Boutique Boulevard
3.5
5
66
66
This One Really Drags . . . . Literally!!
I love true TM games, not the sim or building types. So, I was thrilled to see Big Fish release this new TM game. Unfortunately, the game itself is far from thrilling.
I actually don't mind extensive clicking as I'm coordinated enough to handle it. But this game is just the opposite. When a customer comes into your store, you have to drag your sales clerk over to the customer. When the customer chooses her outfit, you drag the clerk over to the outfit and drag the clerk back to the customer. When the customer wants to try on the clothes, you drag the clerk over to the dressing room. Gameplay is so clumsy and frustrating that I couldn't stand it for more than ten minutes. Clicking on each action would have been quicker and less aggravating. Graphics are rather amateurish. People and items in the store are small. I'm not sure what the developers were thinking on this one.
September 11, 2012
Viva Bistro Boulevard; but not this one
This developer is one of my favourites when it comes to relaxing, cute games with nice graphics. The moment I saw it was Boutique Boulevard I knew I'd have to have it because I really enjoy Bistro Boulevard.
The gameplay is very similar, but obviously it's a fashion store (not my favourite kind of TM theme at all). The characters are nowhere near as appealing as those of the Bistro and I really can't get too excited about putting clothes together or placing them on a shelf. The other drag is, quite literally, that you have to drag an assistant to serve a customer, even when you have all staff in play. It would have been better to 'click' them there.
As with the Bistro game, you need to hit targets, complete tasks, train staff and make your store as appealing as possible.
I'll keep going, but it's not a patch on Bistro Boulevard and I'd rather they'd made the sequel to that than this so-and-so half offering. A bit disappointing.
September 11, 2012
Disappointed
I love Bistro Boulevard so I was looking forward to this game.
However, while it looks and plays just like Bistro, the game play is awkward and requires too many 'clicks' to accomplish anything.
I would recommend that you certainly try before you buy!
September 11, 2012
Best Since Bistro Boulevard!
I loved it! Bought it after 20 min., as soon as I realized it was like Bistro Boulevard for clothing shops. If you've played Bistro, you'll see that this has the same basics...hire & train staff, wait on customers, decorate the shops, purchase appropriate clothing selections based upon each customers preferences. Excellent graphics, challenging, but not impossibly frustrating, fun to decorate shops, can't rate sound as I play with it muted. I've been waiting for another in the "Boulevard" series to come out. They're great for people like myself, who enjoy TM games, but have a difficult time with some of the fast paced ones.
September 11, 2012
Finally a TM I want to play!
After playing the demo, I am a buyer. I don't know why someone would say too many clicks to do anything unless they're not used to TM games.... you show goods, help at the dressing room, stock shelves and cash people out. You have an option to greet at the door for more tips but don't have to. You get more helpers so you're not frantic trying to help everyone with only one worker. You can train your workers, change the decor, pick what outfits you want to sell before starting each day. For me it's a fun, DIFFERENT game and I am enjoying it.
September 11, 2012
More staff management fun
This is a nice second addition to the "Boulevard" series of time management games.
The good:
- a different approach to typical salon-type games
- focus on staff management rather than customer management
- non-linear
- smooth gameplay
- widescreen (stretch) option
- no time limit
- a series of tasks to be completed in any order rather than a set goal for the day
- easy to learn the basics; enjoyable for all ages
- different stores/upgrades
the not-quite-as-good:
- as with the previous game (Bistro Boulevard) gameplay can become a little repetitive in later stages
- feels limited in your management options (not much complexity eg. you can't set pricing/salaries)
- some choices have no impact (wallpaper, shelf type etc)
I love this style of game. If you haven't played the first one, it might be confusing at first (especially the task list) but stick with it, it's a relaxing TM with no real pressure. Play at your own pace, move on only when you feel like it.
September 11, 2012
Great TIme Management game without the clicks!
I was pleased when I realised this was like the Bistro Boulevard game and within a few minutes, I knew I'd buy it.
I like these kind of time management games, where it's not just a massive click-fest. It's much slower paced and you can upgrade and achieve the goals as you wish. You can also move onto the next shop as long as you have enough stars, you don't have to achieve every goal beforehand.
If you are getting stuck having to move your staff around, as another reviewer said, it's best to upgrade to more staff and training first. it's easier and you don't have to have every outfit available straight away. Plus, to save money, I put one person on the till and don't let them go anywhere else and *just* upgrade their "till" skills. Same with the changing room person when I have enough staff. The other two work shop floor and greeting.
Another positive is that you can change wallpaper and flooring straight-away to the design you like as it doesn't cost anything.
Best BF TM game for some time. Hurrah for something that doesn't get me irritated and become just a clicking game!
September 11, 2012
O.K is just not good enough.
This is meant to be just like Bistro Boulevard but unfortunately it's just not as good. Having to move your staff around so they do their jobs is annoying and makes skill training almost useless.
More choice of decoration, flooring and wallpaper helps but doesn't make up for the poor game play.
September 12, 2012
Takes awhile to get the hang of...
This game takes quite a bit to get into. I had to play it for the full hour before I really got into it. The beginning is confusing. There's a lot to do and not a lot of money to do it with. Trying to figure out the strategy behind successful "days" or levels takes time and patience.
I recommend giving it time. Don't turn it off and delete it after 10 minutes, and you might actually decide to purchase it.
Pro tip: Invest in extra staff and training early, it's the best way to generate more money to upgrade everything else.
September 11, 2012
Addictive
I really liked this game, and splashed out a game credit on it when I finished the free hour. The game play is addictive, and progressively harder (but not impossible).
The one thing I do not like is the music. It does not change at all from level to level (which is a shame, as each level is themed which would've really been complimented with appropriate music). As such, it gets annoying quickly!
September 11, 2012