The graphics are adorable—little pixel bit-drawn characters called “bitizens,” a nice nod to old school Nintendo games, and this one also smacks familiarly of “Elevator Action,” an equally addictive game which appeared in the ’80s. At Tiny Tower, you are architect, contractor, building manager, landlord, and elevator operator at the same time.
You have to build residential floors, where a maximum of five bitizens can occupy the space, and these occupants in turn will be your potential employees for each commercial floor you build, where you will then get revenue for expansion and upgrades.
As the game progresses, each floor takes more coins and more time to finish, while items or services sold take longer to stock, as well. It’s a balancing act that will require a little skill and strategic thinking on your part.
Randomness
Part of me is thrilled to be playing the game, while another is sorely regretting ever trying it out. I’ve found myself sleeping at 4 am, trying to earn enough coins to build another floor, while another friend found herself immersed in Tiny Tower while at a concert.
Another fun addition to the game is BitBook, where your tenants regularly update their statuses to reflect the goings-on in the building, which are often funny and tongue-in-cheek.
Apart from BitBook, your bitizens are also on the quest to be assigned to their dream jobs, which also net you extra money and re-stocking bonuses. Currently, I have an artist who dreams of painting in an art studio employed in the coffee house to make money—pixels imitating life.
The app, which can be downloaded for free, tempts you by offering in-app purchases of “bux,” a currency which can be converted to coins which you can use for upgrades and floors. It’s sorely tempting, but it’s also a treacherous slope. Before you know it, you may end up rich in bit bux, but strapped for real-life bucks.
If you find yourself bored at home or at the office, check out Tiny Tower at the AppStore. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.