The Model Life

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The Model Life is a 2012 life simulation game developed by RedBox Entertainment and published by Reality Zone for the PC which is highly influenced by The Sims. It was initially supposed to be released on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 as well, but those versions were later scrapped. The game was not created for Linux OS. It was released exclusively in North America and Europe, not seeing a release date in Australia and Asia. It has a Teen ESRB rating due to alcohol reference, cartoon violence, comic mischief, crude humor, drug reference, language, lyrics, mature humor, mild sexual and suggestive themes, and tobacco reference.

Development
The Model Life was first announced to be in development in 2010, and it was later officially revealed at E3 2011.

Game Description/Features
''Do you have what it takes to rise to the top and make it BIG in the modelling world? Put your skills to the test in the ultimate modelling challenge. You are a contestant on a reality show where you start off as an amateur model and work (or cheat) your way up the career ladder in hopes of becoming a global modelling superstar.''
 * Create your model: The extensive character creation tool allows players to customize their model contestant, who they will have total control over throughout the game. Hundreds of options are available to tweak the character's gender, age, height, weight, skin color, race, hair, facial features, clothing, accessories, and even determine their unique personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The look and personality of your model will have a profound impact on the game's events and progression.
 * Choose your path: Do you want to pursue runway modelling and show off the latest and greatest fashions, or do you want to be a photoshoot model instead? The choice is yours!
 * Travel the world: As the game progresses, players will move from city to city, experiencing fashion capitals such as New York City, London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, and even Los Angeles. Each city has unique locations, people, and different standards and tastes in style. Players need to get in touch with their environment and appeal to the public and beyond!
 * Modify your living quarters: Move into bigger and better lofts along the way, and modify them to your liking using a multitude of decorative items and objects.
 * House drama: Live with a group of other models and immerse yourself in the drama of a reality competition setting which can have unpredictable, hilarious, or disastrous results!
 * Your life, your decisions: Land gigs, practice your skills, and interact with those around you. You can work hard or try to fake your way to the top. Whatever you decide, consequences will follow!
 * Sweet sabotage: Sabotage the success of your fellow contestants, and be on the lookout of other contestants trying to sabotage YOUR chances! Anything from messing with photos to ripping your wardrobe... EVERYTHING is possible!
 * Develop a positive (or negative) image: Reputation is important! Your behaviour, attitude, and actions play a large role in your success as a model. Maybe think twice before getting drunk during the group night out or hooking up with the casting agent!

Gameplay
Gameplay is very similar to The Sims series, wherein players can take control of a humanoid-type character that they create. However, the experience is a bit more goal-based than The Sims, in that players can accomplish missions and objectives if they wish, but they are still not obligated to do so if they don't want to. Players utilitze the mouse, and they point-and-click on the screen to carry out various actions in the game. The gameplay occurs from a slightly top-down view, and the overall graphics and feel of the game is cartoony. In this sense, it draws comparisons to the original Sims.

Modes
There are three modes to choose from on the main menu:

Model Creation
When creating their character, players can choose from basic colors for the skin tone, clothing, and so on, but they cannot select colors from a color wheel. The models themselves also look animated.

Loft Customization
Loft customization is admittedly limited, since it does not have a significant impact on the gameplay. The lofts are already completely furnished. Players do have the ability to paint the walls of the loft, apply flooring, and add plants and paintings.

Music
The following songs can be played in-game. They can be heard on the radio, and during photoshoots and runway shows. Some of them must be unlocked. Most of the songs belong to the pop, dance, and electronic music genres.

Reception
Even though the game saw a limited release, it was nonetheless positively received both among the gaming community and critics alike. The game's original concept, simple controls, interesting objectives, and music were all praised. GameSpot gave the game a score of 8.5/10, stating that "The Model Life distinguishes itself from The Sims with its goal-oriented gameplay, bringing something fresh and fun to the life simulation genre." Dave Johnson of IGN had nothing but good things to say, claiming that he was "pleasantly surprised by the game's fluidity and array of options," going on to say that "The Model Life will appeal not only to its female target demographic, but also to male gamers who want to try something new."

Despite the generally positive reviews, common criticisms of the game stated that the experience almost felt like a dumbed-down version of The Sims, just with a modelling theme. Sandra Zully of The PC Gamer noted that "the repetitive nature of The Model Life and its weak and unsatisfying reward system got in the way of what otherwise could have been an enjoyable experience," giving the game 6 out of 10 stars.

Sequel
Main article: The Model Life 2

It was revealed in June 2013 that a sequel to the game, The Model Life 2, is in the works, and is expecting a 2015 release date. RedBox Entertainment announced that they would not be returning to develop the sequel. Instead, SurgeGames will develop the second installment in the series. It has been confirmed that it will be available on Linux and Mac operating systems, in addition to Microsoft Windows OS. It will contain online integration, but it is presently unknown how that will work exactly. Apparently, The Model Life 2 will be "much different than the first installment, with detailed graphics and more gameplay elements" according to the team working on the game. "We are listening to the fans, and we are glad that they are as excited and passionate about this second installment as we are." The Model Life 2 will make an appearance at E3 2014.

Potential Spin-Off
There has been talk about potentially developing a spin-off to The Model Life centred around high-school experiences, called ''The High School Life. ''Although it is just a rumor at this point, it is still likely considering that the game's developers stated that they had intentions of creating a spin-off if the first game was well-received.