TCG Card Shop Simulator

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,454 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.

Play Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,454 reviews
gameplay67 positive mentions
grinding74 negative mentions
  • gameplay173 mentions

    The gameplay of TCG Card Shop Simulator is characterized by a simple yet addictive loop that combines shop management with card collecting mechanics, appealing particularly to fans of trading card games and management sims. While the core mechanics are easy to grasp and provide a satisfying sense of progression, many players note that the gameplay can become repetitive and grindy over time, especially as they reach higher levels. Despite some criticisms regarding certain mechanics, such as the "stench" feature, the overall experience is enjoyable and shows promise for future updates and enhancements.

    • “The sense of progression is decent, the mechanics are easy to grasp, and the continuous development of your store keeps it interesting.”
    • “The gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying, and with updates rolling out almost every other day, it’s clear the dev is extremely active, which is fantastic to see.”
    • “The gameplay flow is enjoyable and there's always something to do as you steadily watch your shop grow.”
    • “The gameplay itself is fairly repetitive at this stage in development, and once you hire enough staff to operate the shop, you'll mainly be ordering products and opening card packs in the downtime.”
    • “Progress gets much slower in the higher levels, and the gameplay loop never changes. It needs a bit more content, but it's a solid game concept and enjoyable for a couple of hours.”
    • “It's a fun game until you reach about level 30, then comes the extremely tedious grind. It's a very boring gameplay loop that is amazing when things are coming fast and you can feel progress, but when you have completely flushed out the mechanics within the first few hours of play, it becomes a routine.”
  • grinding77 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, particularly after reaching level 20, where players feel the pace slows significantly. While many find the initial gameplay enjoyable and addictive, the later stages often lead to frustration due to the lack of engaging content and the slow progression, prompting suggestions for improvements like bulk actions or speed increases for repetitive tasks. Overall, while the game offers a fun experience, the grinding can detract from long-term enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Average amount of grinding.”
    • “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.”
    • “It's a fun game until you reach about level 30, then comes the extremely tedious grind. It's a very boring gameplay loop that is amazing when things are coming fast and you can feel progress, but when you have completely flushed out the mechanics within the first few hours of play and have a routine.”
    • “Things get really tedious really quickly, and if you get tired of cracking packs, there's not a ton else to do.”
  • graphics56 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally described as simple yet effective, with a charming aesthetic that suits the trading card game theme. While some players appreciate the high-quality artwork on the cards, others note that the overall graphical fidelity and animations could be improved. Despite mixed opinions on the visuals, many agree that the game's focus on mechanics and gameplay outweighs any graphical shortcomings.

    • “The graphics are simple but clear, and the sounds add to the peaceful atmosphere of your little card paradise.”
    • “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.”
    • “Was for this game till I found out the artist they credit for the artwork are AI artists, basically art thieves using other art to call themselves artists.”
    • “Same assets as the others, choppy graphics, bad modeling and animations, and 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.”
  • humor33 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely centered around quirky mechanics, such as dealing with smelly customers, which many players find amusing and relatable, especially those familiar with the gaming community. While some aspects, like the "bad smell" mechanics, can be divisive, the overall comedic tone and absurd pricing add a lighthearted charm that keeps players engaged and entertained. Despite occasional complaints about repetitiveness, the game's humor is a significant draw, making it both fun and addictive.

    • “The quirky, humorous touches add personality to the game, and while there’s a bit of pressure in managing your bills and shop, it’s all part of the fun.”
    • “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.”
  • story19 mentions

    The game lacks a substantial story or campaign mode, with many users noting that it primarily focuses on the day-to-day operations of running a trading card shop rather than a narrative experience. Players express disappointment over the limited quests and lack of direction, which diminishes engagement and momentum. Overall, the consensus is that while the gameplay may be enjoyable, the absence of a compelling story is a significant drawback.

    • “In a world filled with high-octane action and dramatic storytelling, TCG Card Shop Simulator dares to venture into the thrilling life of a trading card shop owner.”
    • “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.”
    • “This is not the story for this game.”
    • “As of this review, there is no 'story' or 'campaign' mode, and I don't know if there will be, but even if not, the general day-to-day of running the store is just as fun for me as any game of this nature would be for most... except I normally can't stand these kinds of games.”
    • “There’s no real storyline in this simulator.”
  • stability18 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag, with users reporting various glitches and bugs, particularly when opening packs or using controllers. While some players experience significant issues, such as freezing and unresponsive controls, others find the game runs well and appreciate the developers' commitment to frequent updates and bug fixes. As it is still in early access, many players remain optimistic about future improvements despite the current stability concerns.

    • “Honestly, the best game I've played in a long time. Considering I main PvP games, the simple gameplay runs great even on my low-spec laptop.”
    • “For an EA title, this game runs great.”
    • “Great simulator for those who want to chill; it runs great on the ROG Ally X.”
    • “Game still freezes while opening a pack.”
    • “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 pushes.”
  • optimization14 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with players reporting smooth performance and high frame rates even on lower-end systems. While there are minor bugs and some control issues, the game is considered well-polished for an early access title, providing an enjoyable experience without significant performance concerns. Many users recommend it for both casual and more intense gameplay styles.

    • “Great detail, runs smoothly, 100% recommend for a calm and relaxing experience.”
    • “The game can be a calm, casual, semi-AFK experience, or a risky, frantic rush if you want to aim for maximum optimization.”
    • “I get a solid 144fps on high settings which really makes the game more enjoyable without being hindered by performance.”
    • “Don't want to spoil things, but the game can be too easily optimized.”
    • “The game can be a calm, casual, semi-AFK experience, or a risky, frantic rush if you want to aim for maximum optimization.”
    • “It took a little to get used to the controls (I still sometimes throw the box when I mean to open it), and some controls can probably be optimized (maybe more left click and less 'R'), but I'm having a great time.”
  • music14 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received for its laid-back vibe and ability to complement the casual atmosphere, but many users find it repetitive and express a desire for more diverse soundtracks. While some enjoy the existing tracks, others suggest options to customize or change the music, particularly in the shop setting. Overall, the music contributes positively to the experience, but enhancements are needed to keep it fresh and engaging.

    • “The music in TCG Card Shop Simulator is pretty laid-back, fitting the casual vibe of the game.”
    • “The quality of life, the sound, the music, and the atmosphere are all top-notch.”
    • “Worth the money... jamming to music while opening packs is the best.”
    • “The only drawback is that the music can get a little repetitive, but you can just mute the audio and play some YouTube or your own music to remedy that.”
    • “I would love a way to change the shop music, as the current track reminds me of The Sims and triggers a sense of drowsiness while mindlessly opening packs to increase shop profit.”
    • “The music gets repetitive fast.”
  • monetization13 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the lack of heavy microtransactions and view the developer's approach as genuine rather than a cash grab, others criticize the inclusion of advertisements for unrelated products, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, many players are satisfied with the game's quality and ongoing updates, indicating a preference for meaningful content over aggressive monetization tactics.

    • “I actually paid the $10 for the no ads manager and auto restock features on the mobile version of this game months ago when I first discovered it, and it's been absolutely amazing!”
    • “Neither one relied heavily on microtransactions, and that's why I loved them!”
    • “It feels a lot like Speedrobo was looking for some cheap advertising for their unknown board games, and the dev took the bait.”
    • “Which is odd because the dev just celebrated selling over 400k copies. I don't understand why they felt the need to also take some shady company's advertising money on top of their success.”
    • “The first real update with any sort of content was just an advertisement for some board game company.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its peaceful and immersive qualities, enhanced by clear graphics and soothing sounds that contribute to a charming card shop experience. However, some players feel that external factors, such as the owner's behavior, can detract from this otherwise enjoyable ambiance. Overall, the game effectively captures a cozy and inviting atmosphere, though individual experiences may vary.

    • “The graphics are simple but clear, and the sounds add to the peaceful atmosphere of your little card paradise.”
    • “The quality of life features, the sound, the music, and the atmosphere are all top notch.”
    • “This game captures both the atmosphere and the core concept incredibly well.”
    • “This game almost has an atmosphere.”
    • “Visited recently and while the selection of cards and accessories is great, the atmosphere is ruined by the owner.”
    • “The graphics are simple but clear, and the sounds add to the peaceful atmosphere of your little card paradise.”
  • emotional5 mentions

    Users express a profound emotional connection to the game, highlighting feelings of disappointment and nostalgia tied to their experiences with trading card packs. The financial implications of their investments amplify these emotions, revealing a complex relationship with the game that blends childhood memories and adult frustrations. Additionally, there is a sense of community and support for the developer, emphasizing the emotional investment players have in both the game and its creator.

    • “Beyond the immediate financial implications, this experience has struck a deep emotional chord within me.”
    • “TCG card shop sim definitely tickles that TCG addiction that most of us had as kids or still have (hello, MTG!) and perfectly underlines the ridiculous emotional and financial relationship we have towards a bunch of paper pieces.”
    • “Thank you for taking the time to read my heartfelt plea.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is currently perceived as low, with some users expressing hope for future updates, such as a playable trading card game feature, which could enhance engagement. Suggestions for reducing experience requirements and incorporating more dynamic gameplay elements, like tournaments and card collection, may also improve replay value.

    • “I also look forward to the future playable TCG feature that's stated in the roadmap for the game.”
    • “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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

9hMedian play time
13hAverage play time
5-16hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 37 analyzed playthroughs

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