Gameplay & Design
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop is a delightfully chaotic roguelike mechanic simulator that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Featuring a colorful cast of customers and some truly bizarre vehicles, the game has an undeniably strong foundation with its creative premise and quirky charm. However, there are a few areas where it falls short, particularly when it comes to maintaining long-term engagement. The humor kicks in right from the start, helping to soften the edges of what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming challenge. At first glance, the game seems almost impossibly difficult, but it quickly hooks you with its wacky atmosphere and high-stakes objective: earn enough money to pay R.E.N.T. on time, or face the rather grim consequences of an unforgiving boss. You’ll earn your keep by repairing as many vehicles as you can, as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The core gameplay mechanic—fixing vehicles—is where Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop really shines. Each ship comes equipped with modules and parts that are not only unique but also surprisingly intricate. From the very beginning, you’re handed a Grimoire, a hefty book containing all the information you’ll need to repair these components. At first, deciphering the instructions and troubleshooting unfamiliar parts feels like a fun puzzle, and as you progress, you’ll naturally start to memorize the simpler repairs. However, some modules are genuinely complex and will have you flipping back to your manual again and again. The process of mastering these repairs is both rewarding and challenging, creating a deep sense of satisfaction when you finally get the hang of things.
When I started playing, I loved the thrill of discovering new modules and gradually improving my skills. However, the game does run into a significant hurdle in terms of replayability. As a roguelike, it’s designed to send you back to the start after failed attempts. While this loop is fine in theory, it can feel punishing if you’re struggling with time constraints or consistently falling short on runs. Replaying the same early levels repeatedly can begin to sap the fun out of the experience, and that repetition may ultimately discourage players from pushing through to see the late-game content.
Feedback
One area where Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop could improve is its upgrade system. The roguelike structure can feel punishing, as restarting after struggling with time or runs often resets all progress. A more meaningful upgrade system—like permanent tool improvements, time extensions, or partial automation for simpler tasks—would make the early stages less repetitive and more rewarding. While those kinds of upgrades are present they’re not significant enough to be noticable without dedicating quite a few runs just to upgrades.
Adding a sense of progression beyond just player skill would help maintain motivation and soften the harshness of failure, keeping players engaged without compromising the game’s charm. This small change could significantly enhance the overall experience.
Verdict
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop is a quirky and creative roguelike mechanic simulator with unique gameplay and a great sense of humor. However, its harsh restart system could benefit from a more meaningful upgrade system to reduce repetition and keep players engaged for the long haul. With a bit more balance, this charming game could truly shine.