“Jamsterdam” by Ivan Notaros, Ferran Bertomeu Castells & YenTing Lo.
“A game about trying to be a [jazz] musician in Amsterdam. […] [Sing] with your [mouse], collect donations, pay your bills and survive[.]”
Whenever a game speaks about serious topics like gentrification, rising rents and food prices, but also manages to implement a fun game mechanic, then I am simply enthusiastic about it. In “Jamsterdam”, you will struggle to survive as a jazz musician with your band. By moving your mouse up and down or sideways, you control your voice and sing along to the music. Whenever a passersby like what they hear, they will throw some coins in your direction. Then you can move away from the microphone and collect them to pay off your debts. However, you are not allowed to wait too long, as you have to pay pretty soon or you will just starve or become homeless. That gets signaled by the fading colors, as the screen will turn into grey shades. >>PLAY
