First Look: Librarian Simulator (PC) – Libritopia

The Sim genre is quite the wild card. Sure, that’s something you could claim about any game category, but it seems especially true here. Over the years, I’ve encountered some outstanding sims, but I’ve also stumbled upon a fair share that were, frankly, awful. Some of the worst titles I’ve ever reviewed have come from this genre. Today, we’re diving into LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC. It’s got a certain charm, but there’s definitely room for improvement. And yes, I’m acutely aware this is an Early Access game, so I’m judging it based on its current state, not a finished product.

In LIBRITOPIA, you get the chance to create and manage your very own library. There’s something inherently appealing about that concept. Libraries hold a special place as serene retreats where book lovers can escape the chaos of daily life. These hubs of knowledge welcome avid learners or those just seeking a few moments of tranquility amidst the bookshelves. I entered this game hoping for a whimsical escape, something leisurely yet captivating. Instead, I found myself thrust into a frantic dash game—a bit unanticipated.

Playing LIBRITOPIA means catering to your visitors’ needs and keeping complaints to a minimum. A dissatisfied customer will walk out if they can’t find what they want, and too many unhappy patrons end your game. Had this been marketed as a Dash game, the gameplay would have been more in line with expectations. However, branding it as a sim sacrifices the nuance that typically animates this genre. While librarianship can indeed entail stress, I’m not convinced players want to simulate that.

At the start of each day, you can build new elements in your library and collect books dropped off after hours. Things kick off from your computer, which makes sense, and then the booklovers flood in. This premise isn’t the problem, so let’s not nitpick.

But here’s where it gets amusing: Your bookish clientele aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. With a mere dozen titles on your shelves, they’ll often ask for a book that’s literally right in front of them. Initially, with only two shelves, this comes across as absurd. As you progress and accumulate more books, this dynamic changes, introducing its own challenges, likely by design.

The issue intensifies when expanding your collection. The additional shelves display books spine-out, making it tricky to identify titles at a glance. Customers might ask for an author or genre, testing your memory or forcing you to consult the check-in desk, which takes precious time. Labeling shelves can help, but it limits what you can do at once, complicating things during hectic moments.

LIBRITOPIA divides your library into various zones. You have separate check-in and check-out desks—two different computer systems, a choice that baffles me. Handling customer queries demands a separate area, which feels cumbersome. You’d expect a more unified, efficient setup at first, gradually adding complexity. Automated desks become essential, yet initial navigation feels clunky.

Checking out books involves a multi-step process: querying the computer, searching for the book, and heading to check-out. This gets tedious, especially with patrons queued up, and a less cumbersome design could enhance the experience greatly.

The check-in desk incorporates a rather awkward matching mini-game that’s not especially responsive. Smoothness is crucial in these fast-paced sequences, and this mechanic needs refinement.

LIBRITOPIA’s gameplay loop is straightforward: get books, cater to readers, and collect them back. Despite its simplicity, the execution feels unnecessarily convoluted. Early-game patrons might request books you haven’t even had a chance to acquire, posing another wrinkle to overcome.

Visually, LIBRITOPIA feels like a retro throwback to the 2000s. While art choices are resource-dependent, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing. The sound design is sparse, and sometimes mismatched voices detract from the believability. On the upside, controls are functional and reliable.

If Dash games are your thing, LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator might offer some enjoyment. It’s not going to snag any game-of-the-year awards, but the mechanics have potential. Dropping the “Sim” label might prevent confusion—this title diverges from true simulation hallmarks. As a dash game, there’s enough challenge to keep it engaging, but current shortfalls place it firmly in the just-okay category for now.

Remember, this is an Early Access title, and there’s potential for major improvements. The developers are actively refining the game, which could significantly enhance the experience down the line. Plus, it’s priced affordably, so trying it out won’t hurt your wallet.

This preview stems from an Early Access copy supplied by the publisher.