also would have liked to see the handle and head to be separately colorable, and for a variant that is covered in snow.
Interactivity: 3/5
Item is purely decorative, as expected.
Total score: 15/20
Grade: B
A very nice looking item, simple, but good.
Item 2: Plush Snowfella
Necessity: 2/5
Although there was no plush snowman, we have several snowman props. There isn’t a lack of holiday plushies either. Not a very necessary item.
Fidelity: 3/5
Most of the model is using pre-existing items. The objects used are high quality enough, especially for it’s default size. Not much to say about it.
Customizability: 0/5
No customization! No colorability!
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O functionality as other plushies.
Total score: 10/20
Grade: D
The item is fine for what it is. But very lackluster.
Item 3: Plush Woven Elf
Necessity: 3/5
While there already are a few holiday plushies, at least this one is a bit more unique. There’s a lack of elf-themed items, and this item fills that niche a little.
Fidelity: 5/5
For what it is, the model is high fidelity. This is one of the few plushies that actually looks like a stuffed toy, with a cloth material, and seams along parts of the body.
Customizability: 3/5
Has full colorability for hat, shirt, and skin. The white cuffs on the clothing cannot be colored. The shirt shares the same color as the shoes, and the hat shares the same color as the pants.
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O functionality as other plushies.
Total score: 16/20
Grade: A
Much better than the Snowfella. This one is very cute, and I like it a lot. But the coloring needs to be better!
Item 4: Crowbar
Necessity: 5/5
Another very common garage/utility tool, that I’m sure many a theoretical physicist have been waiting for.
Fidelity: 5/5
The crowbar has subtle scratches on both the metal and painted grip. There is slight wearing on the edges of the paint. Extremely detailed.
Customizability: 3/5
Only the paint can be colored. The black metal cannot be colored.
Interactivity: 3/5
Purely Decorative, as expected.
Total score: 16/20
Grade: A
Very nice. A little disappointing that metal cannot be colored.
Item 5: Steak (Raw)
Necessity: 5/5
Food is always welcome. A very basic slab of meat can have many uses.
Fidelity: 5/5
The meat looks very… meaty. Has marbling as expected from raw steak. It has a subtle roughness and bumpiness when in the light.
Customizability: 0/5
Unfortunately, like most food items, no colorability or customization.
Interactivity: 0/5
Item cannot be eaten, not that you’d want to, but it is food after all. Item is also missing it’s “Unhide” feature! That’s not good!
Total score: 10/20
Grade: D
This item feels a little rushed, sadly. Can be fixed later on, though.
Item 6: Moonshine Jug
Necessity: 3/5
While we already had a moonshine item, it was in a generic mason jar. This is at least a more unique model
Fidelity: 2/5
Model is not high fidelity. Although the glass has a subtle grime and an appropriate shine to it, the label also seems to have the shininess of the glass. The label text is low resolution and noticeably blurry at close distances. The jug is also missing any sort of cap.
Customizability: 0/5
No colorability. Can change HP restoration amount like other consumables.
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O functionalities, compared to other consumables.
Total score: 10/20
Grade: D
This item could use a bit of touching up.
Item 7: Eggnog
Necessity: 3/5
Although we didn’t have eggnog specifically, we already had a mug that we could put custom images in.
Fidelity: 5/5
Mug is reused from “Hot Chocolate” item. Eggnog texture is high resolution, with tiny bubbles on the surface. Also has a steam particle like Hot Chocolate. Steam does not disappear when mug is empty.
Customizability: 0/5
No colorablity. Has HP customization.
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O functions.
Total score: 13/20
Grade: C
Just fine. Good pairing with the hot chocolate.
Item 8: Sparkling Wine
Necessity: 3/5
Although we already had different wines available, this kind of wine is unique enough to be added.
Fidelity: 3/5
Although the glass bottle’s texture is a flat solid color, and is missing a label, the foil on the top is very detailed with a very fine texture.
Customizability: 0/5
No colorability, has HP slider. No way to remove the top.
Interactivity: 4/5
Has expected I/O functionality. I’d like to see a fun sequence where it pops when it opens.
Total score: 10/20
Grade: D
Might need some sort of label. Fine otherwise.
Item 9: Chocolate Bar
Necessity: 5/5
Although we had a canvas chocolate bar, we did not have a proper generic chocolate bar item.
Fidelity: 4/5
Is as detailed as you’d expect. Does not have any labeling on the back. I’m not sure why the wrapper is mostly white-ish. I also think the chocolate should be a little shinier.
Customizability: 2/5
Only actual chocolate is colorable. Has a few variants for an opened wrapper and a wrapperless version. When eaten, the wrapper reappears on variant 3.
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O functionality. Also has a unique eaten version.
Total score: 16/20
Grade: A
Very Nice. Very Tasty.
Item 10: Towels
Necessity: 5/5
Towels are a much requested, and much needed item.
Fidelity: 5/5
Looks like towels! Has a fine cloth material, with expected seams on the edges.
Customizability: 4/5
Has a hand towel toggle, and each version has two variations. Fully colorable. Has a metal color slider, for some reason. I would have liked to see some options for patterns, and maybe a messy pile version?
Interactivity: 3/5
Purely Decorative, as expected.
Total score: 17/20
Grade: A
Lovely item.
Item 11 & 12: Towel Rack, Handtowel Rack
Necessity: 5/5
Highly requested and useful for any bathroom.
Fidelity: 5/5
Uses same towels as regular Towels item. Metal Rail has subtle grime and good trimmings.
Customizability: 5/5
Towels are fully colorable. Metal is technically colorable, but very dark. Has many variants, like the regular Towels item. Has 2 different kinds of railing Again, I would have like to see patterns.
Interactivity: 3/5
Purely Decorative, as expected.
Total score: 18/20
Grade: A+
Lovely item. Really high quality and sought after.
Item 13 & 14: Basic Bathtub, Clawfoot Bathtub
Necessity: 5/5
The existing bathtub was very niche, and it’s very time-consuming to make these kind of tubs out of canvas.
Fidelity: 5/5
Both models are very high quality. The enamel on both has subtle grime and stains. The metal has realistic wear and trimming, and the pipes are correct to real bathtubs. There is also an animation when turned on, but not one when turning off.
The dirty variant of the bathtub has realistic rust and wear, and rougher metal.
Customizability: 5/5
Enamel is fully colorable. Metal has similar issue to towel racks. Water on both can be colored. There is also an option for the clawfoot specifically, to make it dirty.
Interactivity: 5/5
Bathtub has expected I/O Inputs and functionality similar to sinks.
Total score: 20/20
Grade: A+
I believe this is the first perfect score I’ve ever given. Good job!
Item 15: Broken Bathtub
Necessity: 2/5
While I think it’s neat to have a dismantled, ruined bathtub, I think it is somewhat niche.
Fidelity: 5/5
Reuses the dirty version of the clawfoot bathtub, but removes all the metal parts. (except the feet!_
Customizability: 5/5
Has same colorability as clawfoot, minus the water.
Interactivity: 3/5
Purely Decorative, as expected.
Total score: 15/20
Grade: B
I like it, but not a perfect score like the regular, just because think it’s not as necessary.
Item 16, 17, 18, 19: Basic Lounge Chair, Bucket Lounge Chair , Divider Lounge Chair, Lounge Ottoman
Necessity: 4/5
These items have been in the game for years. Happy to see them finally come to condo. Though, we already have a lot of chairs.
Fidelity: 4/5
Cloth and wood materials are accurate as expected, though the age of the model shows from it’s low poly count.
Customizability: 5/5
Fully Colorable! That’s basically all you need for chairs.
Interactivity: 5/5
Has all expected I/O for chairs. (Except ottoman, as expected.
Total score: 18/20
Grade: A+
I’m happy that these are finally condo items. Pretty basic otherwise.
Item 20: Two-Tone Lounge Chair
Necessity: 4/5
Same as the other new lounge items.
Fidelity: 4/5
Same as other new lounge items.
Customizability: 5/5
Full Colorability! With more colors than the others!
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O chair functions.
Total score: 18/20
Grade: A+
Same as the others, probably should have fused them.
Item 21, 22 & 23: Leather Armchair, Loveseat, and Sofa
Necessity: 5/5
Something I’ve been waiting for for a long time! More sofas are always good!
Fidelity: 5/5
Models have a realistic leather material, with creasing, seams, and shine. They also have a nice wood grain, and a modeled bottom!
Customizability: 5/5
Fully colorable. The bottom of the models color with the leather.
Interactivity: 5/5
Has expected I/O chair functionality.
Total score: 20/20
Grade: A+
Another perfect score!
Item 24: Vintage Radiator
Necessity: 5/5
The only radiator in the game was a very simple, modern one. This one was a great addition.
Fidelity: 5/5
Models are high fidelity, with rough, worn metal. Textures are a little blurry. Also has a fully modeled valve and pipe.
Customizability: 4/5
Has many different length and height variations. Radiator part is fully colorable, except for the valve and pipe, which is not colorable at all.
Interactivity: 3/5
Decorative, as expected.
Total score: 17/20
Grade: A
A well made item, and a welcome addition.
Item 25: Industrial Caged Light
Necessity: 5/5
Great versatile item useful for any industrial or sci-fi builds.
Fidelity: 5/5
Models are very detailed, with fine trims, engravings, and screws. When turned off, the light has a fine, grooved appearance.
Customizability: 5/5
Fully colorable. For metal, it colors very well. has 5 different variations.
Interactivity: 5/5
Full I/O capabilities of other lights, as expected.
Total score: 20/20
Grade: A+
Another perfect score! Lovely!
Item 26 & 27: Basic Laundry Washing Machine, Basic Laundry Dryer
Necessity: 5/5
Washing machines are a highly requested and useful item!
Fidelity: 5/5
Both are very detailed, with modeled interiors. My only issue is that the main body part is a little too rough and worn? Usually washing units like these are a little smoother. The sound effects are very realistic and immersive.
Customizability: 4/5
Only white body is colorable. Can customize speed, and add agitator and/or coin slots. Can also change the speed of the machine when turned on, and whether or not it shakes when on.
Interactivity: 5/5
Actually functions! Hatch is openable, and has expected door functionalities. There is no I/O to change the speed of the machine, unfortunately.
Total score: 19/20
Grade: A+
Really Good! These are something I’ve wanted for a long time. Really went the extra mile with these!
Item 28: Laundry Combo Unit
Necessity: 5/5
Same as the other new washers.
Fidelity: 5/5
Similar to the other new washers, has a similar issue with being too rough.
Customizability: 4/5
Only body and glass can be colored. Knobs do not color with body. Has similar customizability as the other washers. (Except coin slot and agitator).
Interactivity: 5/5
Same as the others.
Total score: 19/20
Grade: A+
I’m loving this update.
Item 29: Commercial Laundry Dryer
Necessity: 4/5
A bit more niche, but a welcome addition nonetheless.
Fidelity: 5/5
Like the others, extremely detailed. This one has a nice metallic material instead. Also has a bit more going on in the knobs area.
Customizability: 4/5
Similar to the others, only body and glass are colorable. Has an option to move the machine buttons to the bottom.
Interactivity: 5/5
Same as the others.
Total score: 18/20
Grade: A+
The devs really went the extra mile with these, we didn’t need this many but they really did it. Nice job!
Item 30: Golf Cart (Stationary)
Necessity: 5/5
Current condos are lacking vehicles, but not anymore!
Fidelity: 4/5
Reused model from the golf cart RC. Metal and tire textures are low resolution for item size. Paintjob has light grime and appropriate shine.
Customizability: 3/5
Only paintjob and roof are colorable. Chairs are colored with paintjob. Roof can be toggled.
Interactivity: 4/5
Has functional seats and expected seat I/O. Not drivable… for now.
Total score: 16/20
Grade: A
A nice model, but the textures need some touching up.
Item 31 & 32: Pickup (Prop), Pickup (Stationary)
Necessity: 5/5
Vehicles are extremely necessary for almost any condo.
Fidelity: 6/5
Both versions have incredible detail. Paintjob has subtle grime and appropriate shine. Metal is gritty and perfect. All pieces of the model have the proper material textures. Interior on the stationary version is incredibly detailed, with all necessary necessary knobs, vents, handles, buttons, and other doohickeys. Chairs are grimy and old, with fine details in the seat cushion. It even has a fully modeled underside. Absolutely Incredible. Only complaint is the lack of license plate! I’m giving a bonus point for how high quality it is.
The static version has no interior, and opaque windows.
Customizability: 3/5
Only paintjob is colorable. No other customization other than door options and I/O.
I’d like to see an option to make the wheels turn.
Interactivity: 5/5
Both doors and the back hatch are openable on the stationary version. Has expected door I/O, with I/O for each door!
Total score: 19/20
Grade: A+
Almost perfect. Just needs better coloring.
Item 33 & 34: SUV (Prop), SUV (Stationary)
Necessity: 5/5
Same as the other vehicles.
Fidelity: 6/5
Similar to the Pickup, incredibly detailed exterior, interior, and underside. Has a space for the license plate, but no license plate.
Customizability: 3/5
Similar Issues to the Pickup. Needs to be fully colorable.
Interactivity: 4/5
Similar to the pickup, but I’m disappointed that the back can’t be opened.
Total score: 18/20
Grade: A+
Another incredible item. I’ve never been so happy looking at a freaking car.
Item 35 & 36: Sports Car (Prop), Sports Car (Stationary)
Necessity: 5/5
Same as the others.
Fidelity: 6/5
Same as the others. I noticed that there is a weird seam on the bottom of the car that is not noticeable normally.
Customizability: 3/5
Same as the others. I’m disappointed that the headlights cannot be opened.
Interactivity: 5/5
Same as the others.
Total score: 19/20
Grade: A+
I like the butterfly doors.
Conclusion
There was a LOT of items in this update, most being B’s or higher, and multiple perfect scores. Absolutely incredible.