A parking simulator doesn’t sound like the most exciting premise for a game, and unsurprisingly it isn’t.  Nevertheless, despite the dull theme, I was hopeful this game might pleasantly surprise me.  Sad to say, it didn’t.  Parking Star originated as a mobile app (by the same developers of another disappointing mobile to 3DS port, World Conqueror 3D) and the low quality reflects this.  There isn’t much to this game really – you simply need to park your vehicle.  There’s obstacles to navigate around before reaching the selected spot, and you may need to back the vehicle in or approach from an angle, but overall it’s pretty straightforward.  It’s also quite repetitive.

Anytown, USA

Anytown, USA

Visually everything falls flat.  For a game with 3D in the title, the effect doesn’t add a great deal – it makes the cars look like their hovering.  As for taking place “all over the world”, Parking Star 3D outright fails. There’s no imagination to these drab locales.  Outside of an occasional miniscule flag, you’d have no clue where you were.  I actually moved from Dubai to Paris without even realizing it until going to the menu!  I’m dismayed to see this game listing “famous scenes in great cities” like the Louvre Museum Tienanmen [sic] Square, and Tokyo Tower.  It’s misleading, as there’s seldom any suggestion where you’re at!  The music is just as forgettable.  The songs are few in number, and uneven in quality.  The tracks sound generic also and don’t mesh effectively with what’s occurring.  Turning the volume down warrants consideration.

You can choose to drive via the touch screen or circle pad, but unfortunately neither are ideal.  The touch controls are awkward, and could benefit from improvement with responsiveness.  The circle pad fares likewise, making my thumb sore before long.  I appreciate the choice, and did switch between the two depending on the level design.  Overall though, control is subpar.  At least you’ll adjust with practice, and the game’s still playable.

Beijing has never looked so dull

Beijing has never looked so dull

Sad to say, other drawbacks quickly pile up.  The collision detection could be considered broken at times, as you take damage short of actually hitting anything.  There’s also inconsistencies with the parking – on occasions when everything looks fine the game doesn’t register success, yet other instances of blatant crookedness are acceptable.  Talk about confusing – there’s no rhyme or reason to it!  Earning stars to upgrade your vehicle could’ve proven fun, but the game tells you it’s “impossible to acquire all the upgrades and vehicles”.   As a replay encouraging technique, it fails. Is the idea of having to earn improved control a sound idea in the first place?  Last but not least, cars slamming into your vehicle and zombie pedestrians charging head first at you are the norm here.  The result is a penalty, no different from if you bumped the curb, hit a traffic cone, or were actually at fault yourself.  Dire level design!  Top it off with a time limit, and you have a borderline wreck.

I have to upgrade to good control?!?

I have to upgrade to good control?!?

I commend CIRCLE for both their continued publishing support of smaller companies, as well as their wallet friendly pricing – this game’s just $2.99.  Parking Star 3D isn’t good however.  It might have been done in from the start with such a peculiar premise, but little imagination and a host of problems ensures that it can’t rise above its odd theme.  Don’t let the name fool you – this game’s no star.