Old Market Simulator

Developer: Alcedo Games
Release: Oct 3rd 2024
Platforms:
Simulation
Addictive
Cooperative
Creative
Confusing
Buggy
Old Market Simulator Poster

Old Market Simulator Review

Old Market Simulator is a cozy and engaging market management simulation blending farming, crafting, and exploration. Players build and expand a rural market, balancing supply, demand, reputation, and seasonal events. The game offers a satisfying progression loop with diverse activities such as raising livestock, growing crops, and crafting goods. Cooperative multiplayer enhances enjoyment by allowing players to share tasks.

Visually, the game features stylized 3D graphics with a rustic aesthetic, though some find the graphics a bit cheesy. While the gameplay is generally fun and addictive, especially at a discounted price, players note some rough edges including UI clunkiness, confusing financial systems, and repetitive mechanics. The game is still evolving, with ongoing development promising improvements. Despite occasional bugs and design frustrations, it delivers a unique, relaxing experience set in a quaint island community.

Overall, Old Market Simulator is recommended for fans of simulation games seeking a slower-paced, charming tycoon experience with room to grow.

Highlights

Players praise the game for its deep and creative gameplay mechanics such as seasonal pricing, production systems, and staff management. The variety of goods to grow, craft, and sell provides satisfying complexity.

The game’s cooperative multiplayer mode is highlighted as a fun way to share the market management experience with friends. The stylized, rustic visuals and charming art style complement the relaxing atmosphere.

Additionally, the dynamic seasonal events and automatic price adjustments add engaging layers to the gameplay loop, making planning and adaptation rewarding.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a that can lead to unexpected bankruptcies and frustration. The backpack/bag system is often described as unintuitive and expensive.

Players also note a that restrict sales despite high production, leading to repetitive grinding. The UI and menus can feel cumbersome, and the game lacks sufficient tutorials or explanations for complex systems.

Repetitive music, occasional bugs, and some unbalanced pricing and event mechanics also detract from the overall experience. Some feel the game is unfinished or lacking depth in late stages.

Pros

  • Engaging blend of farming, crafting, and market management mechanics.
  • Charming stylized graphics complement the cozy atmosphere well.
  • Cooperative multiplayer enhances gameplay enjoyment with friends.
  • Dynamic seasonal events add strategic depth and variety.
  • Automatic pricing system simplifies sales and reputation management.
  • Wide variety of goods and production chains to explore.
  • Satisfying progression loop rewarding careful planning.

Cons

  • Confusing and punishing financial system causes frustration.
  • Backpack system is unintuitive, expensive, and prone to mistakes.
  • Limited customer capacity bottlenecks sales despite high production.
  • UI and menus can be clunky and cumbersome during busy periods.
  • Lack of tutorials or explanations for complex game mechanics.
  • Repetitive music quickly becomes irritating for some players.
  • Some bugs and rough edges reduce polish and immersion.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Old Market Simulator is a 1-4 player co-op game where you manage your market by ordering goods, growing produce, raising animals, fishing, and crafting items in your workshop, while hiring employees and expanding your business.

Release Date Oct 3rd 2024
Publisher Alcedo Games, Gamersky Games
Developer Alcedo Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (549)
91% Positive 9% Negative