Tools Up Review: Multiplayer Switch Game
We play a lot of multiplayer Nintendo Switch games. Tools Up was recently added to our library of 4 player couch co-op games. This game has you working as construction workers remodeling and finishing projects.
If you’ve ever wanted to remodel but it costs too much or is too much work this game is for you. We were able to paint entire walls or rip up old floors with the push of a few buttons. All the tools and supplies we needed were automatically delivered.
All we had to do is follow the blueprint and finish as soon as possible. Earn stars to unlock new levels. There isn’t many obstacles or difficulty to this game. The goal is to just do construction.
Why Tools Up?
If you want a simple multiplayer co-op game then Tools Up is an ideal choice. There’s no violence, fighting, or even jumping in this game.
Why someone would want this game is because they enjoy similar games such as Overcooked. If Overcooked is too challenging then Tools Up is much less challenging alternative.
If you’re looking for a simple game that isn’t going to stress you out, then Tools Up is a good option. I didn’t think it was very intense or extremely challenging. The final level has a ghost to annoy you but overall, it’s an entertaining, low stress game.
We tested Tools Up with 1 player, 2 players, 3 players, and 4 players. We found it to be surprisingly well balanced. During our test, we found it wasn’t too hard solo or too easy with 4 players.
Comparable Games
Tools Up is similar to Overcooked, Moving Out 2, Out of Space, Lumberhill, and Very Very Valet to name a few. All of these games are made for 4 players that work as a team.
It has tasks similar to orders in Overcooked, but much simpler. In Tools Up tasks most tasks require 1 step. Some take 2 or 3 steps but it’s far less complicated than completing an order in Overcooked.
It’s like Lumberhill as far as tasks go. They both keep it simple. There’s no falling off the map on Tools Up though. Each individual job isn’t timed.
Tools Up is similar to Moving Out in that the clock is ticking, but you can take as much time as you need to complete a round. No item or order is going to time out. The faster you are the more stars you earn.
I enjoyed Tools Up about as much as Lumberhill. If I didn’t keep falling off the map so much I’d like Lumberhill more. I enjoy Overcooked, Moving Out, and Out of Space the most. Tools up is on par with Lumberhill and Very Very Valet.
Pros and Cons
Not gonna lie, the first time we played this it was confusing. Halfway through the first game it clicked then we worked like we pounded several energy drinks.
Once we got how it works it’s simple from there. They don’t keep making tasks more and more complex. Everything stays simple. Later they add mowing and watering but those tasks remain uncomplicated.
We liked the graphics and sounds. The music is catchy and the graphics are only average for this game. The only drawbacks with the graphics are the seed bags and some tools are hard to find.
There are a couple seed bags with purple icons and a couple seed bags with orange icons. The similar colored ones are hard to tell apart. Why they didn’t use more colors is beyond me.
The other disadvantage is items such as shovels, rakes, or watering cans blend in with the floor. They’re easy to lose in the bushes, near a statue, or under a tree. You have to rotate the view or walk around until an item gets highlighted by standing close to it.
Picking up and tossing other players adds to the fun. Tripping over piles of trash never gets old. I’m sure many construction workers would love to be able to throw tools or supplies when they’re done with them.
Review Summary
Our Tools Up review gives it 8 out of 10 stars. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Some may not like the simplicity and find it boring. Still, there’s something about remodeling I found appealing.
It isn’t the most expensive or challenging game. But it offers simple multiplayer fun. It’s not diverse enough to play for hours on end. But we enjoyed playing it for an hour at a time here and there.
FAQ
Tools Up review brought to you by David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
