Bookshop Simulator
" Cozy simulation with charming humor and cats, but repetitive gameplay limits long-term appeal "
Bookshop Simulator Review
Bookshop Simulator is widely praised as a cozy, relaxing, and charming game that captures the joy of running your own bookstore. Players enjoy the smooth gameplay mechanics, including shelf organization, a portable scanner for ordering, and an intuitive checkout process. The ability to expand to multiple locations and hire managers to oversee shops adds depth and replayability. The game is noted for its clever parody book titles, adorable shop cats, and neat graphics with diverse character designs. Many players appreciate the game's pacing, accessibility for simulator newcomers, and the peaceful atmosphere it creates.
Despite its strengths, some players find the game slightly repetitive after extended play and desire more content like achievements, time control, and unique bookstore events. Issues such as lack of a stock room in early shops, minor bugs with employees and cats, and a need for better onboarding or tutorials have been mentioned. Overall, the game has a strong foundation with active developer support and promising future updates, making it a recommended cozy simulator for book lovers and casual players alike.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's cozy atmosphere and relaxing gameplay, highlighting the satisfying shelf organization and smooth store management mechanics. The clever parody book titles add humor and charm, while the inclusion of shop cats and diverse character designs enrich the experience. The ability to expand to multiple locations and hire managers for passive income is particularly well-received. Additionally, the game's performance on devices like the Steam Deck and the intuitive user interface contribute positively to player enjoyment.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's repetitive nature and lack of depth after progressing through initial content, leading some to feel the experience becomes aimless. Players request achievements, time control features, and more unique bookstore events to enhance engagement. Some mention minor bugs such as employees leaving boxes on the floor and cats glitching. The absence of a stock room in early shops complicates inventory management. Additionally, better onboarding and tutorials would improve accessibility for new players.
Pros
- • Smooth and intuitive gameplay mechanics make managing the bookstore enjoyable and satisfying.
- • Charming and clever parody book titles add humor and personality to the game.
- • Cozy atmosphere with relaxing pacing appeals to players seeking stress-free simulation.
- • Ability to expand to multiple locations increases replayability and depth.
- • Hiring managers to run shops passively adds strategic elements and convenience.
- • Adorable shop cats enhance the game's charm and player engagement.
- • Good performance on Steam Deck and smooth controls improve accessibility.
Cons
- • Gameplay can become repetitive and aimless after initial progression.
- • Lack of achievements reduces long-term motivation for some players.
- • No time control feature causes days to drag on, impacting pacing.
- • Employees sometimes leave boxes on the floor, cluttering the shop.
- • Absence of stock room in early shops complicates inventory management.
- • Cats occasionally glitch or become unresponsive in the game.
- • Onboarding and tutorials are minimal, making initial learning curve steeper.
Rating Criteria
Open your own bookshop! Order books, stock your shelves, and earn revenue. Use your profits to decorate, expand, and hire staff. Collect rare books that give powerful abilities. Adopt a cat to keep you and your customers company along the way!