Episode 106 - TurboTax Game Review

To get you all excited for April 15th, Andrew joins Ben for a game review!  They were under the impression that math was fun… until they tried this game.  From relatively unknown game developer Intuit Inc. comes TurboTax!  Andrew and Ben are playing different versions of the game, so they share their varied experiences with each other and YOU!  Spoiler alert… as a game TurboTax is a dud, but as tax preparation software it’s fairly solid.  Ben says, “NEEDS ZOMBIES!”

00:00:20 - The third person, dog of bag poop, and Andrew (the IRS) has set a deadline 00:02:20 - Ben and Andrew are playing different versions, and some facts about Intuit Inc. 00:04:42 - For ages 4+, Ben turns off the noise, weaker vibrations, callouses, and columns 00:06:51 - Canadian versions of TurboTax, Andrew the French spotter, and the circumflex  00:08:54 - The funny thing about French, Funk & Wagnalls, and the first AI Vice President    00:12:06 - The extra stuff and business edition, a serious side-thought, and back to taxes 00:14:41 - Some recent FTC drama, Andrew’s example side-hustle, and tick infested scooters 00:16:30 - Starting with the story and narrative, kinda’ like Zork, and Ben’s story summary 00:18:43 - You can’t get all the State DLC, 1099 talk, and don’t get Ben started on stamps 00:21:23 - Thoughts on TurboTax’s game mechanics, Andrew’s solar buff, and the wrinkle 00:24:45 - Andrew’s amended tax return side quest, round numbers, and the cost of coffee 00:26:06 - Too many rectangles, it’s not a race, no customizable avatars, and the discussion 00:28:01 - FTC callback, micro transactions, currencies, upcoming regulations, and tips 00:32:02 - The passthrough, the Sega Genesis version, and why the previous year? 00:34:08 - Arizona and Oregon DLC, getting “the kicker,” and Ben’s 3 ups and 3 downs 00:37:32 - Not compatible with Wave Financial, game saves, season passes, and zombies 00:39:34 - Andrew has stamps, not good for concrete, Ben’s true story, and postage due 00:41:34 - Thumbs up or thumbs down, lathe adjacent, and borrowing the Office Assistant

The FORMULA… Story and Narrative (SN) + Game Mechanics (GM) + Audiovisuals (AV) = a video game experience

SN - Story / Narrative - With a name like TurboTax, you might think this is a racing game… you would be wrong!  In this mostly text based “adventure,” your story can be vastly different from someone else's due to the extensive story branching.  You start out playing the role of someone who has been giving money to a government over the course of a year, and now at the conclusion of the year, you are told you have to do math and fill out forms before April 15th. You are obviously the protagonist, but it’s very difficult to determine who the adversary is.  GM - Game Mechanics - For the main part of the game you are either answering questions or if you prefer, filling out the forms directly.  That’s really all of the gameplay… YAWN!  Even if you do fill out the forms and submit them to the government in time, you may still have to face a random boss fight in the form of an audit which can extend the playtime extensively.  AV - Audiovisuals - There is no music!  The UI is very simplistic… and not in a compelling way. There is a timer and a checkered flag at the top of the screen, but that’s about as exciting as it gets.  Any sound effect in the game is utterly forgettable.  For the current generation of games, the graphics and audio should be much better.  Zombies are needed to add some excitement!  

UPs - If you do a speed run you can be done very quickly - You can receive money which makes it seem like you have accomplished something - DLC is available for your State if you want to extend your gameplay DOWNs   - Although story the branching is extensive there are really only 2 endings either you owe or you get a refund and neither of those guarantee a “good ending” - Almost more fun to fill out the forms manually, at least with that you feel some sort of an accomplishment. - Extra data entry is required to actually submit your forms electronically unless you have a printer and stamps, but who other than Andrew has those handy.

DO BUY… if you don’t want to do your taxes manually DO PLAY… working tax payers have to play in some way 

Note: In all seriousness, my REAL TurboTax experience was quick and easy.  I have a very simple return, so if your situation is similar I, would recommend it. 

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