The Bullfroggy connected universe that is Two Point County continues to expand with the announcement of Two Point Museum, another irreverent management sim from developers Two Point Studios. This new addition to the franchise focuses on museums and exhibition themes, including the world of prehistory. The game is designed to challenge players to build and manage attractive, labyrinthine spaces to meet the needs and demands of visitors while also generating income.
The basics of Two Point Museum are similar to the previous games in the series. Players must create exhibits that appeal to visitors and generate Buzz, which translates to more donations. Exhibits include dinosaurs that must be assembled fossil by fossil, primeval stone computers, and giant ice cubes containing not-entirely-dead cavemen. The theming of the game is humorous, but beneath the surface lies a complex metrics system that drives gameplay.
One of the key differences in Two Point Museum is the building mechanics. Unlike previous games, players are not constricted by rooms but can instead use partition walls, archways, floor materials, lighting types, and decorations to structure and define each part of the museum. This allows for greater creativity and customization in designing the space. Additionally, players can send out fossil hunters and tomb raiders to explore a world map and obtain new museum artifacts. These experts are also needed to maintain exhibits and increase their earning potential through research and leveling up.
Despite the lighthearted and comedic nature of Two Point Museum, the game’s release timing raises questions about the cultural sector in the UK. With ongoing discussions about the provenance of museum exhibits and the ethics of displaying stolen goods, the game’s focus on quirky and fantastical exhibits may seem out of touch with current conversations. While the developers may not have intended to make a statement with the game, the broader context of museum ethics and cultural heritage is a relevant topic for consideration.
Two Point Museum offers players a unique and humorous take on museum management sims. With its quirky exhibit themes and creative building mechanics, the game provides a fun and engaging experience for players looking to test their management skills. While the game may not address the deeper socio-political implications of museum ethics, it offers a light-hearted escape into a fictional world of prehistoric relics and comedic exhibits. For those interested in exploring the complexities of museums and archives, there are other resources available for a more in-depth examination of these topics.