The simulation genre is truly a mixed bag, isn’t it? While this can be said about many types of games, it seems particularly noticeable here. Over the years, I’ve come across some fantastic simulation games, but I’ve also stumbled upon a few really terrible ones. The freedom to slap the ‘Sim’ label on almost anything seems to grant a pass, even if the quality is lacking. This has led me to experience some of the worst games out there, sometimes earning them the lowest scores I’ve ever given in my reviewing career. Today, we’re diving into LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC. Though the game has its charm, there’s much left to be desired. But before you think I’m here to tear it down, let me assure you — this is an Early Access review. I’m evaluating the game as it stands now, not as a finished product.
In LIBRITOPIA, you get to build and manage your own library — a concept I find quite appealing. Libraries have always been these warm, cozy havens for avid readers seeking a quiet space or an escape from the chaos of daily life. They’re learning sanctuaries for students or a peaceful retreat for those wanting to browse the aisles aimlessly. I went into this game expecting some whimsy, something laid-back yet addictive. To my surprise, it felt like I was unexpectedly thrown into a hectic dash game.
In LIBRITOPIA, catering to your patrons’ needs without earning too many complaints is your main task. If you can’t satisfy a customer’s request, they leave unhappy, and too many dissatisfied exits in a day result in a game over. If this were explicitly a Dash game, I might have found it more fitting. Yet, here, under the Sim banner, essential details that make a simulation shine seem lost. It boils down to managing stress levels, which doesn’t quite hit the mark for what players are likely seeking in a library simulation.
As the day begins in LIBRITOPIA, you prepare by adding new items and sorting through book returns. A peculiar start from your in-game computer leads straight to a stream of needy book lovers. Up to this point, everything aligns with expectations, so let’s not nitpick the premise too much.
Interestingly, these library-goers, despite appearing well-read, often seem clueless. Initially, you start with just a dozen books on your shelf, and they still manage to ask for books that are right in front of them. While this could be understandable in a vast library or amidst a pile of unsorted books, it seems a bit silly at the start. Fortunately, as you progress, this changes, though not without adding another layer of complexity. It seems more of a workaround than an intentional feature, adding a curious challenge for players.
As you expand your library, book placements change to reveal only spines. Identifying items by title becomes essential as patrons start asking for specific genres or authors. You can either rely on memory or consult the check-in desk. This clever tweak burns time and patience, which is risky as waiting patrons are quick to leave, threatening your progress. Although you can categorize the shelves, the limits make it more challenging in tight moments.
In LIBRITOPIA, your library has designated zones, including check-in and check-out desks. Strangely, each uses its own computer system, complicating matters with segmented patron services. A central computer seems like an obvious solution to speed things up. While additional steps could heighten challenge in a Dash game, they seem cumbersome at the outset. Automated desks become a necessity, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that it started off more complex than it needed to.
Checking out a book requires you to find it on the computer, a task made tricky by frequent back-and-forth movements. With several waiting patrons, you end up juggling more than seems necessary. A quick reference window displaying the book info would significantly streamline the process.
Checking in a book involves a matching mini-game where you connect titles, authors, and genres. Unfortunately, the controls are not responsive, leading to frustration when clicks don’t register as intended. For a game leaning on dash mechanics, smoothness is vital, and here it occasionally falls short.
Ultimately, the gameplay loop in LIBRITOPIA revolves around managing books in and out of circulation. While it’s a straightforward concept, the handling feels unnecessarily awkward, compounded when patrons request unseen titles. This happened to me a couple of times early on — not a dealbreaker, but an annoyance when patrons effectively equate to lives in the game.
Visually, LIBRITOPIA appears quite basic, harking back to video games from the early 2000s. Though stylistic choices and budget constraints are understandable, it lacks a certain polish. Audio is scarce, providing little more than an assortment of mismatched sound effects, which sometimes result in male grunts from female characters — slightly off-putting. Despite this, controls generally meet expectations.
If you’re into Dash games, you might find some enjoyment in LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator. While it’s by no means a candidate for game of the year, some mechanics offer enough of a challenge to warrant replayability. However, attaching it to the ‘Sim’ genre may mislead those expecting a detailed simulation. For now, LIBRITOPIA stands in the “just okay” territory for me.
Of course, this is Early Access, so there’s room for growth and change. I may return to find an entirely different game, given time. The developers are actively working to improve LIBRITOPIA, and as it’s not a pricey title, you might find it worth a try.
This preview is based on an Early Access copy provided by the publisher.
