TCG Card Shop Simulator

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,070 reviews
  • gameplay
  • grinding
  • graphics
TCG Card Shop Simulator Game Cover
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TCG Card Shop Simulator is a trading card game shop simulation where you manage a shop, sell booster packs, and collect cards to build your business. Design your store, stock popular products, and host card games to attract customers and expand your business. Find rare cards in booster packs to sell for a profit or complete your own collection. Keep your store clean and adjust inventory to cater to customer demands.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,070 reviews
gameplay positive mentions
grinding negative mentions
  • The game is highly addictive, providing a satisfying experience for card collectors and TCG enthusiasts.
  • Players enjoy the ability to open packs and collect cards, which adds a fun and engaging element to the gameplay.
  • The developer is very active in updating the game, addressing bugs quickly and implementing new features based on community feedback.
  • The game can become repetitive and grindy, especially after reaching higher levels, leading to a slower progression.
  • Some players experience bugs that can lead to lost progress or items, which can be frustrating.
  • The AI for employees and customers can be problematic, with issues like slow checkout times and customers getting stuck.
  • gameplay97 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a straightforward and addictive loop involving shop management, card collection, and customer interaction, making it accessible for both casual players and those seeking strategic depth. While the mechanics are engaging and the progression satisfying, some players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, and there is potential for further development and refinement of features. Overall, it offers a fun and cozy experience, particularly for fans of simulation and card games, despite some areas needing improvement.

    • “The gameplay is straightforward: you create a shop name, stock items, fill shelves, work the cashier, restock, and repeat the cycle.”
    • “The gameplay itself is so addictively fun; I can't quite describe the satisfaction of clearing a huge queue of customers and seeing your money pile in.”
    • “The mechanics are simple yet engaging, allowing for both casual gameplay and deeper strategic planning as you try to create the ultimate card shop.”
    • “The gameplay loop is simple and may be similar to other games of the same genre, but I think that makes the game much stronger because of how easily I was able to get into the game and start my store.”
    • “What I'm trying to say is, as of right now in the game's development, the mechanics of the game by your 2nd or 3rd hour are all that there is; it's the entire scope of the game.”
    • “Your main gameplay loop will be opening packs that you don't care about while looking at the bottom right corner for a 1/500 chance of getting a card worth over $100, or turning into a cashier while manually giving change to customers that are barely worth your time.”
  • grinding36 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, especially after reaching higher levels, where progress can feel slow and frustrating. While some appreciate the addictive nature of grinding and enjoy the routine of managing their shop, many express a desire for improvements to reduce the monotony, such as bulk actions and better scaling of experience points. Overall, the grinding can be enjoyable in moderation, but it risks becoming a chore for players seeking more dynamic gameplay.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Playing this game is tedious and repetitive.”
    • “The game is not bad at all, but after a few hours you notice that there is a lot of grinding and a lot of it is just totally routine; it quickly becomes torture and boring.”
    • “Things get really tedious really quickly, and if you get tired of cracking packs, there's not a ton else to do.”
  • graphics35 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally described as simple yet charming, effectively capturing the essence of a trading card game (TCG) theme. While some users appreciate the polished artwork on cards and related items, others note that character animations and overall visual fidelity could be improved. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose without being groundbreaking, focusing more on gameplay mechanics than visual spectacle.

    • “Visually, the game is polished and has a charming aesthetic that suits the TCG theme well.”
    • “The artwork for the cards and their related products is beautiful, and the ability to set up my shop how I want is nice.”
    • “It's impressive that the developer has basically created an entire TCG and its marketing and packaging artwork from scratch, and it looks convincing.”
    • “Hoping to see a better stock room, as well as better animations and graphics on the customers, who, as it stands, are a bit of lifeless husks with only a couple of animations playing at tables.”
    • “Same assets as the others, choppy graphics, bad modeling and animations, and a terrible pay system.”
    • “However, don’t expect much in terms of visual flair; this game is more about the mechanics than wowing you with its graphics.”
  • humor23 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely centered around the absurdity of managing a virtual card store filled with quirky, smelly customers, which many players find hilarious and entertaining. While the initial comedic appeal keeps players engaged for hours, some reviewers note that the novelty can wear off over time. Overall, the game's goofy premise and humorous mechanics, such as spraying customers with deodorant, contribute to its charm and addictiveness.

    • “Getting this game just because it looked funny... 12 hours later you realize you can’t stop playing.”
    • “The fact that smelly customers who hold you hostage well after closing is a hilarious touch and it really shows that the creator is an avid TCG player.”
    • “There is no theft mechanic, but instead smelly gamers will come to your store and hang around running everyone else off, and you need to spray them with deodorant - funny, topical, and works great as something to do in the absence of theft.”
  • story11 mentions

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that there is no real narrative or quests to engage with. While some players appreciate the gameplay mechanics, they express a desire for more quests and meaningful progression to enhance the overall experience.

    • “Phenomenal gameplay, story, and enriching gameplay.”
    • “I hope they do eventually grant rewards for quests, as well as many more quests and tasks to complete.”
    • “There’s no real storyline in this simulator.”
    • “There’s no real storyline in this simulator.”
    • “I was hoping there were more quests and that finishing those quests would grant rewards, but the progression seems pretty tame.”
    • “I hope they do eventually grant rewards for quests, as well as many more quests and tasks to complete.”
  • stability9 mentions

    Overall, stability in the game is mixed; while some users report minimal glitches and effective bug fixes from the developers, others experience significant freezing issues, particularly when using a controller. The game runs well on certain systems, but early access status means players should anticipate some bugs and performance inconsistencies.

    • “For an EA title, this game runs great.”
    • “Great simulator for those who want to chill; it runs great on the ROG Ally X.”
    • “Runs fine until I go to open a pack, then it freezes and takes the PC with it.”
    • “I end up having to press the reset button because Ctrl + Alt + Delete is no longer an option once this game freezes.”
    • “Unplayable. I don't know if it's because I'm using a controller, but it constantly glitches out within the first 5 minutes and will not register any button presses.”
  • monetization8 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the lack of heavy reliance on microtransactions and the developer's commitment to treating the game as a genuine early access experience rather than a cash grab. While some players suggest incorporating advertising for in-game events, the overall sentiment is that the game offers good value and avoids the pitfalls of typical cash grab models.

    • “Neither game relied heavily on microtransactions, and that's why I loved them!”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't pressure players to spend money.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers plenty of free content without forcing you to pay for extras.”
    • “I was expecting a typical lazy cash grab type of tycoon game.”
    • “Which seem more like advertising than actual events.”
    • “Most importantly though, this developer actually treats the game as early access, instead of using it as a cash grab.”
  • optimization6 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for delivering smooth performance, even on lower-end systems, with users reporting high frame rates and minimal bugs that are quickly addressed. While some controls may need further refinement, the game runs well and provides an enjoyable experience.

    • “Very good game and very good performance, unlike a lot of store simulators.”
    • “I get a solid 144 fps on high settings, which really makes the game more enjoyable without being hindered by performance.”
    • “It appears to be well optimized.”
    • “It took a little while to get used to the controls (I still sometimes throw the box when I mean to open it), and some controls could probably be optimized (maybe more left-click and less 'R'), but I'm having a great time.”
    • “The game feels clunky at times, and the optimization of the controls could use significant improvement to enhance the overall experience.”
    • “There are too many unnecessary steps in the control scheme that hinder gameplay; a more streamlined approach would greatly improve optimization.”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game is praised for its high quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, with a laid-back style that complements the casual gameplay. Users appreciate the option to customize the music experience through various decorations and sound features, while the sound effects are noted as satisfying and enjoyable.

    • “The quality of life, the sound, the music, and the atmosphere are all top-notch.”
    • “The music in TCG Card Shop Simulator is pretty laid-back, fitting the casual vibe of the game.”
    • “The music is nice and easy to ignore, and the sound effects are honestly satisfying.”
    • “The music in TCG Card Shop Simulator is pretty laid-back, fitting the casual vibe of the game.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is perceived as low, with some users suggesting that reducing experience requirements could enhance speedrunning and replay value. However, the introduction of new features like managing a store, participating in tournaments, and a playable card game may offer additional layers of engagement for players seeking variety.

    • “Also reducing the amount of experience it will take to get to the next level by quite a lot, then the game might be more appealing to potential speedrunning and general replayability.”
    • “Order new stock, sell rare cards, set up new furnishings, also sell figurines as well I think, open packs yourself, set up tournaments, and I understand they are bringing an entire playable card game in with it, so not only do you run the store but you take part in the games too.”
    • “The replayability is close to 0.”
    • “Also reducing the amount of experience it will take to get to the next level by quite a lot, then the game might be more appealing to potential speedrunning and general replayability.”
    • “Order new stock, sell rare cards, set up new furnishings, also sell figurines as well I think, open packs yourself, set up tournaments and I understand they are bringing an entire playable card game in with it, so not only do you run the store but you take part in the games too.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    Overall, the game's atmosphere is highly praised for its quality sound and music, effectively enhancing the core experience. However, some players feel that external factors, such as the owner's behavior, can detract from the immersive environment.

    • “The quality of life, the sound, the music, and the atmosphere are all top-notch.”
    • “This game captures both the atmosphere and the core concept incredibly well.”
    • “Visited recently, and while the selection of cards and accessories is great, the atmosphere is ruined by the owner.”
    • “This game captures both the atmosphere and the core concept incredibly well.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional connection to the trading card game (TCG) culture, highlighting the complex relationship players have with their cards. It encourages community involvement and support for the developer, emphasizing the emotional investment players can make in both the game and its development.

    • “The TCG card shop sim definitely taps into that TCG addiction many of us had as kids or still have (hello, MTG!) and perfectly highlights the ridiculous emotional and financial relationship we have with a bunch of paper pieces.”
    • “If you have the means, you can support the developer by purchasing the game and joining the community to cheer them on. A single passionate developer needs emotional support, and you can offer ideas for quality of life improvements and features while helping with playtesting.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

7hMedian play time
8hAverage play time
5-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 21 analyzed playthroughs

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