Developer Background
Pebbles Games is an independent game studio specializing in cooperative and multiplayer experiences across genres such as simulation, fantasy, physics-based challenges, and speed-running. The studio is led by the creator of the Bobsi YouTube channel, which focuses on multiplayer game development using Unity. This connection underscores the studio's commitment to delivering engaging, community-oriented gaming experiences.
Gameplay & Design
Potion Shop Simulator delivers exactly what its title suggests—a cozy, fantasy-themed experience where you take over a potion shop after the previous owner mysteriously disappears. While the premise is intriguing, the game’s pacing is its biggest drawback.
From the start, you’re tasked with gathering ingredients, drying them, and grinding them by hand. While this level of detail adds realism, it quickly begins to feel like a series of chores rather than an engaging gameplay loop. The slow pace makes the early game especially rough, though upgrades do help speed things up over time. Unlocking the greenhouse, for example, allows you to grow your own ingredients, eliminating the need for daily foraging trips. This quality-of-life improvement helps, but it doesn’t fully alleviate the overall sluggishness of the experience.
For a simulation game, Potion Shop Simulator leans too far into the mundane. A good sim should immerse players in a satisfying gameplay flow rather than make them feel like they’re working through a to-do list. Because of this, I found it difficult to play for more than an hour at a time without getting distracted.
That said, the game does shine in its world-building. The surrounding environment feels alive, and the atmosphere is genuinely calming, making it a great candidate for a cozy game—if only it had a bit more balance. With a few tweaks to its pacing and mechanics, Potion Shop Simulator could evolve into the relaxing experience it aims to be.
Feedback
Potion Shop Simulator has a charming premise but lacks variety in its gameplay loop. Customer interactions feel repetitive, with little distinction between visitors. Adding unique traits, special requests, or a reputation system could make running the shop more engaging.
Potion-making also feels arbitrary, as crafting often comes down to tossing in random ingredients rather than carefully refining recipes. A more structured brewing system with ingredient synergies or customer feedback would add depth.
Upgrades, while helpful, don’t feel rewarding enough. They improve efficiency but lack a real sense of accomplishment. More impactful upgrades, such as automation options or shop customization, could make progression feel more meaningful.
With improvements to customer variety, potion crafting, and upgrades, the game could become a truly immersive and satisfying experience.
Verdict
Potion Shop Simulator offers a cozy, atmospheric world with a charming premise, but its sluggish pacing and repetitive gameplay hold it back. The potion-making feels arbitrary, customer interactions lack variety, and upgrades don’t feel satisfying enough. While the world itself is immersive and calming, the gameplay often feels more like a chore than a rewarding simulation. With better progression, deeper mechanics, and more engaging shopkeeping elements, it could truly shine as a standout cozy sim.
Potion Shop Simulator is available now for PC via Steam.
