Sneak Peek: Librarian Simulator (PC) – Libritopia

The simulation genre in gaming is quite the rollercoaster, isn’t it? Sure, you might argue that ups and downs are common in any genre, but sims often take you on a ride that’s more unpredictable than most. Over the years, I’ve come across some real gems in this category. Yet, I’ve also endured a fair share of duds that somehow get a free pass by being labeled as sims. Some of my lowest review scores have come from this genre. Today, I’m diving into the world of “LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator” on PC. While it does have a sprinkle of charm, there’s plenty here that leaves you wanting. Now, before you think I’m here with nothing but criticism, remember that this game is still in Early Access. So, consider this a snapshot of its current form, rather than a verdict on a completed project.

In “LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator,” you’re tasked with building and managing your own library. It sounds quite delightful, doesn’t it? Libraries have this intangible warmth, offering a refuge for those who love to lose themselves in the pages of a book, or a quiet oasis for scholars. As I logged into the game, I anticipated a whimsical journey, hoping for a slow-paced yet captivating experience. What I didn’t expect was a fast-paced dash game, which is exactly how it plays out.

The core of “LIBRITOPIA” is to keep your library patrons happy. Fail to meet their needs, and they leave disgruntled, and too many unhappy customers in one day means the end of the road for your library. If this were a dash game, this mechanic would fit like a glove. But as a simulation game, it strips away the depth and intricacies that define the genre. The stress of being a librarian might not be far from reality, but that’s not really what I, or many players, would sign up for in a sim game.

Each day in “LIBRITOPIA” kicks off with the option to add new items to your library and to collect returned books. It feels a bit off starting your day from a computer, but hey, we’re okay with it so far. Soon enough, bibliophiles flood your library, ready to dive into their next literary adventure.

What struck me first was just how clueless your patrons could be. With only twelve books on your shelf, it’s amusingly absurd when they struggle to find a title right in front of them. This would be understandable in a library with thousands of volumes, or if books were hidden away in stacks. But when they’re plainly presented, it’s quite laughable. Thankfully, this changes as you progress, but it introduces its own handful of quirks, likely by design but somehow feeling unintentional.

As you expand your collection with new shelves, books are now only displayed by their spines. Sure, this makes sense. The challenge then becomes remembering all your inventory or retreating to the check-in desk for help. See, this setup is clever in theory, pushing you to be efficient, yet in practice, it can frustrate as the clock ticks and patrons grow impatient. You have options to label shelves, but your capacity to do this is limited, leaving you always slightly off balance.

The layout of “LIBRITOPIA” introduces zones like separate check-in and check-out desks – a peculiar choice, considering your tasks could be streamlined with a single system. The customer waiting area contributes a nice touch of realism. Buying automated desks does ease things eventually, but initially, it still feels unnecessarily clunky.

Checking out books involves hopping between screens, turning what could be quick and simple acts into time-consuming steps. If there was a visual cue or window showing the needed books on the same screen, everything would flow much better.

The check-in process involves a mini-game where you match titles, authors, and genres. This would be fine if it wasn’t for the screen sluggishness, making a straightforward task slightly tedious. When speed is vital, any lag becomes a notable detriment.

The basic gameplay loop is all about acquiring and distributing books. On paper, it’s straightforward, yet its execution feels far more convoluted than it should. What’s more, patrons occasionally demand books that haven’t even hit your library’s shelves yet. It’s a collective groan for you as each disgruntled patron nudges you closer to a game over.

Visually, “LIBRITOPIA” isn’t going to win any beauty contests. It has this early 2000’s vibe which might not win everyone over. The sound design is minimal, occasionally mismatching character appearances with out-of-place voice samples. While these details don’t wholly derail gameplay, they do stand out.

If you’re into dash games, there’s a bit of fun to be found here. It might not bag any game-of-the-year awards, but the mechanics have potential. The term “Sim” may not quite suit what “LIBRITOPIA” currently offers. As a dash game, though, it’s got enough hooks to keep you playing. The issues I’ve pointed out keep it from leaping to greatness, placing it squarely in the “just okay” zone for now.

Considering that this is Early Access, there’s a good chance things will evolve. A return visit in a few months might reveal a much different, hopefully improved, gaming experience. Rest assured, the developers seem hard at work refining LIBRITOPIA. Plus, its price is wallet-friendly, so trying it out won’t break the bank.

Lastly, it’s important to note that this preview is based on an Early Access copy provided by the publisher.