Potion Permit

Potion Permit may not be the best life simulation or harvesting game you would play, but experiencing it shouldn’t be empty of pleasure.

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Moonbury's residents need healing, and you're the best chemist around! With your trusty tools, a brewing cauldron, and a canine companion at your side, you'll need to diagnose symptoms, gather ingredients, brew potions, and cure ailments in this open-ended sim RPG.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,992 reviews

story238 positive mentions

grinding591 negative mentions

Charming graphics and art style that enhances the cozy atmosphere.
Engaging potion-making mechanics that add a fun puzzle element to the gameplay.
Diverse cast of characters with interesting backstories and quests.

Repetitive gameplay loop that can become tedious, especially with resource gathering.
Limited romance options and shallow character development after initial interactions.
Fishing mini-game is frustrating and does not provide sufficient rewards for the time invested.

story
1,061 mentions
22 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story in "Potion Permit" is generally described as simple and straightforward, with a charming premise centered around a chemist trying to win over a distrustful town. While many players appreciate the character backstories and the cozy atmosphere, they also note that the narrative can feel repetitive and lacks depth, often relying on fetch quests that detract from the overall engagement. Despite its shortcomings, the game offers a pleasant experience for those who enjoy light-hearted storytelling and character interactions, though some players express a desire for more substantial plot development and variety in quests.
- “The gameplay is very engaging and the story keeps the game loop feeling fresh.”
- “I absolutely adore the storyline and I thought the townsfolk not immediately welcoming the player with open arms was a breath of fresh air compared to other sims I've played.”
- “The story is interesting and I like the characters.”
- “The story is not compelling at all, even by the simplistic standards of most of these kinds of games.”
- “The main story is... basically the same thing on repeat.”
- “The story feels very railroaded.”
grinding
621 mentions
1 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while it can be tedious and repetitive, it also provides a cozy and relaxing experience for those who enjoy resource gathering. Players often find the resource collection necessary for potion-making and upgrades to be excessive, leading to a sense of monotony, especially in the later stages of the game. However, some appreciate the lack of traditional farming mechanics, viewing the grinding as a satisfying loop that complements the game's charming aesthetics and character interactions.
- “I liked the starting premise; it gave me an active reason to befriend (or romance) villagers, and it wasn't tedious to do.”
- “The minigames for the various tasks you do are simple yet not tedious and have just enough variety for them not to become stale.”
- “It feels kind of like someone played Stardew Valley and thought to themselves, 'This would be great if there were way more cutscenes, no farming, and if I had some way to find the villagers without a guide.' It's quicker, more focused, and less overwhelming than many of these Stardew Valley/Hayvest Moon style games, which can be a nice change of pace.”
- “The game is very grindy, everything feeling like such a chore.”
- “You spend 95% of your time grinding for materials, with very little reward for upgrades.”
- “The potion making, diagnosing patients and curing them are all incredibly repetitive and they become tedious after a few hours.”
gameplay
552 mentions
32 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Potion Permit" is characterized by a charming yet repetitive loop centered around resource gathering, potion crafting, and healing townsfolk, reminiscent of titles like Stardew Valley. While the potion-making mechanics are engaging and the art style is appealing, many players find the overall experience shallow and grindy, with certain mini-games, particularly fishing, receiving significant criticism for being tedious. Despite its cozy atmosphere and potential for enjoyment, the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics and the repetitive nature of tasks can detract from long-term engagement.
- “The gameplay is very engaging and the story keeps the game loop feeling fresh.”
- “I enjoyed the story, the NPCs, and the mechanics were fun.”
- “The gameplay loop is simple and mostly about farming resources, but overall if you like life/farming sims like this, I recommend this for a low-effort, comfortable time!”
- “However, after that, the gameplay becomes quite repetitive with little replay value.”
- “The gameplay loop itself just feels like a chore since it's the same every day with little to no variety - gather this resource, craft this potion, deliver this to someone, unlock the next area to do the exact same.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive, and this is not helped by unchallenging mini games that turn into annoying busy work very quickly.”
graphics
301 mentions
54 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their charming and cute art style, often described as beautifully crafted pixel art that enhances the overall cozy atmosphere. Many players appreciate the attention to detail in character designs and animations, which contribute to a vibrant and engaging world. However, some reviews note that while the visuals are a strong point, they feel the gameplay may not fully capitalize on this aesthetic appeal, leading to a sense of missed potential.
- “The graphics are absolutely charming and colorful.”
- “The art style is beautiful and you can tell they put in a lot of effort into the animations.”
- “The visuals are stunning and so cute and quirky.”
- “The graphics are bog standard for the 'cozy life-sim' genre and without my glasses I couldn't distinguish this from any other entry in the genre.”
- “It's a shame too because I really liked the art style, music, and concept of the game, but it really falls flat on execution.”
- “The game still has a lot of promise especially with the potion system and the artwork, but right now the writing is sloppy and disengaging.”
music
127 mentions
52 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and pleasant, complementing the charming pixel art and cozy atmosphere. However, many players note that the soundtrack lacks variety, with repetitive tracks that can become monotonous over time. While some find the music soothing and fitting for casual gameplay, others express a desire for more diverse and memorable compositions.
- “I absolutely love it, not only the game has a very cute design but also the music is just amazing <3”
- “The music is relaxing and enjoyable, and combat is very easy.”
- “The artwork is gorgeous, the soundtrack is relaxing, and the characters have a surprising amount of backstory to them.”
- “I ended up listening to podcasts while playing because I enjoyed the foraging aspects, but the music and storylines became really repetitive, unfortunately.”
- “The music feels very limited.”
- “The fact that there was only one track for each area made me get tired of the background music very quickly.”
stability
81 mentions
10 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
90 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting various glitches and bugs, particularly on the Mac and Steam versions. While some users have experienced game-breaking issues, others noted that recent patches have improved stability, especially on the Steam Deck, where it runs smoothly. Overall, while the game is enjoyable, it still requires further polish to address the persistent bugs and glitches.
- “It runs great on my Steam Deck and I find that I am becoming slightly obsessed with this game.”
- “All the bugs that were experienced early when I played on the Switch have now been fixed and my playthrough on Steam has been bug-free.”
- “This is a long game so you don't have to worry about it finishing too quickly; it seems to be bug-free to me.”
- “Mac version is buggy, often crashes in the middle and notes developer tools need access.”
- “It's still buggy as hell.”
- “The game is a little buggy and can crash, which is annoying because it only saves at the very end of the day, so you can lose a lot of time.”
emotional
43 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is predominantly described as wholesome and relaxing, providing players with a comforting experience akin to a warm cup of tea. While many players appreciate the heartwarming interactions and charming aesthetics, some express disappointment over the lack of depth in character development and emotional growth, feeling that the game could have better addressed serious themes like mental health. Overall, it is seen as a cozy escape, though some players note that repetitive gameplay and simplistic resolutions can detract from a more profound emotional engagement.
- “This game was a great destresser for me, and the wholesomeness of everything just left me feeling good.”
- “Everything I've seen so far in terms of content is so wholesome, and all in all the game is like a warm cup of tea on a rainy morning.”
- “A very sweet and wholesome game, from what I've played so far, and I'm not expecting that to change!”
atmosphere
27 mentions
63 % positive mentions
26 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its cozy, relaxing qualities, enhanced by beautiful art and engaging character interactions. Many players appreciate the quaint and inviting environment, although some express frustration with the pacing that can hinder the ability to fully enjoy the atmosphere. Overall, it is seen as a delightful and charming experience, perfect for those seeking a laid-back gaming session.
- “I recommend the game if you like getting to know characters, creating a variety of potions with ingredients found in different ecosystems, and beautiful artwork and a pleasant game atmosphere.”
- “The game has a wonderful cozy atmosphere and the overall idea behind the game is fantastic.”
- “If you are looking for a chill experience, with a wonderfully done art style and atmosphere, I highly recommend this.”
- “There's a set number of monsters that spawn every day, shops are only open certain days of the week, most quests are only available during specific time slots; players are obviously going to want to knock out as many chores and tasks as they can back to back but time ends up being so tight that there's no time to breathe and take in the comfy atmosphere before having to sprint to your next appointment or gather as many sticky jellies and bear paws as you can before 2:00 AM.”
- “The game seems to have attempted to force a 'cozy' atmosphere by throttling progress to a snail's pace rather than letting players take it easy or rush as they choose, and the result is very stifling.”
- “I wish there was more dialogue from the townsfolk, but overall I think it's super cute and all the goals are just challenging enough for me to enjoy it yet chill enough for me to play it all day and relax with its cute atmosphere.”
character development
27 mentions
41 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the beautiful art and character designs while criticizing the lack of depth and meaningful progression in character arcs. While certain interactions and cutscenes provide glimpses of development, many feel that the execution is inconsistent and often superficial, leaving players wanting more substantial growth and engagement with the characters. Overall, the aesthetic appeal is strong, but the narrative and character development aspects require further refinement to enhance player investment in the story.
- “There is decent character development in [i]Potion Permit[/i].”
- “Cutscenes will even include other characters from the town so you get character development on several characters at once, not just the one you're unlocking the next friendship level for.”
- “As you progress through the relationships of different characters you'll learn interesting backstory and they'll go through fun character development, but once the cutscene is over they more or less go back to doing exactly the same thing they were doing before.”
- “It's not funny or cute or touching or anything; it doesn't have character development or themes or messages. There's no problem that can't be solved by pushing a couple of buttons and calling it a day.”
- “My 'main' save file has around 20 hours, and while I have not completed the entirety of the story (including side plots with character development), I can safely say I am tired and just really don't care enough about the plot to continue.”
- “Storytelling and character development is poor.”
humor
23 mentions
96 % positive mentions
-9 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its charming art design and quirky villagers, with many players finding the dialogues and character interactions amusing. While some aspects of the gameplay can be frustrating, they often lead to humorous moments, such as unexpected teleportation or amusing animations. Overall, the game offers a cozy experience filled with lighthearted humor, though it is not without its bugs that can add to the comedic chaos.
- “Potion Permit has a cute art design, some interesting villagers with very diverse and funny characters and dialogues.”
- “The cutscenes are engaging, the animations are smooth and polished, everyone has their own unique identities, and I found myself laughing at a few jokes from the scenes I have seen so far.”
- “Highly recommend if you're looking for a cozy little game that doesn't rush you through much, has social NPCs with some funny moments/dialogue, and offers a few slight challenges (mini games, curing the sick, and actual potion crafting primarily).”
- “It's not funny or cute or touching or anything; it lacks character development, themes, or messages. There's no problem that can't be solved by pushing a couple of buttons and calling it a day.”
- “The humor falls flat and feels forced, making it hard to connect with the characters or the story.”
- “I expected some clever jokes or witty dialogue, but instead, it was just a series of tired clichés and predictable punchlines.”
replayability
22 mentions
14 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is criticized for its low replayability, with many players finding the gameplay repetitive and lacking in engaging content for multiple playthroughs. While some appreciate the ability to skip cutscenes and suggest potential for future improvements or DLC, the consensus is that the current experience feels one-dimensional and does not encourage revisiting. Comparisons to more replayable titles like "Stardew Valley" highlight its shortcomings in this area.
- “You can skip most cutscenes, which adds to replay value in my opinion.”
- “If you want actual deduction games, try Mystia's Izayaka (you actually have to deduce what the best dish and drink combo is for your special guests) and Strange Horticulture (a horticultural-focused Lovecraftian plant identification game, no time limits, very replayable thanks to different choices), both 10/10 experiences.”
- “I think the modding scene could truly bring a lot of replayability to this game as well.”
- “However, after that, the gameplay becomes quite repetitive with little replay value.”
- “I will say: this game does not offer replayability, it's very one and done, so keep that in mind.”
- “Overall I did have fun playing it, but there's a huge lack of replayability and I don't think I even once touched the house decoration because it just looked so limiting.”
optimization
6 mentions
67 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The game's optimization for mouse and keyboard controls has received mixed feedback, with many users finding the key-bindings inadequate and the control scheme poorly suited for PC. While the game runs smoothly and offers a cozy experience, there is a consensus that improvements are needed for full keyboard and mouse support to enhance gameplay. Overall, while not game-breaking, the current setup requires adjustment and could benefit from further optimization.
- “Runs smoothly and even though they are working on the PC controls, I'd say it's going well.”
- “The game is very relaxed, runs smoothly, and genuinely just has a cozy feel to it.”
- “Controls need to be optimized for full keyboard and mouse support to get full praise, but after an hour or so of playing and re-wiring your brain to the keyboard-only controls, it isn't a game-breaking setup.”
- “It also needs to be said that this game's control scheme is abysmal; it is not optimized for PC.”
- “Controls need to be optimized for full keyboard and mouse support to receive full praise, but after an hour or so of playing and re-wiring your brain to the keyboard-only controls, it isn't a game-breaking setup.”
monetization
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game's monetization strategy, particularly its DLC offerings, is viewed as a cash grab that detracts from the overall experience, suggesting that it prioritizes publisher profits over player satisfaction.
- “I feel the DLC here is a pointless cash grab to meet publisher demand for monetization.”
- “Every chill game lover was advertising this game.”