Supermarket Simulator

- Reviewed on PC -

Supermarket Simulator released on February 20th, 2024.

Developed by indie developer, Nokta Games, Supermarket Simulator is an enjoyable, addicting, time consuming (in a good way), management game that drops you into the world of retail. 

It might not seem like a fun description for a game, but after putting hours upon hours into this game personally, I will assure you that what this game offers (and will offer with future updates) is well worth every penny and is also educational for those not in the retail field of work! 

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

This casual, indie game starts with subtle, cozy music on the main menu, and when you're ready to begin, drops you right in front of your very own supermarket.

Equipped with a register, computer, shelves, storage room next door, and a few products to start, it is now your responsibility to turn this humble abode into a thriving, supermarket juggernaut!

The computer is where you get a lot of things done. Here, you'll be able to order more products to display, hire eventual workers, upgrade your supermarket and / or storage size, pay bills, buy more product licenses, and much more.

When you order more products, they are delivered outside your supermarket, and that's where you can then pick up a box (one at a time), open it, then go to a shelf and wherever you please, stock that shelf with the product of choice.

There are products that go on shelfs (like bread for example, or pasta), then there's also fridge products (like cheese and juice), and also freezer products (like pizza and French Fries). 

The constant process of ordering products, gathering them on the side of the road, unpacking them, then stocking is where the "simulator" portion of the game comes in. Very addicting, fun, and enjoyable, but you'll eventually need help.

In order to hire cashiers and stockers, you'll need to reach the store level requirement (which you can earn by playing the game), and also an additional task. 

These tasks (or requirements) differ between the two candidates, as to hire a cashier, you need to check out customers a certain amount of time yourself first. 

As for stockers, you'll need the required amount of shelfs. 

Once these different requirements are reached by the player, you can then hire NPC workers to help perform the desired tasks. Trust me, you'll need them!

I did have issues with the stocker NPC's though, as they will occasionally glitch out, and even leave boxes on the floor when exiting the game in the middle of them working.

When you have all your products filled on the shelfs, and you're ready to get to work, you will flip the sign on the front window to begin the 8am to 9pm work cycle. 

To be the cashier you'll simply click on the customers item(s) and then it will scan it automatically. Once this is done, the customer will give cash or a card to pay. 

When given cash you can then count the amount of change required and if / when given cards, simply enter the amount on the keypad.

The variety of customer appearances is very healthy and makes for an enjoyable experience as you watch the customers roll in and out!

If customers find prices that you've set for products too expensive, they will either say it (with text appearing above them) without buying, or if they can't find an item (due to you not having it stocked or bought), they'll comment on that after you've checked them out at the register(s).

You can close registers in your supermarket if needed and can also rearrange items on shelfs! 

Though, you must have the same product box to rearrange, an update will fix this as reported by the developer (as of writing this blog post).

Clicking and holding the shelfs, fridges, freezers, or even registers, will allow for complete customization freedom and allow you to layout your store however you feel fit.

There's also a decent sized city to walk around during store hours, although there's no point in doing so as of writing this blog post. 

Supermarket Simulator is still an early access game (as of writing this blog post) but with the future updates and enthusiastic fanbase already present (including myself), Supermarket Simulator is a gem of a game!

Managing your Supermarket, supplying goods constantly, being your own stocker and cashier, adjusting prices, hiring workers, and simply growing your store physically and economically, is what makes Supermarket Simulator an absolute joy to play!

Pros: 

    - Smooth, Fun, and Addicting Gameplay

    - Educational 

    - Excellent Longevity

    - Layout Freedom

    - Plethora of Products to Purchase, Display, and Sell

    - Ability to Hire Staff

    - Variety in Customers

Cons:

    - Occasional NPC Glitches with Stockers

My Rating for Supermarket Simulator (on PC):

5 / 5

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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.