The Hidden Art of Innkeeping
- September 3, 2024
- SeaPhoenix
After a disastrous stay at the only hotel by the beach, Elinor decides to convert an old farmhouse in a nearby village into an inn. However, renovating the inn doesn't come cheap, so she accepts a loan from a mysterious tycoon who demands payment by the end of the month. Meet a colorful cast of characters as Elinor welcomes visitors to her new inn and recruits villagers and employees. Meanwhile, …
Reviews
- The Hidden Art of Innkeeping offers a charming and cozy gameplay experience with engaging characters and a delightful story.
- The game features a variety of quests and upgrades that encourage exploration and experimentation, enhancing replayability.
- With its beautiful pixel art and soothing music, the game creates a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for casual gamers.
- Some players found the increased complexity and number of tasks overwhelming compared to its predecessor, making it harder to keep track of everything.
- While the game is enjoyable, it lacks the emotional depth and impactful storytelling that some players experienced in the first game.
- The RPGMaker graphics may deter some players, as they might expect more polished visuals from a modern game.
- story27 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story in this game is praised for its charm and positivity, featuring a cozy narrative that revolves around inn management and community interaction. Players appreciate the engaging characters and the variety of quests that allow for different outcomes based on choices, enhancing replayability. Overall, the game successfully combines a lighthearted storyline with innovative gameplay mechanics, making it a delightful experience for fans of casual management simulators.
“From start to finish, hidden art tells an enjoyable and positive story that it's hard not to leave without a smile.”
“Fantastic game with a charming storyline and an endearing cast of characters who have their own stories too.”
“This game and its prequel are so cute and relaxing while still having an intriguing story.”
“If you like story, this has a simple one, but the characters in the game are cute and you can see a few little side stories depending on your actions.”
“The pacing of the story is fast enough to keep you entertained and hooked, not wanting to put it down.”
“What I loved about the first game was the combination of a simple format, a gentle story that integrated a love for art and literature, and surprisingly innovative gameplay.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its engaging management mechanics and charming interactions with guests, building on the foundation of the previous installment while introducing new features like customizable dining menus and long-term quests. Players appreciate the balance of familiar elements with fresh tweaks, making the experience enjoyable and replayable. Overall, the combination of a simple format, endearing characters, and innovative gameplay keeps players invested in the life simulation adventure.
“Great bite-size life sim that offers a surprisingly good chunk of gameplay for such a small, contained adventure.”
“I love the way the mechanics are handled from interacting with the various villagers and the incremental upgrades to the inn as you manage the various visiting guests.”
“The gameplay and story of the game are very similar to the previous game, and those who have played it and enjoyed it will find that same enjoyment here with new challenges.”
“Mechanically, you'll spend the day making sure your guests have everything they want, broken up by some RPG fetch quests.”
“The added gameplay tweaks and new characters help it feel fresh, but it's also amazing catching up with characters we know!”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as charming and cozy, with endearing characters and a delightful aesthetic that enhances the gameplay experience. Despite being created with RPG Maker, the visuals contribute to the game's appeal, inviting players to appreciate its unique art style and engaging storyline.
“The characters are endearing, the gameplay is fun, and the visuals are charming.”
“Cozy graphics with a wonderful storyline that calls back to the lost art of innkeeping.”
“Don't let the RPG Maker graphics fool you, this game is a gem!”
“Don't let the RPG Maker graphics fool you; this game is a gem!”
“I warmly invite you to look past the RPG Maker graphics and give this hidden gem of a management adventure a chance.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game delivers a blend of humor and heartwarming moments, providing an entertaining experience that resonates emotionally, though some feel it lacks the same depth as its competitors. Players report laughing out loud and experiencing genuine emotional responses, such as tearing up during poignant scenes.
“It's an entertaining mix of cute, hilarious, and heartwarming that I've honestly enjoyed more than many of its 3D competitors.”
“I laughed out loud quite a lot, and there were some genuinely heartwarming moments. I actually teared up when I saw the formerly grumpy, down-on-her-luck gardener joyful.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's music is praised for creating a calming and pleasant atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience without becoming repetitive. While it may not be memorable long-term, it effectively contributes to the game's comfy vibe alongside its art and characters. Many players particularly enjoy the outdoor music, finding it soothing enough to listen to for extended periods.
“The music of the game, while it didn't stick with me long after finishing, provided a calming experience without feeling repetitive or out of place.”
“This game really nails a comfy vibe with its pleasant art, cute characters, and soothing music.”
“The music is very nice; I really like the tracks they use for the outside - I could have it running all day.”
“The music of the game didn't stick with me long after finishing, and while it provided a calming experience, it felt somewhat forgettable.”
“The music, while soothing, lacked the depth and memorability that would elevate the overall experience.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the replayability of the game, citing the inclusion of achievements and enhanced gameplay mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs. The polished experience and improved instructions also contribute to a more engaging and enjoyable return to the game.
“All the achievements also add replayability, and I am looking forward to playing more!”
“Quite fun, same concept as the previous installment with more polish, better instructions, and increased gameplay and replayability.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game enjoyable and rewarding, particularly for achievement hunters, as it feels engaging rather than tedious or exhausting. The overall experience is described as cozy and well-balanced, enhancing the management gameplay.
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly on Linux, similar to its prequel and other RPG Maker titles.
“Just like the prequel and many other RPG Maker games, this game also runs smoothly on Linux.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as a delightful blend of cuteness, hilarity, and heartwarming moments, often surpassing that of its 3D competitors.
“It's an entertaining mix of cute, hilarious, and heartwarming that I've honestly enjoyed more than many of its 3D competitors.”