The Sim genre is a bit of a grab bag, isn’t it? Sure, you could say that about any genre, but with Sims, this seems especially true. Over the years, I’ve encountered a handful of fantastic entries. Conversely, I’ve also stumbled upon some pretty awful experiences, Sim games that somehow got a pass purely on the genre’s reputation. Some of the lowest scores I’ve ever awarded in my reviewing career belong to Sim games. Today, I’m diving into LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC. While there’s a certain charm here, it seems there’s still room for improvement. Important to remember, though, is that this is an Early Access version, so we’re critiquing a work-in-progress rather than a final product.
In LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator, you’re tasked with building and operating your own library. The concept alone has an adorable quality to it. Libraries are those cozy havens where avid readers retreat from the chaos of everyday life, serving as open learning hubs for curious minds, or simply a peaceful escape for some alone time. As I started the game, I hoped for a whimsical experience—something slow-paced and charming yet engagingly addictive. Instead, I found myself unexpectedly thrust into what felt like a dash-style game.
In this game, the goal is to satisfy your patrons’ demands without racking up too many complaints. If a customer leaves dissatisfied, you’re on the losing path. Too many unsatisfied customers in one day and it’s game over. Now, if LIBRITOPIA was pitched as a dash game, this setup might feel more fitting. However, in its current Sim guise, it misses the subtle depth that defines a good simulation. It seems to equate the role of a librarian with stress, which, while maybe realistic, might not be what players are seeking from this experience.
At the start of your library day in LIBRITOPIA, you’ll be tasked with adding new items to your library and gathering books dropped off the previous evening. Your day kicks off from your computer, which seems a bit eccentric, but from there, a stream of book enthusiasts begins to filter in, eager to get their hands on a good read. Up to this point, everything feels as it should, so it seems a bit unfair to nitpick.
Here’s a quirky point, though: your patrons—supposedly a literate bunch—sometimes seem as sharp as a bowling ball. Initially, you only have a dozen books on a couple of shelves. Envision a patron staring at the shelves, then asking for a book that’s right there, in plain sight. This might make sense amidst a sea of titles or in a cluttered bookstore, but with just twelve books neatly displayed, it seems a tad absurd. While you can get more organized as you delve deeper into the game, it introduces another layer of confusion, likely unintentional.
As you expand your shelves, books are displayed spine-out, showing just their titles. Some patrons might ask for an author or genre, challenging you to either memorize your inventory or refer to the check-in desk—both options drain time and patience. Patience is critical, as you don’t want customers storming out, risking the game. You can label shelves, albeit gradually, which complicates matters when the pressure is on.
In LIBRITOPIA, the library is divided into zones. You have check-in and check-out desks, though why each requires a separate system is puzzling. The customer query area holds patrons while you seek out their desired books, slowing down the process. Realistically, a single computer should do it all. While the waiting area is understandable, introducing more steps at the start doesn’t mesh well with a dash game’s flow. Automated desks do become available, which helps, though the initial process feels cumbersome.
Checking out books requires searching the item and clicking check out. Problems arise if there’s a queue—you’ll find yourself needing to pop away from the computer repeatedly. A heads-up display of info to help you quickly find books would simplify things quite a bit.
The check-in desk, by contrast, uses a matching mini-game involving titles, authors, and genres. While not inherently problematic, the game’s responsiveness could be improved, as inputs occasionally seem to vanish into the void. Smooth operation is vital for dash mechanics, something not always achieved here.
The gameplay loop in LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator entails gathering books, distributing them to your readers, and restocking them. Basic as it sounds, the execution feels overcomplicated. To add a sprinkle of irritation, patrons sometimes request books you haven’t even acquired yet. While not a catastrophic issue, considering patrons essentially represent your lives, it’s frustrating to lose them over matters beyond your control.
Aesthetically speaking, LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator is straightforward, perhaps reminiscent of the early 2000s game design. While artistic choices and budget constraints are understandable, the visuals aren’t especially striking. Audio elements are sparse and sometimes mismatched—some patron voices oddly clash with their visuals. On the positive side, controls are intuitive and function as expected.
Fans of dash games may find something to enjoy in LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator. While unlikely to snag any game-of-the-year awards, it offers some engaging mechanics. The term “Sim” feels misleading here. Yes, you’re running a library, but the Sim genre typically involves more complexity. As a dash game, it offers a decent challenge and replayability. However, due to the issues highlighted, LIBRITOPIA lands in the “okay” bracket for now.
Though this is an Early Access title and I might encounter significant changes in a few months. The developers remain actively engaged, providing hope for ongoing improvements. Plus, this isn’t a pricy title, so it’s worth giving a whirl without breaking the bank.
Note: This preview is based on an Early Access version of the game provided by the publisher.
