In casual mode, the object is to meet a cash balance goal in the shortest time possible.

In career mode, the player's object is to complete a set of tasks in an individual game scenario, or "level".

However, in each casual mode game, the player is given only a starting cache of cash, workers, and materials.

In Build-a-lot, there are six types of houses that can be built, each with increasing requirements for materials, workers, and blueprint costs.

Functional buildings assist the player in some aspect of completing a level or achieving a monetary goal.

Cultural buildings are relevant to the career mode of the game, and are frequently the goals of particular levels.

[7] Build-a-lot was Casual-Game-of-the-Week at killerbetties.com, who highlighted the simple but smooth and pleasing animation, sound effects and surprisingly fun micromanagement.

[10] It received a nomination for "Downloadable Game of the Year" during the 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards.

In it, players travel to several European nations and build a variety of improvements, including landmarks and European-style houses.

It retains most of the elements of the previous two games, but adds some new options, such as restoring run-down buildings.

Set in Elizabethan England, the player manages farms and livestock in addition to real estate and deals with problems like vermin infestation.

A Premium Edition was made available that included additional levels and property, as well as a strategy guide and behind-the-scenes material.