Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 レビュー (PC)

Broadly speaking, a game that involves cutting grass for extended periods of time is not what you would call a naturally thrilling experience. It’s subjective, and sure enough, it’s just as likely to deter one group of people as it is likely to wrangle another. Because, if we’re being honest, there is a market for these sorts of things, as is there a loyal community that will happily support and flock to them like moths to a flame. And I can appreciate that, because, as dull as it sounds—to spend several hours manning the helm of a mower and watching blades of grass sever ties with the soil—there is something awfully satisfying about it.

I’ve grown rather fond of Lawn Mowing Simulator, particularly its second incarnation. Usually, I’d argue that, if you’ve seen one patch of grass, then you have more than likely seen ‘em all. Though, that isn’t the case with Lawn Mowing Simulator 2. Oh, it’s still as much of an open book as before, as is it a game that pours its heart and soul into servicing an existing fan base. That said, the second installment in the niche saga does come with a few extra bells and whistles — and that’s something I can honestly appreciate. Sure enough, it continues to build its kingdom on grass, but fortunately, it also makes a commendable effort to build a moat from other bits and pieces, too. Leaves, for example, are a common feature here, as are unique State-side yards and ever-changing locations.

Gameplay-wise, Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 offers a similar stepping stone system as the original, with a vast range of contracts that span backyards to multi-purpose recreational grounds, and a simple yet oh-so-satisfying gameplay loop that primarily consists of, well, cutting the lawn aboard one of several licensed mowers. And if you think that sounds a little dull, well — it is and it isn’t. See, it takes a page out of the likes of PowerWash Simulator’s squeaky clean book. Like its soap-centric sibling, it chooses to prioritize simple and lightweight gameplay rather than unnecessarily challenging tasks that require two pairs of hands. While a little drab and monotonous at times, it does manage to accomplish the one thing that it initially set out to do: to make an otherwise painfully long-winded chore surprisingly satisfying and rewarding. And it is. Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 is, while conceptually dull on paper, an incredibly satisfying game.

As I said, there is a bit more for you to enjoy in the sequel. Leaf blowing, for example, plays a huge part in the campaign. It’s a novel thing I’ll admit, but one that also manages to add a bit more of an edge to an otherwise predictable procedure. But that’s not all. True to their word, the team behind the green has also carried out a lot of maintenance on an older formula, with thanks to the adoption of sharper visuals, buttery smooth physics, and a fresh coat of technical polish that makes each and every blade of grass an entirely separate piece of a gargantuan jigsaw puzzle. It’s the little things that count here, and if Lawn Mowing Sim is the recipient of anything, it’s “little” things.

Of course, the problem that most chore core sims have is their inability to create something meaningful. That, or rehashing the same jobs over and over again without ever introducing anything new or interesting to the experience. Luckily, Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 doesn’t have that problem. See, the sequel chooses to branch out from the traditional static world and the dead-end cycle. Rather than having you aimlessly hop between jobs and repeat the same process, it hands you the opportunity to build ever-lasting connections with your customers in a living, breathing ecosystem. Yards change over time, as do the conditions. Say, in one instance you have a plain backyard, a second visit could see you tackling a yard with a few more moving parts. Pools can be added, as well as flower beds and other objects, for example. It’s a simple touch, but it keeps things fresh and organic. And frankly, that’s a welcome addition to an otherwise predictable gig.

In addition to its eleven State-side locations, Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 offers a host of quality-of-life upgrades that gracefully elevate all of the original gameplay facets. Mowing is a lot smoother, and the general process of onboarding contracts, operating from your trusty HQ, and experimenting with various mowers and leaf blowers is considerably cleaner and more convenient. Add the meticulously seasoned leaf physics and the polished graphical elements, and you have quite the overhaul on your hands. And that’s a great thing, too, as I would have been disappointed if it had simply chosen to rehash all of the previous bits and pieces.

In most cases you would argue that a game like Lawn Mowing Simulator wouldn’t need a sequel. A DLC, perhaps, but not a fully-fledged successor. And yet, I can’t help but feel that there’s a solid extension here. It might not reinvent the wheel or alter the original formula all that much, though it does overhaul a lot of its mechanics and visual elements to create a cleaner, smoother, and more refined experience. Oh, it’s still a game about cutting grass, but hey, at least it makes the grass look good. Also. I’d hate to admit how many hours I spent with the leaf blower. The worst part is, I don’t regret a second of it.

Let it be said that, while a game like this probably won’t be to everyone’s liking, it is going to appeal to the niche crowd who get their kicks from mowing, scrubbing, or whittling down leaves for hours on end. As it’s a pretty easy game to switch off to, I suppose it also makes for an obvious choice, too. Regardless of whether or not you like gardening, you’ll likely enjoy getting your hands dirty in this yard.

Verdict

Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 builds on the foundations of its original yard with a fresh coat of paint, a neat collection of original contracts, and a trove of quality-of-life upgrades that elevate all aspects across the green. While still a niche experience at heart, it does make for a strangely satisfying chore core sim, mainly due to the fact that it makes a good effort to capture a striking scene, a host of ASMR-like effects, and a short but effective gameplay loop that, while dull at times, proves that the grass truly is greener on the other side.