Gameplay is the primary focus in Outpost Kaloki X, but that doesn’t mean that presentation was put on the backburner. While not as visually stunning as most Xbox 360 games, Outpost Kaloki X does an admirable job of giving you something pleasing to look at while managing your business.

Your outpost is your primary focus in the game, so naturally it features the most detail. Each has its own look that goes along with the part of the galaxy you’re in. The area run by space fish looks like a giant fishbowl and so forth. It should go without saying that the game has a unique sense of humor that is reminiscent of the Earthworm Jim games.

The game’s soundtrack is comprised of jazzy swing tunes. There isn’t much in the way of variety, but it at least gives you something to listen to (though the ringing of cash registers will probably be all the music you need).

Outpost Kaloki X makes no attempts at trying to look like more than it really is; a deceptively simple, yet highly addictive tycoon game. Gameplay is broken up into various scenarios, each with a very simple story. Some are grouped into short story arcs, while others are stand-alone missions. The stories aren’t exactly gripping pieces of fiction, but do a good job of getting you from place to place, which is about all you can expect. Additional scenarios are planned (one is already available) for download which should offer additional replay value.

Though each plot of each scenario is different, each revolves around the same basic principle. You are an unnamed hero put in charge of various outposts scattered throughout the galaxy. Outposts come equipped with ports that serve as foundations for your businesses. Ports can be equipped with various stations that provide different services for travelers that represent aspects of life such as information, food, and society. You’ll begin with simple stations and eventually move up to more complex (and more expensive) businesses as you progress. Some stations will even require that you build certain other stations to get an upgraded one, such as needing an herb garden and malt shop to build a restaurant. Since you’re limited in the number of ports available on each station, you’ll have to constantly juggle the building and demolition of stations in order to get where you’re going, adding to the strategy of running a successful outpost.

Expansions come with a set of statistics that show how useful each is. Some are fixed while others can be adjusted to suit your needs. For instance, you can choose to offer a particular product in order to up your appeal, generating more business for an outpost. Of course, the better your product, the more you’ll have to pay in upkeep costs, so there is a trade-off. You’ll also have to factor in things like repair costs and keeping your customer’s attention, so finding that right balance is key to success.

If Outpost Kaloki X has any major flaws, it is that it's a one-trick pony. Managing outposts is fun and addictive, but it does become repetitive, so unless you’re really into tycoon games you probably won’t play Outpost Kaloki X for long stints. Normally this would be a bigger issue, but given the low price and it’s classification as a Live Arcade game, this is a forgivable offense.

Outpost Kaloki X is very deceptive. Things begin easy, but soon ramp up when you begin to factor in all of the aspects of running a successful business. In addition to factoring the upkeep costs, you’ll also have to allocate power to keep them running - which means you’ll have to purchase power plants that take up valuable port space. Plants use the same “step-up” as shops; newer plants offer better power output, but also cost more to upkeep. So, once again, finding a balance is a major element since you’ll want to have enough power to run things, but at the same time you’re not going to want to take up all of your ports with non-revenue generating stations (unless, of course, the mission calls for it).

Generally, the game does a good job of introducing new concepts in easier missions and requiring you to use those same concepts to work in later, more complex ones. At the same time, there is still an almost chess-like thought process that goes into every decision you make; so just haphazardly throwing down the best stations available isn’t always the best of strategies.

Setting up a successful business is easier than it sounds thanks to a simple to use menu system. Your outpost takes up most of your screen and ports can be cycled through by using the right analog stick. Pressing the A button brings up management menus that allow you to either build/destroy stations or manipulate the various aspects of your business.

How well your outpost is doing is measured by a meter at the top of the screen depicting just how many travelers are visiting you. The meter will also chime in with dialogue balloons that inform you of new objectives as well as tips from customers as to how you can improve your business. Some will even offer plans to upgrade stations or even contracts for conventions (provided you build certain stations). Success is also depicted by a series of bar graphs on the right side of the screen that show what your customers want. Each graph shows the various desires of your customers; desires that are fulfilled by building stations.

If you’re not a fan of tycoon games, Outpost Kaloki X probably won’t appeal to you. However, for all of the aspiring Donald Trumps out there looking for something requiring quick thinking instead of quick reflexes, Outpost Kaloki X is the game for you.