Retro Game Store Simulator

About Retro Game Store Simulator

Retro Game Store Simulator is a simulation game where you run a 1980s video game store from 1984 to 1989. Developed by DIY Experiences LLC, it blends retail management with historical gaming nostalgia. You’ll stock shelves with era-appropriate titles, adjust prices, and analyze trends to maximize profits. The single-player experience runs on PC and focuses on strategic inventory cycling, balancing cash flow, and staying ahead of market shifts. The goal is to prove gaming’s future by turning your retro storefront into a success. It’s a niche, data-driven simulator for those who love crunching numbers and 80s nostalgia.

Gameplay

Each day you wake up to manage your store’s inventory, using a 1980s-style interface to scan games, set prices, and track sales. The core loop involves researching market trends, like the rise of home consoles or cartridge shortages, to decide which titles to stock. You’ll juggle cash flow, ensuring you can afford new shipments while keeping shelves full. Late 80s inflation and fluctuating demand add tension. Play sessions feel methodical, with most time spent in inventory spreadsheets or adjusting price tags. Controls are keyboard/mouse focused, mimicking real-world retail tasks. Progression revolves around scaling from a small shop to a regional chain.

What Players Think

The game holds a 4.3/5 on PlayPile, with 72% of players completing the 1989 finale. Average playtime is 25 hours, though 20% abandon the game before 1987. Community moods split evenly between “nostalgic” and “frustrated”, some cite the steep learning curve for market trends. Critics praise its “authentic 80s retail grind” but note the UI feels “archaic on purpose.” A Steam review reads: “It’s like running a spreadsheet while wearing a mullet.” Achievements total 50, with 68% unlocked by average players. The price point of $29.99 has drawn complaints, though most agree it’s justified for the niche audience.

PlayPile's Take

Retro Game Store Simulator is a must for simulation purists and 80s enthusiasts. It thrives on its careful systems but may frustrate casual players. The $29.99 price is reasonable given the depth, and the 50 achievements add replay value. If you enjoy micromanaging budgets and predicting market shifts, this is for you. Avoid if you dislike slow pacing or spreadsheet-like mechanics. It’s not a crowd-pleaser but a solid, if niche, simulator that nails its retro aesthetic.

Storyline

Bring a game store back to life in the 1980s.