Aug 14

Aug 14 Review | Lawn Mowing Simulator - Cutting H-Edge Tech

If you have never walked past a ride-on lawn mower and wanted to get on it, we can’t be friends. Ride-on lawn mowers are literally the coolest thing in the world, I don’t care how much of a dad or a six-year-old I sound like right now I stand by this statement. Unfortunately, I don’t own one of these magnificent machines myself, or even enough grass to warrant one. Still, I do rank cutting the grass as easily the most satisfying housework. It’s therapeutic, I put on my headphones and switch off my brain and just push from one side of the garden to the other. It’s not unlike playing an MMO and grinding some levels, only this way I get some vitamin D. So when Lawn Mowing Simulator came across my desk for review, I jumped at the chance.

There is a fine line between “cutting” and “vibing”.

We’ve seen every single (apparently) activity imaginable get its own simulator over recent years. One of the largest sectors of this genre is countless truck driving sim. Lots of people get into those games for the realism and the long trips. Those games are one of the most common reasons why people buy racing wheels these days, it’s a big market. The reasons why truck driving simulators appeal to many could be applied to Lawn Mowing Simulator also. Staying focused on one single task to the point that you enter a zen-like fugue state is the goal, so let’s examine how well this game allows you to escape the stress of the everyday.

Much like many of the truck simulators I’ve seen, LMS tasks you with starting your own business. You are given a choice of two lawn mowers to start, then sent out to mow the lawns of the English middle class. Choosing your mower is important, there are significant differences. Beyond stats, there are different types of mowers. Some will collect the grass as you go, some will leave it behind and some will mulch it. Each requires a different routine of emptying those big bags at the back or gathering up what you’ve left behind. Choose your preference and get cutting!

Hey, your ad in the paper said “snug countryside residence”.

Your first few jobs will have you mowing some residential gardens. The gardens are pretty and peaceful, with flower beds, fountains and patios to avoid as you manoeuvre through the lawn. There’s an impressive amount of detail not only is the game pretty nice graphically but, people and cars pass by outside as you work. It all adds up to a convincing simulation of lawn mowing, which is what you want from Lawn Mowing Simulator. From small back-gardens, you move on to estates, mansions, fields, even castle grounds. There’s quite a progression to the game. As the scope of the jobs increases, so must your business. Do jobs, make money, build your reputation.

Building up your reputation and expanding your business means bigger jobs, more employees to do more jobs in a day, and fancy new mowers. What I really like about this aspect of the game is that it isn’t overly complicated or intrusive. Did you buy Lawn Mowing Simulator because you wanted to mow some lawns and nothing else? No hassle, this game isn’t going to require a business degree. Between jobs, you can quickly and easily repair your mower, fill up on fuel, empty the grass collector and you’re ready for the next lawn. Managing your business isn’t overly complicated, it adds a bit of progression if you like seeing numbers go up and being told you are getting better but doesn’t get in the way of the comfortable nature of the game.

The only thing that does get a bit in the way of the zen vibes is the timer. In career mode, every job includes parameters like cutting percentage, cut height, and a big stinking time limit. I wouldn’t call the timer a major issue, certainly doesn’t ruin the game. In fairness, relaxation and unwinding are things I am asking of the game, not what it guarantees. I never found myself up against the clock, but it did occasionally drag me out of my pseudo-meditative state as I felt the need “just to make sure I’m not taking too long”. If anything, the more I played, I found the game rewards taking your time to do the job right. Luckily, there is a freeplay mode that allows you to play any levels you have unlocked in career mode with full control over your objectives, including the timer. You will have to play through career mode to unlock them all, but we’re not talking Dark Souls here. It’s never a huge ask to clear these levels. It just means you have to spend some time serving your capitalist overlords before you can be free. So, it’s a fantasy game.

Lawn Mowing Simulator does everything you would want it to. It is a well-detailed simulation of the act of mowing lawns. I’ve had some technical issues with using a controller, and the developers seem to have some strange notions on what inverted cameras are. Beyond that, the experience has been pretty smooth. If the title Lawn Mower Simulator appeals to you, then this game will absolutely meet your expectations. It’s good fun, it scratches the simulator itch and can be super relaxing when you want it.