Preview: Libritopia – Librarian Simulator for PC

The simulation genre is one of gaming’s most unpredictable territories. Sure, you could argue that this applies to any genre, but it’s particularly true for sims. Over the years, I’ve encountered some real gems, but I’ve also powered through a fair share of titles that were truly abysmal. There’s almost an unspoken rule that if you slap “Sim” on something, no one holds it to the same standard. Among the worst experiences of my gaming career lie in this very genre, earning some of my lowest ratings. Today, I’m diving into LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC. Although it has its charming moments, there’s still plenty that needs polishing. It’s important to note that this is an Early Access review, so we’re reflecting on the game as it stands now, not its finished state.

In LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator, you’re tasked with creating and managing your very own library. The concept carries a certain nostalgic appeal—libraries are sanctuaries where book lovers can retreat from the chaos of everyday life. They’re also vibrant knowledge hubs for the curious student, or just a place to lose yourself in for a while. I went into this game hoping for a whimsical escape, something enchanting yet engaging. But, to my surprise, I found myself thrown into a frantic dash game.

In the game, your mission is to meet the needs of your library visitors while keeping complaints to a minimum. Fail to fulfill a customer’s book request, and they’ll leave dissatisfied. Accumulate too many unhappy customers in one day, and it’s game over. If LIBRITOPIA was designed as a Dash game from the get-go, the experience might feel more cohesive. However, by using “Sim” to describe this title, the complexity expected from a good simulation just isn’t there, replacing what should be a nuanced management experience with stress. Although the hectic pace might echo the real-life pressures of librarians, it’s probably not what most gamers are looking for in such a title.

Each day begins with an opportunity to expand your library’s inventory, collect returned books, and improve your setup before customers arrive. The day kicks off at your computer—oddly enough—and soon enough, the book enthusiasts start rolling in. Up to this point, all seems to be in line with expectations, so it would be a bit unfair to dismiss the entire premise outright.

But here comes the twist. Despite catering to presumably well-read individuals, your customers seem to have the awareness of a goldfish. With just a dozen books neatly displayed on your shelves, patrons often struggle to find even those right under their noses. Perhaps this would make sense in a grand library, but given the limited selection, their oblivion is more of a hindrance than a challenge. As you progress, this issue morphs as your collection grows, introducing yet another unintended complexity.

As you purchase additional shelves, your book display shifts, leaving only the spines visible. This means you’ll have to rely on title memory since customers will request books by author or genre. While you can check info at the desk, it consumes precious time and tests visitor patience. Annoyed bibliophiles mean lost customers, and with enough of those, it’s game over. Labeling your shelves is an option, but it’s another task that eats into your time, complicating life in the middle of a rush.

The library layout consists of designated zones for checking in and out books, alongside a customer query area. Curiously, each desk requires its own computer system, which adds unnecessary layers of complexity. If we’re being realistic, one computer should suffice for all tasks, and the separate waiting zone only slows things down. As you invest in automated stations, you’ll alleviate some of the tediousness, but the overall experience remains somewhat cumbersome.

Checking out a book involves toggling back and forth from the computer to the library floor, inefficiently juggling between steps. A more intuitive interface showing real-time info would make a significant difference. The check-in desk presents its own headache with its matching game mechanic. Unfortunately, the unresponsive controls turn a straightforward task into a bit of a chore. With fast-paced gameplay, fluidity is critical, and the experience doesn’t always deliver.

The gameplay loop of acquiring, distributing, and retrieving books should be pretty straightforward. However, the game takes straightforward concepts and complicates them unnecessarily. To add to the frustration, patrons sometimes ask for titles you haven’t received yet, which feels like an unfair disadvantage early on.

From a visual perspective, LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator could have used more polish. The graphics are reminiscent of early 2000s games, and while I appreciate the creative choice, the aesthetics leave something to be desired. Sound effects are minimal, and occasionally mismatched, with male voices misassigned to female characters. Despite these quirks, the controls are intuitive and generally responsive.

For those who enjoy Dash games, LIBRITOPIA offers some engaging mechanics, although it’s unlikely to secure game-of-the-year accolades. While the challenges are sufficient to encourage replayability, the mismarketing as a “Sim” could mislead potential players. As it stands, LIBRITOPIA falls into the “just okay” category for me, pending further updates.

Being an Early Access title means there’s still ample opportunity for improvement. The developers are actively refining it, so I expect future enhancements. Plus, the game’s price point isn’t steep, making it easier to take the plunge without feeling robbed.

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