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Tiny Bookshop Review
- Eloise Crawford
- Aug 27
- 6 min read
Check it out.
In true cozy game fashion, Tiny Bookshop opens with you leaving your old life in search of a new purpose. Set in Bookstonbury, your new life is designed around selling second-hand books to the residents of this charming, coastal town. This premise is common and frequently used, but all it really does is set the scene for your upcoming literary adventure.
The game wastes no time establishing its warm atmosphere. From the moment you arrive in Bookstonbury, you're greeted by quirky characters and the promise of a simpler, more peaceful existence centered around the joy of matching readers with the book of their dreams.
Publisher: Skystone Games, 2P Games Developer: neoludic games Platform: Played on PC (Steam) Availability: Released on August 7, 2025 for Windows PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch. |
Most of your time is going to be spent building your collection of second-hand books by purchasing them through the newspaper classified ads section. The mechanic of building your inventory through purchases is not new, however, purchasing them from a newspaper directly fits the theme of Bookstonbury really well. You won’t have a phone or a computer to purchase your books. In addition to books, you can also purchase decorative items for your shop through the newspaper.
The way you decorate your tiny bookshop trailer plays an important role in your success. Combined with the changing weather, your decoration choices dictate various buffs and debuffs that affect your day. Items can be placed almost everywhere in your trailer: tacked to the inner or outer walls, placed on the ground directly outside your trailer, hung up by the ceiling. You can purchase tables, benches, and chairs which expands the number of “table-top” items you can place in your space. Some items can increase your expenses, so although it can be tempting to load your trailer up with decorative items, it is best to be mindful of how much the upkeep would cost.
Though selling is the primary focus, it's not the only focus. You are able to form memories with the residents of the town, even core memories that allow you to progress through the story. These relationships develop naturally as you interact with townsfolk, recommend books, and help them navigate their personal challenges.
Much of the game flows through the book recommendation system, which is when an NPC asks you to recommend a book to them based on their interests, mood, or needs. Successfully recommending a book leads to an 'inspiration' time period where your chances of making a sale increases significantly.
This mechanic is surprisingly more difficult than you’d expect. You'll need to pay close attention to exactly what the customer is saying. Requests range from the more general “I need something romantic! Anything will do.” to the more specific “I need something with a famous detective, preferably one that is gory, and it cannot have any magic or fantasy.” If the NPC does not like what you recommend, nothing bad happens but they do walk out looking pretty disappointed, which is a gentle encouragement to try harder next time rather than a harsh punishment.
As someone who loves books in real life, this system brought me so much joy. There's something deeply satisfying about matching a character with their perfect read and watching them do a little jump in happiness.
The animation of the NPCs and the continuity is to be admired. The developers have paid remarkable attention to detail – characters duck their heads if they're tall enough to hit the top of your doorway, and your ramp is sloped low enough that all the wheelchair users can roll themselves up without assistance. These thoughtful touches create an inclusive world that feels alive and respectful.
There's something deeply satisfying about matching a character with their perfect read and watching them do a little jump in happiness.
The main story is short but sweet, primarily progressing through solving "cases" which are essentially mysteries that pop up in the town. These range from investigating a strange noise coming from a mysterious cave by the beach to finding out who deflated the wavy arm guy at the local mega mart. Each case offers a delightful blend of whimsy and heart, keeping the narrative engaging without feeling overwhelming. Although not too high-level, finding out exactly where to go next or what to interact with next can be tricky. But the game does a good job of leaving clues in the conversations with the residents of the town.
My favourite example of this involves an NPC named Tilde, who eventually undergoes hip surgery. As she recovers, you see her progress from a wheelchair to crutches, before finally walking without any need of walking aids. This kind of character development adds a layer of realism and compassion to the story.
The diversity extends beyond physical representation. Characters come from various backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, each bringing their unique perspective to Bookstonbury. Each character has their own story, and you can help them all if you desire. The quests range from helping Moira reconnect with her estranged grandmother, Mary, to building confidence with the shy but talented journalist Fern, or assisting Klaus in writing a song that he then performs for the whole town.
As your relationships deepen, the game rewards you with increasingly meaningful interactions. By the end, it culminates into you inheriting Tilde's old bookshop, giving you the option to sell in one permanent location versus continuing your traveling book trailer business.
Tiny Bookshop has a simple, painterly aesthetic that feels so inviting.
What's impressive is that once you unlock the bookshop, you can still travel with your trailer. The game does not limit your options in any way. This player-friendly approach extends to the decoration system as well. Any decorations you want to use in-store can be used in your trailer too, and if you want to use something that is already in use elsewhere, clicking on the item from your inventory will simply unequip it from its current location.
Beyond the gameplay, the aesthetics of the game are simply stunning. It has a dreamy watercolor look to it, with soft edges and a gentle color palette that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Although there isn't a lot of minute detail, there is just enough to help set the scene and immerse you in this cozy world. The changing seasons affect not just gameplay but also the visual experience. Watching Bookstonbury transform from the vibrant greens of spring to the deep snow of winter creates a satisfying sense of time passing and adds variety to your visual journey. Some items can also be set only during specific seasons. The snowman item for example is best suited to be equipped during the winter when it will stay intact.
In terms of negatives, the prompts from customers occasionally don’t make logical sense. For example, “I want to do some historical research. I’ve yet to find a ‘funny’ book that actually makes me laugh.” The juxtaposition of a historical, factual book and a funny book can be difficult to wrap your head around. Also, while you can adopt a cat, you can’t interact with it in the same way as the dog, which feels like a missed opportunity for players that prefer cats over dogs.
All in all, Tiny Bookshop offers a cozy and thoughtful experience that balances relaxation with engaging gameplay. Visually, it is beautiful and the soundtrack complements the atmosphere perfectly. The game requires enough thinking to keep it from becoming dull or repetitive while maintaining a peaceful and low-stress environment. Character diversity is handled with care and respect. And yes: you can adopt and interact with an adorable stray dog companion that keeps you company throughout the game.
Tiny Bookshop stands out in the increasingly crowded cozy gaming genre by offering more than just aesthetic charm – it provides a thoughtful meditation on community, literature, and finding purpose in unexpected places. Whether you're a bookworm who dreams of running your own shop or simply someone looking for a gentle, heartwarming gaming experience, this title delivers hours of satisfaction.
With its blend of book-matching puzzles, character-driven stories, and customizable spaces, Tiny Bookshop creates a world you'll want to return to again and again, just like revisiting a beloved novel that always has something new to offer with each reading.
Image Credits: Neoludic Games
Disclosure: We received a free review copy of this product.
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