In this game, you will run your very own shop in a magical fantasy land.
Merchants of Rosewall was recently released and in this article we’re going to go over the core aspects of the game, giving you all the info you need to know before buying.
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Imagine stepping into Rosewall, a bustling fantasy city, and being handed the keys to your very own shop. You’re not just any shopkeeper, though; you’re part of a merchant government program, which, to be honest, sounds a bit like an internship with a magical twist. The government gives you a helping hand, providing the shop and some startup funds, and then essentially says, “Go forth and prosper!” You’re free to run your shop as you see fit, but don’t expect to be redesigning the place to your exact specifications. Customization of the shop itself is rather limited.
In Merchants of Rosewall, you’re less of a hands-on artisan and more of a manager. You hire a team of crafting specialists to create the goods you’ll sell. Initially, your focus is on cooking, but as you progress, you’ll unlock other crafting disciplines, such as working with stone, wood, and fabric. Each product requires specific ingredients and sells for a different price, making the crafting system quite intricate. If you’re someone who enjoys the strategic aspect of crafting games, you’ll likely find this aspect of the game very satisfying.
To fuel your crafting operations, you’ll need to venture into the local markets and purchase raw ingredients. The markets are populated by various vendors, each specializing in different materials. This necessitates frequent trips to different stalls, adding a layer of resource management to the gameplay. Personally, I found the shopkeeping mechanics quite engaging. The need to purchase ingredients from the market, coupled with the fluctuating prices due to in-game events, kept things dynamic and interesting.
The game also features a compelling narrative that unfolds through memory motes, small magical orbs that transport you into past memories. You accidentally ingest these motes, revealing the history of a mysterious lost town. You’ll follow a narrative thread, interacting with a cast of quirky characters, and making dialogue choices that influence the story. This narrative is intended to add depth to the game, but it often feels disconnected from the shopkeeping aspects.
One of the game’s primary weaknesses is the disjointed nature of the story and shopkeeping elements. Story events occur seemingly at random, interrupting your shopkeeping activities without warning. This lack of integration can be jarring, as you’re constantly switching between running your shop and participating in story-driven sequences. The gameplay is also quite rigid, offering limited choices in how you interact with the story. You’re essentially on a predetermined path, with little room for deviation. Furthermore, the unpredictable timing of story events makes it difficult to plan your shopkeeping activities.
Gameplay is structured around timing and shop leveling, which can feel restrictive. You can’t freely hire any character you want; instead, you’re limited to specific characters available at specific times. This segmented approach to hiring can be frustrating, as it limits your ability to tailor your team to your preferred playstyle. The economy also restricts specialization, forcing you to work with the resources and characters available at any given time. I would have appreciated more flexibility in this regard.
After playing for an extended period, I discovered that characters can level up and gain skill points, allowing for some degree of specialization. However, this process is slow and not clearly explained in the tutorial. This lack of clarity can be detrimental, especially for players who prefer to specialize in specific crafting disciplines. I would have preferred more freedom to specialize from the outset, rather than being forced to create a random assortment of products.
The game’s pacing is generally good, with a steady flow of activities to keep you engaged. The shopkeeping segments are relatively short, preventing them from becoming tedious. However, I found the lack of a proper financial overview to be a significant oversight. Determining the profitability of items requires manual calculations, which can be cumbersome. A clear profit and loss statement would have greatly enhanced the shopkeeping experience.
Visually, Merchants of Rosewall is a delight. The character designs are beautifully illustrated, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s fantasy setting. The music changes dynamically as you move between locations, adding to the immersive atmosphere. The overall design effectively captures the essence of a whimsical fantasy world.
Overall Merchants of Rosewall is a solid game with a blend of shopkeeping and narrative elements. While the disjointed story and rigid gameplay can be frustrating, the game’s engaging crafting system and charming visuals make it a worthwhile experience. If you enjoy fantasy visual novels and management games, you’ll likely find Merchants of Rosewall to be an enjoyable addition to your collection. However, a more seamless integration of the story and shopkeeping, along with greater freedom in gameplay choices, would have elevated the game to a higher level.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you’re a fan of fantasy and management games.
Merchants of Rosewall is available on Steam now. Click here to check out
Until next time, stay caffeinated!
