'Job Simulator: the 2050 archives (2016)' is, essentially, a series of sandboxes meant to showcase the unique gameplay possibilities of virtual reality. There are four different jobs: mechanic, office worker, chef and store clerk. Each of these are presented as museum exhibits in the far future, when the world is run by robots, which allows for a decidedly tongue-in-cheek tone. It also allows these rather mundane jobs to become entertaining, as you discover that the museum hasn't done quite as much research as it perhaps could have. It's a great way of framing things. The gameplay consists primarily of simple, physics-based tasks. It isn't difficult, but it is comprehensive. You can interact with pretty much everything in the scene and there is a lot of opportunity for experimentation. For example, you're presented with a fax machine that makes exact 3D copies of whatever you place on it, which includes your hand and your headset. This attention to detail is seldom seen in any non VR experience, with NPCs repeating lines and standing by while you burn their houses, and it demonstrates an excellent 'player awareness' from the developer. The experience is essentially built on the surprising repercussions of your nonsensical actions, which can spiral into a sort of competition between you and the game to see which one cracks first. It's a really good time. It may be rather simple in the grand scheme of things but that's part of what makes it so successful. It's an enjoyable VR playground. 7/10
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