ZX Spectrum Next Review: Super Advanced Hoover Simulator
Producer: GardenSoft
Price: Name Your Own Price
Author: GardenSoft (They're far too modest to admit)
Get from: https://gardensoft.itch.io/super-advanced-hoover-simulator
Choose your weapon
"It's more fun than doing the Shake & Vac!" claims the blurb. "The most advanced domestic chore simulation to hit the home micro yet!" Is this vacant promotional pomposity? Or deceitful revenue-boosting flimflam? Not on your dust bag, matey; this game is AWESOME.
You begin as a humble new recruit to the Retro Asylum podcast team named Jim Middleton. However, in a fit of arcane jealousy, a bunch of evil retro YouTubers have spread biscuit crumbs and dirt all over the RA recording studio. They've also shrunk our hero down to a miniscule size, leaving Jim no choice but to grab his Hoover and get cleaning. After all, he wants to make a good impression on all of his new podcasting chums.
As with similar games, Jim's Hoover is upgradeable, with bigger dust bags, faster wheels and a deluxe handle. You'll need these improvements: soon, Jim's tackling the rest of the Retro Asylum mansion, swerving around furniture and – eek – podcasters. But beware: with the head honcho watching closely, the last thing Jim wants is to break any precious ornaments or suck up something he shouldn't.
Super Advanced Hoover Simulator is GardenSoft's second Spectrum Next game, following 2020's brilliant Advanced Lawn Mower Simulator. The publisher is carving quite a niche for itself in the Next market and promises several more games in the series, including washing-up, clothes hanging and car-washing simulators. It seems they really are the masters of the mundane.
All these games sound absolutely skillo, but you'll have to hang on to your moulded plastic handle to find out. Until then, we do have Super Advanced Hoover Simulator, and that IS TABGEM (The Absolutely Best Game Ever Made)
Graphics: 10/10
Remarkably detailed, down to the individual specks of dust
Playability: 10/10
Delightful fun, and immensely satisfying
Value For Money: 10/10
It's free, but even priced at £1000, it'd be the best value ever
Addictive Qualities: 10/10
Dangerously gripping gameplay that just sucks you in
Overall: 11/10
Summary: Basically, the best videogame of all time. Sell/uninstall everything else.
Award: On The ZX Spectrum Nextra Top Rated
