Game Preview: Libritopia – Librarian Simulator (PC)

Navigating the world of simulation games always feels like a gamble. It’s true that every genre has its hits and misses, but Sims have a unique knack for variance. Over the years, I’ve encountered some truly impressive titles, yet I’ve also had the misfortune of playing some remarkably poor ones that somehow skated by under the Sim label. They often occupy the lowest ranks in my reviewing journey. My latest adventure took me to LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC. While parts of it evoke a certain charm, it still falls short in several key areas. Let’s remember, though, that this is an Early Access game. My critique reflects the game’s current state, not its final form.

LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator puts you in charge of your very own library. The concept struck me as rather delightful. After all, libraries are havens for book lovers seeking a quiet escape from everyday chaos. A retreat for knowledge seekers and casual browsers alike. With the game booted up, I was expecting a whimsical experience that balanced a laid-back pace with addictive gameplay. Instead, I found myself in the midst of a dash game action without warning.

In the game, your mission is to satisfy library visitors’ needs while avoiding too many complaints. If a customer can’t find what they’re after, they’re likely to leave dissatisfied. Have too many patrons leave in a day, and it’s game over. Had this been a pure Dash game, I might have enjoyed this more. By packaging it as a Sim, the game loses some of the depth expected in such titles. Reducing a librarian’s role to a source of stress might mirror reality for some, but it’s hardly the immersive experience we look for as gamers.

At the start of each in-game day, you get the chance to expand your library with new items and collect returns left overnight. Beginning from your desktop, an endless stream of eager book enthusiasts will soon descend. Up to this point, the game maintains expectations without any qualms about its premise.

Initially, the supposed bibliophiles you’re serving don’t seem very astute. With only twelve books on your shelves, patrons repeatedly ask for the very titles sitting right in front of them. Such obliviousness would make sense with overwhelming stock or unsorted piles, but when everything is neatly displayed, it verges on comical. This changes as gameplay progresses, but it adds another layer of complexity that feels unintended, and perhaps even a touch frustrating.

The shelves evolve to display just spines, making it tricky when customers ask for titles based on authors or genres. You can either memorize your inventory, easier said than done, or consult the check-in desk—a clever idea that sadly eats into precious time and tests customer patience. Losing patrons to impatience isn’t ideal, especially when running the risk of an in-game loss. Labeling shelves could help, but given its limitations, even this small task complicates things at critical moments.

The game splits the library management into different zones with check-in and check-out desks. Why separate systems are necessary, I’m not sure. There’s also a waiting area for customer queries, which feels awkward in its execution. Realistically, a single system would suffice. The initial setup feels cumbersome, although automated desks become available later. Early impressions, however, lean towards the cumbersome.

For book checkouts, you must search and then authorize them through the computer. While fine in concept, having to step away every time to confirm details adds unnecessary steps when a simple on-screen prompt would suffice. As waves of patrons build, it feels less user-friendly than it needs to be.

On the other hand, the check-in desk involves a matching minigame, where you align titles, authors, and genres. Alas, the buttons aren’t particularly responsive, dragging out what should be a swift action. In a game seemingly built on dash mechanics, smoothness is paramount, and such hiccups detract from that goal.

This looping cycle of loaning and returning books forms the essence of LIBRITOPIA. In theory, it’s a straightforward process bogged down by inefficiencies. Compound frustrations where patrons request unseen books—happening early on for me—further sour the experience. No one wants to lose game lives due to entirely preventable circumstances.

From the perspective of presentation, charming isn’t the word that comes to mind for this game. It harkens back to the 2000s and shows its age, lacking polish in visual appeal. The audio is a bit underwhelming as well, with mismatched voice effects making little sense in their pairing. Interaction mechanics are intuitive, though, aligning with what you’d anticipate.

For those who enjoy dash-style games, LIBRITOPIA offers a taste of challenge and replayability, though don’t expect it to make headlines as a standout Sim experience. The simulation claims seem misleading, diverging from traditional genre nuances. Nevertheless, as a dash-focused title, it delivers hurdles worthy of veteran players, but unfortunately, it lands in the “just okay” territory as it currently stands.

In fairness, I acknowledge the fluid nature of Early Access titles and the possibility of substantial evolution down the line. Developers are diligently refining LIBRITOPIA, so considerable updates could alter the experience profoundly. At its current price point, the financial commitment is minimal should curiosity compel you.

This preview is based on an Early Access version provided by the publisher.