Small Spaces
" Relaxing casual simulation with intuitive controls and cozy graphics but limited furniture variety "
Small Spaces Review
Small Spaces is a cozy and highly addictive interior design game that appeals especially to fans of decorating and creative gameplay. Players enjoy the freedom to place furniture and decor with minimal restrictions, making it a relaxing experience reminiscent of The Sims' building mode but without the complexity of managing characters. The game features a charming progression system where completing levels earns stars to unlock new items, encouraging continued play. Despite being in early access, it boasts beautiful graphics, smooth controls, and a calming atmosphere with lofi music that many find soothing.
However, some players note that the current content is somewhat limited, with a relatively small catalog of furniture and decor items. There are minor bugs and placement glitches, and a few UI and feature requests such as better item sorting, audio sliders, and sandbox mode. The developers are praised for their responsiveness and promising roadmap, which gives hope for future expansions and improvements.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's intuitive controls and user interface, which make decorating accessible and enjoyable. The graphics and lighting are described as gorgeous and contribute to a meditative, cozy atmosphere. The freedom in object placement is highly valued, allowing creative expression without frustrating restrictions. The progression system with stars and unlockable items adds a rewarding layer to gameplay. Additionally, the calming background music and the relaxing pace make it ideal for unwinding. The developer's engagement with the community and regular updates are also well-received.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the limited variety and quantity of furniture and decor items, which can lead to repetitive gameplay after extended sessions. Some players report minor bugs such as item clipping, placement glitches (pillows, flowers), and occasional crashes. The lack of audio volume controls and some camera control issues are noted. Feature requests include a sandbox mode, more color and style options, better sorting/filtering of items, and additional lighting options like ceiling lamps. Performance issues on lower-end PCs are occasionally mentioned, though not widespread.
Pros
- • Intuitive and easy-to-use controls and HUD enhance player experience significantly.
- • Beautiful graphics and lighting create a cozy and meditative atmosphere.
- • Freedom to place items anywhere allows for great creative expression.
- • Relaxing background music adds to the calming gameplay environment.
- • Progression system with stars unlocks new items, motivating continued play.
- • Developer is responsive and actively updates the game with new content.
- • Suitable for players seeking a chill, stress-free decorating experience.
Cons
- • Limited furniture and decor variety can cause gameplay to feel repetitive.
- • Some placement glitches and clipping issues affect immersion occasionally.
- • Lack of audio sliders forces players to choose between music or sound effects.
- • Camera controls can feel awkward or restrictive for some players.
- • No sandbox mode yet, limiting freeform creative possibilities.
- • Occasional minor performance issues on older or lower-end PCs reported.
- • Sorting and filtering options for items are missing, complicating selection.
Rating Criteria
Small Spaces is a relaxing game about designing beautiful, small apartments you'd want to live in. Let your creativity flow from a simplistic flat in Tokyo to an industrial loft in New York. Your only limit is the space itself.