First Look at Libritopia: A Librarian Simulator for PC

The Sim genre is quite a mixed bag, really. Sure, you could say that about any type of game, but it feels especially true for sims. Over the years, I’ve stumbled upon some fantastic titles in this category, but I’ve also encountered some shockers. The genre seems to have an odd immunity: slap a “Sim” label on a lackluster game, and somehow it dodges much of the criticism. I’ve certainly awarded some of my lowest scores to games from this genre. Today, we’re diving into LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC. Now, while there are elements of charm, I have to admit there are several issues that need addressing. It’s important to remember, though, that this is an Early Access title. I’m evaluating it in its current state, but who knows what it will look like once it’s polished.

In LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator, you step into the shoes of a budding librarian, tasked with constructing and managing your own library. The idea seems heartwarming. Libraries, after all, are cozy refuges for those seeking knowledge or just a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life. I approached this game hoping to find that whimsy—something leisurely yet captivating. However, I was surprised to find myself plunged into what felt more like a frantic dash game, without any warning.

In your role, you’ll be juggling customer demands and striving to keep complaints to a minimum. If a patron leaves dissatisfied and this happens too often in a day, it’s game over. It feels as though they’ve taken a slice of sim gameplay and stripped out the layers that make simulation games special. Instead, it channels the stress that might be associated with running a library, which isn’t exactly what many players might crave from this kind of game.

Starting each day in LIBRITOPIA, you’re given a chance to expand your library, adding new shelves and sorting through returned books. You start from your computer—not quite the quaint start I imagined—and soon a stream of eager book lovers fills your library, each on the hunt for their latest read. This aspect isn’t too surprising, but it quickly unravels from there.

It’s baffling how uninformed these bookish customers appear to be. At first, with just a dozen books on your shelf, a patron might walk over, stare at them, and still need your help to find a title staring them right in the face. It’s understandable in a vast library, but not when everything is neatly organized and displayed. The situation evolves as more books are added, but this introduces new challenges that may not have been intentional.

As your collection grows, books are stored with only their spines visible, complicating things. Sometimes patrons ask for an author or genre, which requires a handy memory or a trip back to the check-in desk. It’s a clever system, but time-consuming, and with patrons’ temperaments on a hair-trigger, it introduces a layer of stress.

The library is divided into various zones: check-in, check-out, and areas for handling customer queries. While automating these desks as you progress eases the pressure, the setup feels cumbersome at the start. Checking out books involves hopping between your computer and the shelves, which seems a bit convoluted—especially when patrons line up.

The check-in desk features a quirky mini-game where titles, authors, and genres need to be matched. It’s a fun idea, but the execution is lacking; the controls aren’t as responsive as they should be. In a game that demands quick reflexes, these small frustrations add up.

The core gameplay loop in LIBRITOPIA is straightforward: manage the book lending and returns. Yet, it feels like they’ve overcomplicated a simple task, especially when patrons sometimes request books not yet in your inventory—a snag that’s more than a little bothersome when it costs you a ‘life.’

On the aesthetic front, LIBRITOPIA resembles a throwback to the simpler graphics of 2000s games. While every artistic choice is intentional and developers often face resource constraints, there’s little to praise visually. Sound design also falls short, adding to the dated feel when, for instance, voices don’t match character avatars.

Despite these challenges, there’s fun to be had if you enjoy Dash games. While LIBRITOPIA isn’t about to clinch any Game of the Year accolades, its mechanics offer replayability. “Sim” might be a misleading term here; the gameplay leans closer to Dash territory. Given that, LIBRITOPIA sits comfortably in the ‘okay’ tier — promising, yet with room for growth.

Remember, this review reflects the current Early Access state. In time, the game could transform completely, and there’s a sense that the developers are actively improving it. Plus, it won’t break the bank, should you choose to explore it further.

This Preview is based on an Early Access copy provided by the Publisher.