Style Savvy isn't without its flaws, but it's still an addicting, high quality game that's a cut above the competition.
Players start the game by creating their own unique avatar. There's plenty of options to choose from so overall I'd say the character creator is a big success. The only thing I would have liked to see more of is hair styles. Players are free to change their characters makeup, clothing, hair, eye brows, and even eye color at any time.
The real meat of the game takes place at your shop, of course. Customers will need your help choosing specific pieces or entire ensembles based on brand, color, price, and other details such as specific paterns out of over 10,000 articles of clothing. Don't worry though, there's a handy search system to help you out with it all. You'll need to make your selections based on hints they drop in the conversation and what they're currently wearing. Customers will also come to the store to buy the outfits they see displayed on mannequins, magazines, or advertizements.
When you've built up enough funds, it's time to head to the Buyer's Center and update your stock. The selection changes every day so you'll want to play the game often to flesh out your inventory. Honestly I had a lot of fun with the Buyer's Center. It's like online shopping only, you know, not real.
Other than that you have Fashion Shows, which I actually really enjoyed. Players choose from a limited selection of clothing and create an outfit based on a specific theme. What you need to make a great outfit is there--you just have to find it yourself, unlike at the store where you might lose a sale based on limited stock. Unfortunately there isn't a cash prize, you'll have to sell the clothing you won yourself.
Style Savvy also features wireless multiplayer and wifi modes. If you have some friends with the game, you're free to browse each other's shops and compete in fashion contests. There are no wifi fashion contests, instead you manage your own online shop. Each player can display up to three complete outfits, and sell them to players all over the world. It's a lot of fun seeing other players ideas and displaying your own!
Overall the game looks pretty good. Although the models tend to be a bit rough around the edges, the characters are cute and very expressive. Any piece you select is highly detailed and displays on a fully rotatable mannequin. On the other hand, the music is exactly what you'd expect from this sort of game. It's nothing I'd listen to outside of the game but it got the job done. The feel of it to me was anywhere between the Sims and The World Ends With You, if that makes any sense.
Naturally, the game isn't perfect. The system relies a little too much on the brands for my taste, and buying all the different cosmetics feels like a chore thanks to some really clunky menus. Customers often return to the store with the same request they had yesterday--even to the point where they'll buy the same item twice.
Style Savvy has its flaws, but that doesn't hold it back from being totally addicting to anyone with even the mildest interest in fashion. Here's hoping we see more from Style Savvy in the future.