TCG Card Shop Simulator

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,999 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 5,999 reviews
gameplay89 positive mentions
grinding90 negative mentions
  • gameplay232 mentions

    The gameplay of this trading card shop simulator is characterized by a simple yet addictive loop that involves managing a shop, restocking items, and opening card packs, which many players find engaging and satisfying. While the core mechanics are easy to grasp and provide a sense of progression, some reviewers note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, especially as players reach higher levels without significant new content. Overall, the game shows promise with its solid foundation and frequent updates, but it may require further refinement and additional features to maintain long-term interest.

    • “Very satisfying gameplay loop, and can only get better over time!”
    • “The gameplay itself is engaging and offers a satisfying balance of strategy and management.”
    • “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 fairly repetitive at this stage in development and once you hire enough staff to operate the shop you'll mainly be ordering product and opening card packs in the downtime.”
    • “You literally see the entire gameplay loop in the first 30 minutes, and everything after that point is just card/pack/box reskins and higher numbers but not anything of substance.”
    • “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.”
  • grinding93 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 after reaching around level 20 or 30. Tasks such as opening packs, managing stock, and leveling up can feel slow and monotonous, leading to a sense of frustration for some players, particularly completionists. Despite these criticisms, many still find the game fun and addictive, appreciating the overall experience despite the grind.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Once you reach level 40, the game becomes way too grindy.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics68 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally described as simple yet charming, fitting well within the indie simulator genre. While some players appreciate the artwork on the cards and find it visually appealing, others criticize the character designs and overall graphical quality as lacking depth and variation. Despite these mixed opinions, many agree that the fun gameplay compensates for any graphical shortcomings.

    • “The graphics are awesome, the mechanics are awesome. As a Malaysian, I'm very proud of the Malaysian developer for making a good simulator game. I hope your game's popularity doesn't end, and I hope you can finish your game roadmap because I'm very excited to see new features added to the game. Overall rating is 10/10!”
    • “Graphics are adequate and charming, especially for an indie, and seeing your shop grow is fulfilling.”
    • “Visually, the game is polished and has a charming aesthetic that suits the TCG theme well.”
    • “The graphics are actually cheeks and some of the character faces are mind-bendingly hideous, but it doesn't matter because the game is so fun.”
    • “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.”
  • humor47 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely derived from its quirky mechanics, such as dealing with "smelly" customers that require spraying with deodorant, which many players find amusing and relatable. The NPCs and their eccentricities add a lighthearted charm, making the gameplay experience both entertaining and addictive. While some players appreciate the comedic elements, others feel that the humor can become repetitive over time.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • stability20 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with users reporting frequent freezing issues, particularly when opening packs, which can necessitate a hard reset. While some players have encountered minor glitches and bugs, many feel these do not significantly detract from the overall experience, especially given the game's early access status and the developers' commitment to regular updates. Overall, while stability issues exist, they are often seen as manageable and not game-breaking.

    • “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 love this game, but when I open a pack, sometimes the game freezes and I have to exit, which is hard, and then restart the game!”
    • “Runs fine until I go to open a pack, then it freezes and takes the PC with it.”
    • “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.”
  • music19 mentions

    The music in the game is generally described as pleasant and fitting for its casual atmosphere, though it can become repetitive over time. Players appreciate the ability to mute the in-game music and listen to their own, with some expressing a desire for more diverse soundtracks and options to customize the audio experience. Overall, while the background music is enjoyable, it may not be engaging enough to hold players' attention for long periods.

    • “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.”
    • “Audibly, there's not much going on here and you will quickly drop the volume on the single loop of music so that you can just listen to your own.”
    • “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.”
    • “Music gets repetitive fast.”
  • 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 detracts from the overall engagement. While some find enjoyment in the gameplay mechanics, the absence of a compelling storyline is a common critique.

    • “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.”
  • optimization17 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs, even on lower-end systems. While some users noted areas for improvement, particularly in controls, the majority found the game to run well and provide an enjoyable experience without significant performance issues.

    • “I've experienced minimal bugs and stable performance.”
    • “The performance is great, no issues at all; it doesn't even feel like an early access release, very polished.”
    • “I get a solid 144fps on high settings, which really makes the game more enjoyable without being hindered by performance.”
    • “Despite the game's simplicity, it is extremely poorly optimized.”
    • “Don't want to spoil things, but the game can be too easily optimized.”
    • “It took a little to get used to the controls, and some controls can probably be optimized (maybe more left click and less 'R'), but I'm having a great time.”
  • monetization16 mentions

    The monetization of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with some players perceiving it as a cash grab due to the presence of advertisements and partnerships with other companies, while others appreciate the lack of heavy microtransactions and the developer's commitment to quality updates. Many users express a desire for more customization options and advertising features within the game, indicating that they value the potential for meaningful engagement over superficial monetization tactics. Overall, while there are concerns about the game's monetization approach, players generally feel that it is not exploitative and appreciate the developer's focus on improving the game.

    • “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!”
    • “But a lot of red flags; this is just another Chinese low-quality cash grab.”
    • “First real update with any sort of content was just an advertisement for some board game company.”
    • “Which seems more like advertising than actual events.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the potential for future features like a playable trading card game and various in-game activities, others feel that current replay value is minimal. Enhancements such as reduced leveling experience could improve appeal for speedrunners and general replayability.

    • “It adds so much replay value.”
    • “I also look forward to the future playable TCG feature that's stated in the roadmap for the game.”
    • “Order new stock, sell rare cards, set up new furnishings, also sell figurines, 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.”
    • “Replay value 3.5 /5”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its peaceful and immersive qualities, enhanced by clear graphics and soothing sounds that create 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 unique atmosphere that encourages players to engage thoughtfully with their card shop environment.

    • “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 card packs. The financial implications of their investments amplify these emotions, revealing a complex relationship with the game that blends childhood memories and adult responsibilities. Additionally, there is a call for community support to enhance the game's development, emphasizing the emotional investment 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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

9hMedian play time
13hAverage play time
6-19hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 41 analyzed playthroughs

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