Let Them Trade
" Charming indie simulation with strategic market depth but limited endgame content "
Let Them Trade Review
Let Them Trade is a charming and accessible city builder and economic simulator that offers a fresh take on trade-focused gameplay. Players appreciate its relaxing and beginner-friendly approach, with a pleasant art style and soundtrack that create a cozy atmosphere. The game excels as an entry point for those new to the genre, featuring intuitive mechanics and a gradual learning curve.
However, some experienced players find the campaign too short and lacking in long-term challenge, with limited endgame content and replayability. The economic system, while innovative, has notable balance issues such as unprofitable production chains and slow traders. Technical problems and a linear campaign structure also hold the game back from reaching its full potential. Overall, it is a solid, enjoyable experience that could benefit from deeper mechanics and more varied content in future updates.
Highlights
Players praise the game's unique trade and market manipulation mechanics, which add strategic depth to the economic gameplay.
The visual and audio presentation is widely regarded as beautiful and calming, enhancing the relaxing vibe.
The game’s tutorial and onboarding are well designed, making it approachable for newcomers.
Its laid-back pace and incremental complexity allow for engaging optimization without overwhelming players.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the short and linear campaign that limits replayability.
Balance issues in the economy, such as tools selling for less than their components, reduce strategic satisfaction.
Technical issues like resolution adjustment problems and occasional bugs frustrate some players.
The lack of procedural maps and limited city-building options constrain long-term engagement.
Some players find the onboarding too slow or tutorial-heavy, causing early boredom.
Pros
- • Unique and strategic market manipulation system adds depth to gameplay.
- • Beautiful, calming art style and fantastic soundtrack enhance immersion.
- • Accessible and well-paced tutorial welcomes newcomers effectively.
- • Relaxing yet gradually complex economic and trade mechanics.
- • Engaging optimization and planning without overwhelming micromanagement.
- • Good balance between simplicity and meaningful economic challenge.
- • Pleasant and clean visual presentation aids clarity and flow.
Cons
- • Short campaign with limited endgame content reduces replay value.
- • Economic balance issues make some production chains unprofitable.
- • Traders are slow and transport options feel limited and clunky.
- • Technical problems like resolution issues and occasional bugs persist.
- • Lack of procedural maps and limited city-building restrict variety.
- • Onboarding can feel too tutorial-heavy and slow for some players.
- • No random maps; map editor content is limited in diversity.
Rating Criteria
Build a network of cities that produce and trade resources, upgrade your castle, and protect the cities from cheeky bandits. Tinker with the economy at your own pace, and watch the charming wooden world grow into a lively and thriving kingdom.
