First Look: Librarian Simulator – Libritopia (PC)

The Sim genre is a bit of a rollercoaster, isn’t it? Sure, you can make that argument about any type of game, but it feels especially true for simulations. Over the years, I’ve tried some outstanding ones, but I often notice that calling something a Sim can be an excuse for a game that’s downright frustrating. Some of my lowest ratings have landed on Sim games that just don’t cut it. Today, we’re diving into LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator on PC, and while it has its moments of charm, there’s plenty that could use improvement. Keep in mind, I know this is an Early Access game, so we’re judging it in its current form—not as a polished final product.

In LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator, you’re invited to build and manage your own library. There’s something appealing about that concept. Libraries are quiet refuges for book lovers or sanctuaries for students seeking knowledge, and I anticipated a whimsical experience, where I could leisurely manage my library in a captivating, addictive way. However, I found myself unexpectedly tossed into a fast-paced dash game, which wasn’t quite the whimsy I was looking for.

The goal in LIBRITOPIA is to cater to your library’s visitors without racking up complaints. If a customer leaves unsatisfied, it’s not a good look, and too many unhappy patrons on a single day spells disaster. As a Dash game, I might have appreciated this experience more, but reducing a Sim to this level strips away the complexity that makes simulations enjoyable. We’re associating the librarian role with stress—which surely is part of the job—but as players, is that really what we want?

Starting your day in LIBRITOPIA involves organizing your bookshelves and picking up any returns, all from a computer, which feels odd for a start. Then the bibliophiles rush in, ready for their literary fix. Up to this point, everything is as expected, so it’s fair game to embrace the scenario.

Frustratingly though, your patrons, supposedly well-read individuals, often act clueless. In the beginning, with a mere dozen books on your shelves, they somehow overlook a book right in front of them. This dynamic would make sense in a vast collection or disordered pile, but with everything clearly visible, it seems silly. This changes as you progress, presenting its own new challenge that feels perhaps unintentionally contrived.

As you expand your library, the books align so only their spines show, leaving you with just titles while customers might ask for authors or genres. You can try to memorize your inventory or consult the check-in desk—but both burn through valuable time and patience. While you can label shelves, it’s not a comprehensive solution, leading to rush moments that can frustrate.

The layout splits the library into zones with check-in and check-out desks (with distinct systems for each, oddly). Customer queries come with their own area, and though this conceptually works, the flow is a little clunky for a fast-paced game. Automation options become available as you proceed, but the initial clumsiness sticks.

Checking out books involves navigating a small process on the computer, but the extra steps to verify what’s needed feel cumbersome. A simple on-screen prompt would significantly streamline things, especially when dealing with a line of waiting customers.

On the flip side, the check-in process involves a matching mini-game requiring you to align the book’s title, author, and genre, which isn’t as fluid as it should be—causing unintended delays and frustrations because inputs don’t always register as expected.

That’s essentially the gameplay cycle: acquire books, distribute them to readers, and retrieve them back. It’s straightforward in theory, but somehow, it feels more convoluted than necessary. Especially problematic is patrons requesting books yet unseen. Losing patrons over unavoidable circumstances can be a real gripe since they’re your lifeline in the game.

Visually, LIBRITOPIA: Librarian Simulator is basic, reminiscent of early 2000s games. The sound is minimal and sometimes mismatched, like male voices for female patrons, which breaks immersion. The controls do the job, albeit in a rudimentary way.

For fans of Dash games, LIBRITOPIA offers enough challenge to be engaging, but calling it a Sim might be misleading. Simulations are about nuanced control, something this game lacks in its current form. It’s more a Dash game with moments of enjoyable chaos—a good play for the challenge seekers but currently too flawed to warrant high praise.

Remember, this is an Early Access venture, so it has room to grow. Significant improvements could well be on the horizon. Plus, with its modest price tag, checking it out won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Here’s to hoping the developers continue refining what could become a unique and rewarding experience.