Rusty's Retirement

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,402 reviews
  • grinding
  • music
  • graphics
Rusty's Retirement Game Cover
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"Rusty's Retirement" is an idle-farming simulator where you grow crops, produce biofuel, and automate tasks with robots. Manage your farm, customize helper bots, and multitask with ease by letting the game run in the background or in 'Focus Mode'. Unlock new crops and upgrade your machinery to expand your farming empire.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,402 reviews
music190 positive mentions
grinding690 negative mentions
  • grinding694 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Rusty's Retirement" is generally perceived as light and manageable, with many players appreciating its idle mechanics that allow for multitasking without feeling overwhelmed. While some achievements may require significant time investment, the game avoids the tedium often associated with traditional farming sims, making it a relaxing experience that players can enjoy alongside other activities. Overall, it strikes a balance between engagement and ease, appealing particularly to those who prefer a casual gaming experience.

    • β€œRelaxing and chill AFK game with minimal management; you can multitask while not worrying that your game is breaking or your farm is not farming. It sits nicely at the bottom or side of the screen.”
    • β€œNo tedious prestige system.”
    • β€œThe concept of the game is great, but after spending a few days grinding for achievements it just felt empty.”
    • β€œIt has quite a few grindy achievements, especially the later ones about growing x amount of crops, watering x amount of crops, and achievements like those.”
    • β€œPacing is weird; it seems possible to get all the achievements in a few days apart from some really grindy ones (1 million harvest, 1 million water). There's no offline progression, so to complete these would be a substantial amount of time having the game open which isn't always feasible.”
  • music380 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its soothing and relaxing qualities, making it an excellent backdrop for both gameplay and productivity. Players appreciate the calming soundtrack, which complements the charming pixel art and enhances the overall cozy atmosphere of the game. While many enjoy the music's ability to help them focus on tasks, some express a desire for more variety in the soundtrack.

    • β€œThe soundtrack is absolutely stunning.”
    • β€œThe music is fantastic, and I find myself just vibing to it all day long.”
    • β€œThe visuals are accompanied by a soothing soundtrack that perfectly complements the laid-back atmosphere of the game.”
    • β€œI tried to play it on launch and it only showed a black screen while playing music.”
    • β€œMy only complaint is that I wish there was a little more variety/more tracks in the soundtrack, but the soundtrack itself is pretty great ambient music.”
    • β€œWhen you turn the music off, the game is mostly silent.”
  • graphics310 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their adorable pixel art style, vibrant colors, and charming character designs, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. While the visuals are generally well-received, some users noted minor technical glitches that can slightly detract from the experience. Overall, the game's aesthetic is considered a significant highlight, enhancing the enjoyment of its idle gameplay.

    • β€œEndearing art style and world design: the game features a delightful art style with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and quirky character designs.”
    • β€œThe graphics are adorable and I love checking in on my little farm every so often.”
    • β€œThe game's pixel art graphics and cheerful soundtrack create a relaxing and nostalgic atmosphere.”
    • β€œOccasional technical glitches: there are minor technical issues, such as occasional bugs or small graphical glitches, which can slightly detract from the overall experience.”
    • β€œNo matter how low you set the graphics, the game locks your windows to 30fps.”
    • β€œIt makes everything lag an absurd amount and I can run BG3 on ultra/full graphics.”
  • gameplay304 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by its relaxing and simplistic mechanics, making it an enjoyable idle experience that allows players to engage at their own pace. While many appreciate the charming aesthetics and light-hearted themes, some find the gameplay depth limited and repetitive over time, with a lack of complex mechanics that could enhance replayability. Overall, it strikes a balance between active and idle gameplay, appealing to those looking for a stress-free gaming experience.

    • β€œDeveloped with a focus on storytelling and light-hearted gameplay, the game explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of retirement in a whimsical, robot-populated world.”
    • β€œThe gameplay encourages players to take their time, explore at their own pace, and enjoy the small details of Rusty's day-to-day life.”
    • β€œThe gameplay is simple yet addictive, providing a sense of accomplishment as your farm flourishes.”
    • β€œThe gameplay is also overly simple, a little too simple in fact, that you will get the whole content by the first hour.”
    • β€œLimited gameplay depth: while the game’s simplicity is part of its charm, some players may find the gameplay mechanics too basic or repetitive over time.”
    • β€œCute aesthetic but very shallow gameplay.”
  • story68 mentions

    The game's story centers on a retired robot's journey of self-discovery in a whimsical, robot-populated world, exploring themes of friendship and purpose through charming dialogue and character interactions. While the narrative is engaging and offers a unique premise, some players feel it lacks depth and complexity, with straightforward quests that may not satisfy those seeking a more challenging experience. Overall, it provides a light-hearted, narrative-driven experience that is enjoyable for those who appreciate exploration and storytelling, despite its relatively short playtime.

    • β€œDeveloped with a focus on storytelling and light-hearted gameplay, the game explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of retirement in a whimsical, robot-populated world.”
    • β€œUnique and engaging storyline: the premise of following a retired robot on his journey to find purpose is both refreshing and emotionally engaging.”
    • β€œThe story unfolds through charming dialogue, small quests, and interactions with various characters, making Rusty's world feel alive and full of personality.”
    • β€œShort playtime: Rusty's Retirement is relatively short, with most players completing the main story in just a few hours.”
    • β€œThis was also short -- feels like it's an early access game to me, mainly because it hints at having some more complex story and narrative, but then it doesn't actually have it.”
    • β€œβœ… no story”
  • optimization62 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues, particularly on high-resolution monitors, while others report smooth gameplay even with multiple applications running. Although the developers provide quality of life updates and improvements, the need for optimization can hinder gameplay, especially regarding automation and decoration. Recent beta updates have reportedly resolved some performance concerns, but overall, the game's optimization remains a point of contention among users.

    • β€œπŸŒŸ Quality of life updates: the developers actively support the game with updates that improve the player experience, such as larger crops for easier harvesting and performance enhancements.”
    • β€œId say this game is a good mix of taking things at your own pace and having potential for visual or efficiency optimization.”
    • β€œThere are so many ways to play it; I went the pretty farm route, but I've seen a lot of super optimized farms made for production!”
    • β€œThe only thing you really do is planting; there is no real optimization or any meaningful decisions.”
    • β€œVery short for an idle game and poorly optimized.”
    • β€œWhile I adore the concept, I cannot currently recommend Rusty's Retirement due to significant performance issues.”
  • emotional46 mentions

    "Rusty's Retirement" is widely praised for its emotional depth and heartwarming narrative, centering on a retired robot's quest for peace and purpose. Players find the game to be a charming and wholesome experience, evoking feelings of kinship and investment in Rusty's journey, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a gentle, relaxing gaming experience. The game's emotional resonance is further enhanced by its cute characters and engaging storyline, leaving players feeling both relaxed and emotionally connected.

    • β€œRusty's retirement is a charming and heartwarming indie game that revolves around the life of Rusty, a retired robot trying to find peace and purpose in his golden years.”
    • β€œI feel a kinship to Rusty, and I feel like I need to protect him at all costs. I am so emotionally invested in this little creature's happy retirement.”
    • β€œIt's relaxing, pretty, and heartwarming.”
  • replayability30 mentions

    The game's replayability is mixed, with some players appreciating the customization options and different choices that offer variety, while others feel the core gameplay loop is repetitive and lacks depth for extended play. While certain elements, like multiple farm layouts, provide opportunities for learning and experimentation, many users express disappointment in the overall replay value, citing it as limited or even nonexistent. Overall, the charm and graphics are praised, but they do not significantly enhance the game's replayability.

    • β€œCustomizing Rusty's home and helping him find hobbies or new activities adds another layer of engagement and replayability.”
    • β€œReplay value: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Learn from one playthrough and implement what you've learned in another, see how a different farm layout works within the limited but long spacing of the farm.”
    • β€œThe graphics and charm of the game are top tier, and the multiple farms give a lot of replayability.”
    • β€œWhile the game offers some replayability through different choices and endings, those looking for a longer, more involved experience may find it lacking in content.”
    • β€œLimited replay value: while the choices and customization options provide some variety, the core gameplay loop remains the same, which may reduce the incentive for multiple playthroughs.”
    • β€œNo replay value.”
  • humor28 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its lighthearted and whimsical tone, often revolving around charming, quirky robots and relatable themes like aging and fulfillment. Players appreciate the gentle, corny humor that complements the game's pixelated charm, making it a delightful escape from reality. While some find the simplicity and limited decorations a drawback, the overall comedic elements contribute to a heartwarming and enjoyable experience.

    • β€œThe narrative touches on relatable themes like aging, loneliness, and the search for fulfillment in a gentle, often humorous way.”
    • β€œWith its pixelated charm and humor as corny as its virtual crops, Rusty's Retirement is the ultimate escape from reality's mundane chores.”
    • β€œIt's funny the devs called it Rusty's Retirement when Rusty has never worked so hard in his life.”
  • monetization26 mentions

    The monetization model of the game is praised for its lack of microtransactions and intrusive ads, providing a refreshing experience for players. While there is a one-time purchase for the game, it avoids the pitfalls of typical mobile cash grabs, focusing instead on straightforward gameplay and enjoyment. The only additional cost mentioned is for optional DLC skins, reinforcing the game's commitment to a fair monetization approach.

    • β€œThe incremental system has a great satisfying progression and no microtransactions.”
    • β€œNo microtransactions, no tricks, just simple, pure fun!”
    • β€œIt has no microtransactions.”
    • β€œHeaven help us all, this feels like a conversion of a mobile cash grab game.”
    • β€œYes, you pay for Rusty, but so many idle games out there are only a vehicle to get ads to the consumer - when you pay to remove ads, there's not much left.”
    • β€œDo you wish games like these didn't have countless ads and other intrusive things?”
  • atmosphere22 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its serene and relaxing qualities, enhanced by soothing soundtracks and charming pixel art visuals. Players appreciate the zen-like ambiance that complements the narrative-driven exploration, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a calming gaming experience. Overall, the combination of engaging music and tranquil visuals creates a nostalgic and peaceful environment that resonates with players.

    • β€œThe visuals are accompanied by a soothing soundtrack that perfectly complements the laid-back atmosphere of the game.”
    • β€œIts simple yet engaging gameplay, zen-like atmosphere, and possible integration into daily life make it a must-have for anyone looking for a calming and enjoyable experience.”
    • β€œI would recommend Rusty's Retirement to players who enjoy narrative-driven games with a focus on exploration, storytelling, and a relaxing atmosphere.”
    • β€œThe game's visuals and sound design create a serene atmosphere.”
    • β€œThe game's pixel art graphics and cheerful soundtrack create a relaxing and nostalgic atmosphere.”
  • stability22 mentions

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, with users reporting frequent bugs, minor graphical glitches, and occasional freezes that hinder gameplay. Many reviewers express frustration over the game's performance, suggesting it should have been released in early access due to its current state. While some players note that the game is playable with zero freezes, the overall consensus is that it remains too buggy for a full recommendation.

    • β€œCan not recommend yet, as it's still pretty buggy.”
    • β€œInstall game --> hit 'new' --> freezes game, can't click on anything else.”
    • β€œVery buggy with the settings and should've been released in early access instead.”
  • character development6 mentions

    The game is praised for its endearing art style and character designs, featuring vibrant colors and quirky elements that enhance the overall charm. Players appreciate the delightful environments and the lovable character choices, contributing to a wonderfully immersive experience.

    • β€œA wonderfully charming, perfectly paced semi-idle game with a delightfully chill soundtrack and lovable character design choices!”
    • β€œI love the art style and character designs.”
    • β€œEndearing art style and world design: the game features a delightful art style with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and quirky character designs.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

15hMedian play time
24hAverage play time
5-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 26 analyzed playthroughs

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