Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Schedule 1, developed and published by the indie studio Unorthodox Games, is currently available in early access exclusively on PC via Steam. The full release date is anticipated in late 2024. Categorized firmly within the simulator genre, Schedule 1 sets itself apart immediately through deep gameplay mechanics and immersive depth, offering players an expansive criminal underworld to explore.
The Art of Illicit Expansion
The initial gameplay impressions are overwhelmingly positive despite the expected early-access bugs. From the outset, the game immerses players in an intricate yet intuitive drug-dealing simulation. Players begin their careers as small-scale street dealers, gradually scaling operations to manage sophisticated criminal enterprises. Core gameplay mechanics include cultivating cannabis farms, producing methamphetamine, cocaine refinement, and expanding a drug distribution network through recruitment of personal dealers. Automating supply chains and mastering money laundering businesses are essential features that keep gameplay compelling and strategically demanding.
Retro Visual Charm
Visually, Schedule 1 opts for a cartoonish and approachable visual style, reminiscent of the blocky, simplified graphics typical of the GTA San Andreas generation. While it lacks hyper-realistic graphics, the visual approach supports gameplay realism effectively. Animation quality remains robust enough to represent equipment management, vehicle usage, and interactive operations. Early visual impressions emphasize a practical functionality suited perfectly for managing automated production lines and expansive illegal enterprises.
Soundtrack of the Streets
The sound design inthis masterpiece complements the gameplay exceptionally well. Ambient city sounds, the hum of machinery in drug labs, and authentic weapon noises greatly enhance player immersion. The music selection supports this realism effectively, with tracks subtly enhancing tension and atmosphere during pivotal gameplay moments. The audio experience genuinely enriches the early hours of gameplay. It aligns closely with on-screen activities, making the player’s actions feel meaningful and integrated into the world.
Cooperative Criminality
Schedule 1 features cooperative multiplayer gameplay supporting up to four players, although this mode has not been personally tested yet. Early impressions from the single-player experience highlight immersive storytelling and atmospheric depth, as players navigate a believable criminal world filled with nuanced interactions and morally ambiguous decisions. The atmosphere, heavily influenced by titles like Breaking Bad, authentically conveys illicit trade’s high stakes and darkly strategic elements.
Mastering Complexity with Ease
The user interface and controls in Schedule 1 are notably intuitive, accessible, and straightforward. Menus are clear, functional, and logically structured, allowing players to manage complex operations smoothly. Accessibility features such as scalable UI elements and clear iconography ensure clarity, enhancing the game’s immediate approachability. This thoughtful UI design minimizes early frustrations, despite the game’s inherent complexity.
Polishing the Product
Technical performance during early access reveals impressive strengths despite occasional bugs and glitches. Schedule 1 runs smoothly for the most part, but minor optimization issues do surface intermittently, such as occasional frame drops during intense activity. Notably, the development team has already demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing these issues, releasing a substantial early update that significantly improved stability and overall performance.
Moments of Criminal Mastery
Personal standout moments in my initial 60-hour marathon included successfully establishing my first automated cannabis farm and witnessing the real-time expansion of my network of dealers. The tangible sense of progress—from street-level dealing to overseeing a vast criminal enterprise—was deeply engaging and consistently rewarding. Subtle details like realistic law enforcement reactions and the necessity of careful planning for successful money laundering add layers of strategic depth appreciated from the game’s earliest stages.
The Strategic Edge
One unique element noticeable early on is the seamless transition between managing production and distribution, encouraging strategic planning and efficient operation. Players quickly recognize the value of optimizing workflows, reinforcing gameplay depth and strategic management elements. These intricate details elevate game distinctly within the simulator genre.
For fans familiar with simulator titles, Schedule 1 visually and mechanically exceeds expectations by offering unprecedented depth, realism, and strategic possibilities. Its unique approach, emphasizing criminal operations management, sets it apart clearly from typical entries in this genre.
About Schedule 1
Title: Schedule 1.
Type of Game: Simulator.
Developer: Unorthodox Games.
Publisher: Unorthodox Games.
Released: Late 2024 (Early Access available)
Platforms Available: PC (Steam)
Platform Reviewed: PC
Level of Maturity: Mature (18+)
Where to Purchase
- PC: Purchase on Steam.
- PlayStation: Currently unavailable, release TBA on the PlayStation Store.
- Xbox: Currently unavailable, release TBA on the Microsoft Store.
Note: The game is currently available in Early Access with ongoing updates, including additional content and gameplay improvements. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
