Stardew Valley has proven hugely popular since its release in 2016. ConcernedApe’s farming and business simulation attracts legions of fans with its chilled-out vibe, sparkling presentation, and wide range of activities to get involved in. While it may have focused more on the farming side of RPG simulations, Stardew Valley proves that the indie market for soothing and comforting titles is alive and well.
However, the slice-of-life simulator is no longer the main priority of the American game designer. ConcernedApe, aka Eric Barone, recently announced their desire to kick things off with the highly anticipated follow-up, Haunted chocolatier. While haunted chocolatier is still woefully out of reach, there are still plenty of simulators to keep players hooked until they can get their hands on Barone’s latest piece of indie magic.
Moonlighter brings Roguelike elements to the Retail Sim
Moonlight sounds on paper like the kind of game that was far better in the minds of its developers than it could possibly turn out to be in the real world. It combines retail simulation elements with indie roguelike elements. Moonlight tasks players with running a shop by day, then exploring a series of four distinct dungeons by night, an odd mix that feels like it’s brimming with potential.
Although it may seem like an unusual marriage, Moonlight manages to couple its distinct elements to remarkable effect. Its roguelike combat is dense and enjoyable as loot from the game’s many fallen enemies can then be appraised and sold as part of the player’s flourishing business. It may sound strange on paper, but Moonlight is as effective as a quirky roguelike as it is as a satisfying retail sim.
Recipear: The Story of an Item Shop provides an in-depth narrative
The very idea of a shopping simulator can be enough to put off even the most avid gamer, regardless of style or format. However, Recipear: the story of an object store packs a lot more intrigue and excitement than its title suggests. In fact, since its European/North American release in late 2010, the game’s enormous popularity has seen it sell over half a million copies, a number that continues to grow even today.
The Japanese RPG follows a young girl called Recipe who is tasked with running a store in order to pay off her estranged father’s debts. The player is then tasked with haggling, selling, and exploring various areas in order to raise enough funds to pay off the debt, a subtle twist that ensures Receive provides a degree of narrative tension that is often lacking in most titles of this genre. Sincere and made with love, Receive is one of the finest examples of its kind currently available.
Shoppe Keep 2 has players haggling with heroes
Most fantasy RPGs emphasize being a harrowing hero who only briefly needs a local tavern, blacksmith, or general store before venturing out to slay dragons. or explore the vast unknown of uncharted wilderness. Shop Dungeon 2 rejoices in flipping the script by having players assume the role of the former trader rather than the hero. As such, the player must sell supplies to warriors, bandits, and everyone else.
The effect is satisfactory, Keep’s Shop charming visuals and clean, easy-to-handle mechanics ensure that one never really feels like missing out on adventures beyond the confines of their lovingly crafted store. As a store management simulator, Keep Store is extremely strong. The focus on town and community as it grows with the player’s own store gives proceedings a refreshingly expansive feel and proves that you don’t always have to be the center of the game. pay attention to be a real local hero.
My Little Blacksmith Shop calms gamers’ nerves
If there’s ever been a game that delivers players exactly what the title promises, it’s My little blacksmith shop. Unsurprisingly, Noble Games’ sandbox simulation lets players take on the role of a lowly blacksmith. As such, players are tasked with crafting weapons and items for their clients, mining ores, refining ingots, and crafting materials into a variety of weapons and armor ranging from swords to axes. through the shields.
As the game’s Steam description points out, the idea of My little blacksmith shop is to “play the game at your own pace”. This way the game looks a lot like Stardew Valley or eastshade. For those looking for a laid-back escape amid the crashing AAA gaming market, My little blacksmith shop is the heaven-sent crafting sandbox sim.
Shop Titans is the king of shopping Sims
Shop Titans remains one of the undisputed kings of the trader simulation genre, and for good reason. Kabam’s free-to-play RPG has plenty to keep budding entrepreneurs busy. Shop customization, crafting mechanics, enchantments, and even quests are all essential facets of a game that has gained legions of followers since its debut in 2019.
With thousands of active players and a solid online platform to trade, communicate and explore, Shop Titans built on its MMO potential as much as its single-player appeal. Beware though, because like many such titles, the shop-building sim is extremely addictive to the point of becoming somewhat consumer-intensive. The ultimate cost of running a successful business, it seems, is valuable time.
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