Basement (2015)

Basement is a strategy-based simulation game in which you take on the role of a scientist who finds himself compelled to engage in illegal activities within the confines of his own basement. The core gameplay revolves around efficient management and business-building as you establish and run a criminal enterprise focused on the production of various types of drugs. As you begin in the secluded basement, the goal is to gradually grow your operations while avoiding the attention of law enforcement.

Your journey begins modestly with limited resources and a small space, but your entrepreneurial skills will allow you to expand into a full-fledged operation. The challenge lies in striking a balance between building up your business and staying under the radar of the authorities. Early on, the police will overlook your activities, giving you a chance to establish a solid foundation without much risk. However, as your success grows, so does the likelihood of drawing attention from law enforcement.

The game is all about scaling your drug production while managing the various facets of your enterprise. You can produce different kinds of drugs, and each type comes with its own set of production and selling challenges. Finding the right markets to sell your goods is essential, as well as hiring skilled scientists and security personnel to ensure smooth operations and avoid the potential for sabotage or investigation.

As you grow, you'll gain access to more advanced technologies, improving your production processes and enabling you to sell drugs at higher prices. With these advancements come better workers, who can help manage larger operations and fend off any threats to your business. However, the risks escalate as well, as the more successful your operation becomes, the more likely it is that the authorities will take notice. Expanding too quickly can expose weaknesses in your operation, making it more susceptible to law enforcement action.

Your ability to manage resources, make strategic decisions, and maintain control of your operations will determine whether you succeed or fail. The game introduces a variety of challenges, including the need to deal with law enforcement, keep workers happy, and balance your financial goals. If you're able to navigate these hurdles, you can eventually grow your business into a powerful criminal empire, able to dominate the market. But failure comes with significant consequences: losing money, workers, and respect can lead to the downfall of your operation.

As your influence wanes and the risk of being caught increases, you must carefully consider your next moves. Rapid expansion can lead to a fragile enterprise, vulnerable to raids, betrayals, and investigations. In the end, your goal is to either build an unstoppable empire or face the consequences of your actions, which may include imprisonment or a complete loss of power.

Basement is a dynamic and challenging game that tests your strategic thinking and resource management skills. The thrill of balancing growth with the constant threat of discovery creates a tense atmosphere, requiring you to think several steps ahead. If you can avoid detection, your criminal enterprise may thrive, but if you’re not careful, your operation could come crashing down at any moment.

Basement is a solid strategy game with a unique premise, but it struggles to stand out. The gameplay revolves around managing a drug-dealing operation, building up your business from the ground up. You'll have to juggle production, security, and avoiding law enforcement. While it starts off engaging, the gameplay can feel repetitive, and the lack of meaningful progression can be frustrating. The constant tension with the authorities adds some excitement, but it also becomes a bit predictable after a while.

Overall, if you're a fan of management and strategy games, Basement can be an interesting distraction. However, it doesn't offer enough depth or variety to keep you hooked for long. It’s a decent option for short sessions, but don’t expect it to be a long-lasting experience. We recommend it with some reservations—if you're looking for something more complex, there are better alternatives out there.