With the rise of retail simulators, the gaming landscape has become quite dense. On the Comet Trail in Stardew Valley, this genre flourishes, featuring protagonists who revive their lives and careers in a semi-rural setting filled with pastoral charm, often taking on blue-collar jobs. Players engage with the locals, influence their lives, and resolve community issues—perhaps even uncovering a mystery or two. They might even find love along the way. Essentially, these characters are pixelated heirs to the legacy of Harvest Moon, yet recent titles from Crinkle Cut Games offer a slightly different take on the cozy shop simulation experience.

In Dissevery, you find yourself taken under the wing of your cunning aunt and joining the franchise’s supermarket brunch initiative. The game’s unique twist focuses on building up local supermarkets rather than community centers, given the quaint absence of roadways in Stardew Valley. Dissiventy weaves a narrative focused on revitalizing the economy of a small town, balancing sharp challenges within a cozy game framework.

The aspect of building a supermarket is indeed satisfying. Stock your store, open its doors, and let the customers in. The till system initially functions like a tricky little math puzzle, but it evolves into something more intricate as you progress. Speed becomes crucial—you’ll need to keep customers satisfied, ensure shelves are stocked, floors are tidy, and everything runs efficiently. After a busy day, the store closes, allowing you to breathe, clean up, and retreat to a cozy trailer outside your aunt’s grand home. Aunt Terror is a savvy businesswoman with grand ambitions, and you’ll need to navigate her disputes with the locals, some of whom she dismisses to let you take charge. This unique tone is quite refreshing; it strays from the typical cute aesthetic, focusing instead on supermarket management rather than a whimsical farm life.

The graphics can be somewhat misleading. While the pixel art may initially suggest a sweet and innocent vibe, the town you inhabit is far from pristine. There are dilapidated docks, shuttered shop fronts, and peeling posters on the walls, hinting at a deeper narrative. Even the music complements this atmosphere, providing ambient yet engaging background sounds that enhance the overall experience.

Consulting with locals involves addressing their concerns, often requiring some tact due to your aunt’s tricky nature. This task carries significant responsibility and demands intense focus. At times, the controls can feel a bit awkward. I found the touchscreen options on the Steam Deck somewhat challenging to navigate, particularly in the early game stages where there aren’t many options and you’re juggling basic tasks. However, the initial resistance isn’t overwhelming. I was impressed by how the challenges gradually become more manageable, emphasizing the rewarding nature of everyday tasks.

Dissiventy serves as a noteworthy addition to the cozy life simulation genre, presenting a hands-on experience filled with ambition. It deviates from typical tropes while maintaining an engaging focus. While romance may not be a primary theme in managing a supermarket, there’s plenty to accomplish, ensuring it still offers an enjoyable gaming experience.