Amazon.co.uk Review
Most people will have dreamed of being a movie star at some point in their lives but the number that have actually dreamed of being an actual movie mogul--in charge of a whole studio--are probably rather smaller, if only because it's difficult to imagine just how much money and power that would bring.
The Movies though asks you to play just that role as you try to build up your business empire from scratch as well as lending a hand in the actual creation of your films.
The Movies is the latest massively ambitious simulation from Peter Molyneux (maker of classics such as Populous and Black & White) and can be seen as logical progression from his Theme Park/Hospital series of games.
Unlike these games though the actual micro management of your studio--building lots, picking stars and handling unions--isn't necessarily the most interesting part of the game, engrossing though it can be. Instead actually making your movies becomes the most fun part, for although you can just specify a genre, cast and budget you can also paste together films yourself, scene by scene.
For each scene you can choose the actors, sets, costumes and script and then alter the mood and flow of the scene through a number of slider bars. This allows you to create a completely unique movie of your own, which you can even export from the game and show to other people. You probably won't be worrying Steven Spielberg, but other lesser directors--they better watch out! -- David Jenkins
Product Description
The Movies is a "life simulation" game that lets players build and control their own Hollywood motion picture studio. Players create unique mini-trailer-style movies choosing everything from script selection and the hiring of cast and crew, to film production and premieres. Gamers build their entertainment empire by making hit movies, researching and introducing the newest cinematographic technologies and nurturing the biggest stars. Created by renowned developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios,
The Movies takes life simulation to a whole new era, and as such is set to be a ground-breaking smash hit.
Beginning in the 1920s, gamers start with a dirt lot and race to the year 2020, researching and introducing every technological advance from colour to computer graphics and beyond. Players build, use and re-use thousands of sets, props, locations and costumes, and break new ground to achieve movie mogul status. Gamers handpick which projects they want to green-light and which scripts need rewrites. Players can remake the films they love or create an all-new masterpiece.
Players can make every kind of film, from action flicks to teen comedies, suspense films, thrillers and horror movies. Gamers can explore different film genres to please audiences and express their creative vision. Players can either go for a box-office smash, or try pleasing the critics and winning awards. The Movies gives gamers the opportunity to be a mega-rich bigshot, calling the tunes and hiring and firing the best. Players will choose between listening to the stars' tantrums and ridiculous requests, or showing them who's boss by crushing their dreams and ruining their careers as they create a distinctive Hollywood legacy and earn their place as a silver screen legend.
Ultimately, gamers are judged by the movies they create. Players can post their short movies to the Web for the world to see or e-mail them directly to friends.
