We thought it would be fun to review some of the casual games we currently have available in our JA Casual Game Center. Needless to
say, these games are very addictive and while our enthusiastic reviews
are, for the most part short, the time spent playing these games
is not. Once you have read the review, drop by the JA Casual Game
Center and download a free trial version of the game for yourself,
but remember – you have been warned!

Considering
that sequels tend to bite, it may come as no surprise that Build-a-lot
2: Town of the Year isn’t as good as the original. Nope.
Hipsoft has taken the perfectly wonderful Built-a-lot…and….made
it even better. Yes, folks, here we have a rarity: a sequel
that tops the original.

BAL2
takes the best of its predecessor and adds some great new features.
Players can now construct business and garden centers as well as shops,
parks and refineries. The six all-new residences, ranging from Ramblers
to Castles, can be painted and landscaped. Sawmills have been replaced
by Recycle Centers. Gone are banks, upgrade permits, and property
taxes (yes!). Something called Neighborhood Appeal has been added,
and we can now purchase efficiency training for workers.

As
with the original, BAL2 has eight neighborhoods/35
levels, with the first neighborhood serving as a tutorial. It’s still
very much up to players to develop winning strategies throughout the
rest of the game. And again, there is more than one way to succeed
in each level.

After completion of all
35 levels, players are treated to a bonus level in each neighborhood.
These eight levels really put strategic thinking to the test.

While challenging — sometimes
extremely so — BAL2 carries forth the original’s
tradition of being quite fair while providing an enjoyable and rewarding
mental workout. It also boasts the same high-quality look and sound
as the its predecessor. I give it two enthusiastic and wholehearted
thumbs-up!

P.S. Hipsoft, if you’re
listening: Please, please make more games like this!

Try
Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year for Free!