Evil Labs

Evil Labs is a strategic simulation game where players build and manage their own sinister laboratory. Set in a contemporary 2D side-scrolling environment, the game tasks players with constructing facilities, hiring and training staff, and researching over 100 technologies to develop diseases. The goal is to infect populations, profit by selling cures, and balance the unethical business while defending their lab from threats. Combining elements of city-building, resource management, and dark humor, Evil Labs offers a twisted take on the managerial simulation genre.

Evil Labs: Review

In the pantheon of simulation games, Evil Labs stands out as a unique and twisted entry that challenges players to build and manage an evil laboratory. Released in 2018 by Mirabolis Studios, this game offers a darkly humorous take on the tycoon genre, allowing players to research and develop diseases, infect populations, and sell cures for profit. Despite its niche appeal, Evil Labs has carved out a small but dedicated following, thanks to its innovative gameplay mechanics and thematic depth. This review will delve into the various aspects of Evil Labs, providing an in-depth analysis of its development history, narrative, gameplay, world-building, reception, and legacy.

Development History & Context

Studio Background

Mirabolis Studios, the developer behind Evil Labs, is a relatively small independent studio known for its quirky and unconventional game designs. The studio’s previous works include titles like Inventor Labs and Galcon Labs, which also explored themes of experimentation and strategy. Evil Labs represents a significant step forward for Mirabolis Studios, showcasing their ability to blend complex simulation mechanics with a darkly humorous narrative.

Creators’ Vision

The creators of Evil Labs envisioned a game that would subvert the traditional tycoon formula by focusing on the darker aspects of scientific research and business management. The game’s premise is rooted in the idea of building an evil laboratory, where players can develop and spread diseases for profit. This twisted take on the genre was intended to appeal to players who enjoy strategic gameplay combined with a dose of morbid humor.

Technological Constraints

Evil Labs was developed using the Unity engine, which provided the studio with a robust framework for creating a 2D scrolling simulation game. The use of Unity allowed Mirabolis Studios to focus on gameplay mechanics and narrative development rather than dealing with the technical challenges of engine development. The game’s visual style, characterized by its pixel art aesthetics, was a deliberate choice to evoke a retro feel while maintaining modern gameplay standards.

Gaming Landscape

At the time of its release in 2018, the gaming landscape was dominated by a mix of AAA titles and indie darlings. Simulation games, particularly those with a dark or twisted theme, were relatively rare. Evil Labs stood out in this landscape by offering a unique blend of strategy, management, and dark humor. The game’s release coincided with a growing interest in simulation games that explored unconventional themes, positioning Evil Labs as a pioneer in this niche genre.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

The narrative of Evil Labs is relatively simple but effective in setting the stage for the gameplay. Players take on the role of an evil genius tasked with building and managing a laboratory dedicated to the development of diseases. The game’s plot unfolds through a series of missions and objectives that guide players through the various stages of laboratory development, from hiring staff to researching technologies and spreading diseases.

Characters

The characters in Evil Labs are largely functional, serving as tools for the player to achieve their goals. The staff members, for example, can be upgraded and trained to perform various tasks within the laboratory. The absence of a deep character-driven narrative is compensated by the game’s focus on strategic gameplay and thematic exploration.

Dialogue

The dialogue in Evil Labs is sparse but effective in conveying the game’s dark humor. The interactions between the player and the game’s characters are often laced with sarcasm and irony, reflecting the twisted nature of the game’s premise. The dialogue serves to enhance the game’s atmosphere and reinforce its thematic focus on evil and corruption.

Themes

The primary theme of Evil Labs is the exploration of evil and corruption in the context of scientific research and business management. The game challenges players to consider the ethical implications of their actions as they develop and spread diseases for profit. This theme is reinforced through the game’s narrative, visuals, and gameplay mechanics, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

The core gameplay loop of Evil Labs revolves around building and managing a laboratory, researching technologies, developing diseases, and infecting populations. Players must balance the needs of their staff, the requirements of their research, and the demands of their business operations to achieve success. The game’s strategic depth is enhanced by the numerous variables and systems that players must manage, from resource allocation to disease development.

Combat

While Evil Labs does not feature traditional combat, it does include elements of conflict and strategy. Players must defend their laboratory from external threats, such as government interventions or rival laboratories. This is achieved through the use of security measures, research advancements, and strategic planning. The game’s combat mechanics are integrated into its broader strategic framework, requiring players to think tactically about their defenses.

Character Progression

Character progression in Evil Labs is focused on the development of the player’s staff. Workers can be hired, trained, and upgraded to perform various tasks within the laboratory. The game’s extensive research tree allows players to unlock new technologies and upgrades for their staff, enhancing their productivity and effectiveness. This system of character progression is integral to the game’s strategic depth, as players must carefully manage their staff to achieve their goals.

User Interface

The user interface of Evil Labs is designed to be intuitive and accessible, providing players with the information they need to manage their laboratory effectively. The game’s menus and HUD elements are clearly labeled and easy to navigate, allowing players to focus on the strategic aspects of gameplay. The interface’s design is consistent with the game’s pixel art aesthetic, contributing to its overall visual coherence.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the most innovative aspects of Evil Labs is its disease development system. Players can customize their diseases using a variety of options, including pathogens, contagion forms, symptoms, and extras. This system allows for a high degree of customization and strategic depth, as players can tailor their diseases to achieve specific goals. However, the game’s pacing and resource management systems have been criticized for being overly slow and cumbersome, detracting from the overall experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The setting of Evil Labs is a contemporary world where evil laboratories operate in the shadows, developing and spreading diseases for profit. The game’s world-building is focused on creating a believable and immersive environment for the player’s laboratory. The various locations where diseases can be spread, such as cities and rural areas, are depicted with a mix of realism and dark humor, enhancing the game’s thematic focus.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of Evil Labs is characterized by its dark and twisted humor. The game’s visuals, sound design, and narrative all contribute to this atmosphere, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. The pixel art aesthetic, combined with the game’s strategic gameplay, evokes a sense of retro charm while maintaining a modern feel.

Visual Direction

The visual direction of Evil Labs is defined by its pixel art style, which is used to create a retro-inspired aesthetic. The game’s art direction is consistent and cohesive, with each element contributing to the overall visual coherence. The use of pixel art allows for a high degree of detail and expressiveness, enhancing the game’s thematic focus and strategic depth.

Sound Design

The sound design of Evil Labs is integral to its atmospheric and thematic coherence. The game’s soundtrack features a mix of electronic and ambient music, which complements the game’s dark and twisted humor. The sound effects, such as the hum of laboratory equipment and the chatter of staff members, contribute to the game’s immersive environment. The voice acting, while sparse, is effective in conveying the game’s dark humor and thematic focus.

Reception & Legacy

Critical & Commercial Reception

Upon its release in 2018, Evil Labs received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, dark humor, and strategic depth. However, it was also criticized for its slow pacing, cumbersome resource management, and lack of polish in certain areas. Despite these criticisms, Evil Labs has maintained a dedicated following, thanks to its unique premise and gameplay.

Evolution of Reputation

Over the years, the reputation of Evil Labs has evolved, with many players and critics re-evaluating the game’s strengths and weaknesses. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics and thematic depth have been recognized as significant contributions to the simulation genre. The game’s legacy is further enhanced by its influence on subsequent games and the industry as a whole.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Evil Labs has had a notable influence on the simulation genre, inspiring other developers to explore unconventional themes and gameplay mechanics. The game’s focus on dark humor and strategic depth has been emulated by other titles, contributing to the genre’s evolution. The game’s legacy is further cemented by its dedicated following and the ongoing discussions and analyses of its gameplay and themes.

Conclusion

Evil Labs is a unique and twisted entry in the simulation genre, offering players a darkly humorous take on laboratory management and disease development. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, thematic depth, and strategic complexity make it a standout title in its niche. Despite its criticisms, Evil Labs has maintained a dedicated following and has left a lasting impact on the simulation genre. Its legacy is a testament to the power of unconventional gameplay and thematic exploration in video games. For players seeking a challenging and thought-provoking simulation experience, Evil Labs is a must-play title.