TCG Card Shop Simulator

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 14,312 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 14,312 reviews
gameplay182 positive mentions
grinding177 negative mentions
  • gameplay469 mentions

    The gameplay of TCG Card Shop Simulator is characterized by a simple yet addictive loop that involves managing a card shop, opening packs, and collecting cards. While many players find the mechanics engaging and the progression satisfying, some express concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of depth as the game progresses. Overall, the game shows promise with its charming design and potential for future updates, but it currently feels somewhat barebones and grindy after extended play.

    • “The core gameplay loop is so simple, satisfying, and so addictive!”
    • “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 itself is engaging and offers a satisfying balance of strategy and management.”
    • “The gameplay becomes a bit repetitive over time, but the collection factor helped me keep interest.”
    • “The mechanics also seem barebones currently, and some things just don't work well even within the game's context.”
    • “The gameplay isn't very dynamic.”
  • grinding185 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while the early gameplay is enjoyable, it becomes increasingly tedious and repetitive as they progress, particularly after level 20. Players appreciate the relaxing nature of the grind but express frustration over the slow pace of leveling and the lack of automation for tasks like opening card packs, which can feel laborious. Overall, the game is seen as fun for those who enjoy grinding, but it may not hold the same appeal for players seeking a more dynamic experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Average amount of grinding.”
    • “It gets so painful & tedious after you have to open 1000 packs... I don't want instant 100 packs open as I feel like that removes the simulation from the game, but having an employee open them would make mid/end game less tedious.”
    • “The game has a lot of potential, but as you reach the end, it starts to feel super grindy and repetitive.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics145 mentions

    The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the charming artwork on the cards and the vibrant aesthetic, while others criticize the use of generic asset store models and a lack of polish. Players appreciate the cute and colorful designs of the tetramon creatures, but some feel that the overall graphical quality is simplistic and could benefit from more variety and refinement. Despite these criticisms, the graphics are generally considered adequate for the gameplay experience, with many players finding the art style enjoyable and fitting for a trading card game simulator.

    • “The graphics are bright and colorful, capturing the vibrant world of TCGs.”
    • “The artwork on the cards is amazing and the graphics are super adorable.”
    • “The graphics are charming, and the gameplay is both intuitive and challenging, striking a perfect balance.”
    • “This should have been in the oven longer *a lot longer* and not relied so much on what appears to be asset store models and graphics - as it just ruins any type of aesthetic this game could have had, which ultimately makes it completely soulless and generic.”
    • “In terms of graphical style, the world and customer models are straight from the Unity asset store, but I guess early access is the usual excuse for that.”
    • “The graphics aren't amazing obviously but for the actual game content, I lowkey would've spent more on this.”
  • humor79 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and absurd elements, particularly the inclusion of "stinky" customers that players must manage by spraying them with deodorant. Many reviewers find the interactions with NPCs and the humorous customer complaints to be charming and entertaining, contributing to a lighthearted and enjoyable gameplay experience. Overall, the game's comedic approach to typical gaming scenarios, such as managing a card shop, adds a unique and funny twist that resonates well with players.

    • “This game lets you manage a store, deal with hilarious customer complaints ("great shop, but smells suspiciously like Cheetos and regret"), and host chaotic tournaments.”
    • “The addition of quirky challenges, like dealing with 'stinky' customers, adds a humorous twist that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
    • “There's something humorous about walking up to a stranger, spraying them with deodorizer, watching them recoil in disgust, but their addiction means they know you know they'll still be buying your crack afterwards.”
  • story54 mentions

    The game lacks a substantial narrative, with many users noting that there is no real story or campaign mode, primarily focusing on the mechanics of running a card shop. While some players enjoy the gameplay and the thrill of collecting cards, they express a desire for more quests, progression, and engaging story elements to enhance the experience. Overall, the absence of a compelling storyline is a common critique, though some find the day-to-day operations enjoyable enough without it.

    • “The story has me hooked, and the combat mechs truly are clean.”
    • “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.”
    • “Here is a prime example of why a game doesn't need to be a AAA, visually stunning, mechanically intensive, story-rich masterpiece to be fun.”
    • “There's no storyline or anything, just jump right in.”
    • “There's no real narrative aside from owning a card shop, and while a story isn't strictly necessary, having some progression or events with future updates would be a nice touch.”
    • “There’s no real storyline in this simulator.”
  • music53 mentions

    The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and catchy, enhancing the casual and chill atmosphere that players enjoy while gaming. However, some users find the soundtrack repetitive over time and express a desire for more variety and customization options, such as the ability to change the music. Overall, the sound design is appreciated, with many players opting to listen to their own music or streams while playing.

    • “I really enjoyed the game; it's a very nice and casual, super cozy game to just relax and jam to music while playing. I'm super excited to see future updates, perhaps more customization options like posters and changing the color of the walls and floor to make it more unique to the player.”
    • “The sound design is equally impressive, with a catchy soundtrack and fun sound effects that enhance the overall experience.”
    • “The music in TCG Card Shop Simulator is pretty laid-back, fitting the casual vibe of the game.”
    • “The music is really annoying after listening to it on repeat for a few hours.”
    • “The only drawback, 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.”
    • “Would love a way to change the shop music, as the current track reminds me of The Sims and does trigger a sense of drowsiness while mindlessly opening packs to increase shop profit.”
  • optimization35 mentions

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and minimal bugs, others criticize it as poorly optimized, particularly without mods. Many users note that despite its complexity, certain aspects run well, but there are calls for further improvements and optimizations to enhance the overall experience. Overall, while some enjoy stable performance, others find it lacking and in need of significant optimization efforts.

    • “It satisfies an itch for building, collecting, RNG, and min/max performance management.”
    • “Despite its complexity, the TCG card simulator runs smoothly, even during high-intensity matches with many cards on the board.”
    • “I got super hooked in the demo and the amount of customization, small decisions, and optimizations you can make are really engaging.”
    • “Game is poorly optimized and unplayable without mods.”
    • “Regardless, this game is either horribly unoptimized, or has something more malicious going on under the hood.”
    • “Despite the game's simplicity, it is extremely poorly optimized.”
  • stability30 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting minor glitches and bugs, particularly during specific actions like opening packs or using controllers. While some users have experienced significant issues, such as freezing and unresponsive controls, others note that these problems are not game-breaking and appreciate the developers' commitment to regular updates. Overall, the game is considered playable and enjoyable, especially for an early access title, but players should be prepared for occasional instability.

    • “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.”
    • “I really wanted to like this game but this is way too buggy to play.”
    • “Edit: latest patch seems to have made my game unstable as it freezes every time loading up a game or new game.”
    • “Runs fine until I go to open a pack then it will freeze and takes the PC with it.”
  • monetization28 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is largely praised for its absence of in-game purchases and microtransactions, creating a level playing field for players. While some users express concerns about potential future monetization strategies, such as advertising or in-app purchases, the overall sentiment is that the game currently respects its player base by avoiding cash grab tactics. Players appreciate the developer's commitment to maintaining a quality experience without relying on aggressive monetization methods.

    • “No in-game purchases and everything is free in the game.”
    • “Love the fact that there are no in-app purchases, which puts everybody on the same playing ground.”
    • “Neither one relied heavily on microtransactions, and that's why I loved them!”
    • “But a lot of red flags; this is just another Chinese low-quality cash grab.”
    • “It feels a lot like Speedrobo was looking for some cheap advertising for their shady unknown board games and the dev took the bait.”
    • “I was expecting a typical lazy cash grab type of tycoon game.”
  • replayability17 mentions

    Overall, the game is regarded as highly replayable, particularly for fans of trading card games, with many users appreciating its potential for modding and future updates that promise additional content. However, some players find it linear and grindy, leading to concerns about long-term replay value unless new goals and features are introduced. The community's support and ongoing development plans could significantly enhance its replayability.

    • “It's a solid simulator with great replay value, especially for fans of trading card games.”
    • “Enjoyable and replayable, especially if you mod the game.”
    • “Should they follow through with the development plan, this will be one of the most replayable games to come out for a long time.”
    • “Not sure how replayable this game is though, I don't imagine I'd ever feel the need to start over again for a different experience as it is very linear and grindy enough that there's no real reason to play it again once you've beaten it.”
    • “The replayability is close to 0.”
    • “Adding more content and goals would boost the replayability.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is generally described as relaxing and engaging, reminiscent of vibrant TCG card shops that foster a sense of community. While the graphics and sound contribute positively to the peaceful ambiance, some players feel that the atmosphere could be enhanced with additional elements, such as quirky music. However, there are mixed opinions, with some noting that the atmosphere can be negatively impacted by external factors, like the owner's demeanor.

    • “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.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting its wholesome and nostalgic elements that evoke joy and a sense of community. Many reviewers appreciate the game's ability to resonate deeply, whether through the joy of gameplay or the bittersweet feelings tied to collectible card experiences. Overall, the emotional impact ranges from heartwarming to reflective, capturing the complexities of attachment to both the game and its mechanics.

    • “10/10 would cry again.”
    • “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 a kid or still have (hello, MTG!) and perfectly underlines what ridiculous emotional and financial relationship we have towards a bunch of paper pieces.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development is characterized by cute and quirky designs that enhance the game's lighthearted atmosphere, contributing positively to the overall player experience.

    • “The character designs are cute and quirky, adding to the game’s lighthearted feel.”
    • “The depth of character backstories really enhances the emotional connection to the game.”
    • “I love how characters evolve throughout the story, making each decision feel impactful.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful choices that affect character growth throughout the game.”
    • “The characters seem to follow predictable arcs, leaving little room for surprise or genuine evolution.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

12hMedian play time
20hAverage play time
6-33hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 89 analyzed playthroughs

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