If you’ve been searching for the perfect mix of nostalgia and gaming then this game is for you. ReStory: Chill Electronics Repair is a simulation game that sees you step into the shoes of an electronics repairer in the early 2000s.
In this article we’ll be giving a full review of the game and ranking it from decaf to fully caffeinated.
story:
ReStory sees you play as the new repairer on the block, and the one who many are surprised to see instead of your predecessor. The story takes shape in the dialogue in this one, so you’ll have to piece together what’s happening in the neighbourhood from the snippets you get from the vibrant cast of characters that stop in to get things repaired.
The characters really bring the story to life, giving you personality in spades. From the dodgy landlord who’s definitely charging you too much for rent, to the courier who picks up your parcels and delivers your spare parts, to the tourist who may just be the most clumsy guy in town – there’s a character for everyone to love (or hate) in this one.
The story itself weaves themes of capitalism, mafia-like shenanigans, family and hope, and gives you a choice in how you approach each scenario. It’s not an invasive story – so many of the conversations you have won’t impact the gameplay directly – but in the lead up to the end of the game you’ll realise just how important some of those choices might have been.
I really love a game that balances story and gameplay, and ReStory does just that, giving us a game that is gameplay heavy, but uses story to tie everything together and push your progression.
For a story packed with personality, I’m rating ReStory Fully Caffeinated.
gameplay:
The gameplay in this game takes the form of, you guessed it, repairing electronics! You have customers that visit your stall, requesting repairs on their items, as well as online repair requests too. Each repair earns you money, which can be spent on parts, upgrades, and second-hand items that can be sold for a profit.
Each item that passes through your workbench has it’s own way to be taken apart, cleaned, and repaired, with much of the early game repairs actually just requiring a good clean. You’ll be taking apart items inspired by some of the most classic pieces of tech from the early 2000s like the iconic pink flip phones, gaming consoles, and even a very recognisable mp3 player. You’ll need to work out how to deconstruct each device – locating the screws, figuring out the order to take everything off, and making sure you also know how to put it back too. It’s almost got a puzzle like element to the game in that each device is really a 3d puzzle for you to crack.
As you progress through the game you’ll need to purchase licenses to be able to repair certain devices, as well as upgrades like better cleaning brushes, a soldering iron to fix circuit boards, a spray painter, and a faster screwdriver. Each repair will earn you money, some more than others, but you’ll also need to purchase spare parts to fix some devices which can put a dent in the budget. For those seeking a little more risk, you can purchase second hand items of the marketplace to fix up and sell, but sometimes the seller’s descriptions can be misleading so buy at your own risk.
There’s not really any time limits or need to rush in this one, so it does feel very cozy to play. It definitely gives you the main character effect with all of the other characters waiting until you’re ready to speak with them or finish repairing their items. With no time management element, it really does take the pressure off, creating a more relaxed feel to the gameplay.
This is hands down one of the most detailed job simulation games I’ve played, to the point where I’ve found myself considering whether I’d actually be able to pull apart these devices in real life based on the game. The gameplay does a great job of combining the different elements of repairing devices in a way that feels tactile and interesting.
It’s got a charm to it that many games in this genre lack, absolutely nailing the gameplay, so I’m rating ReStory as Fully Caffeinated.
design:
I think a big part of this game’s charm comes from the way it’s been designed.
The colour palette is well thought out, really bringing the early 2000s aesthetic to the game, and all of the characters are colourful and unique. The devices themselves all are designed well, with each part carefully designed so it’s easy enough to tell the parts apart, but still keeping a realistic feel which really does immerse you in the game.
The sound design is just as solid, giving you a fun lo-fi soundtrack, and useful sound effects to convey information, overall just polishing off the cozy atmosphere the game creates.
This is a game that really captures the chill in it’s design, so I’m rating ReStory as Fully Caffeinated.
originality:
Job simulators are becoming more and more trendy at the moment, with many games attempting to simulate even some of the most dull games. While many of them feel like reskins of the same game, ReStory does not fall into that bracket by a long stretch.
It’s definitely not the only stall based game, and could easily be compared to games like Trash Goblin, or Wyrmhall: Brush and Banter, but each of these games takes a different spin, and in ReStory’s case this feels like a much more realistic take on this style of gameplay.
The nostalgic feeling, as well as the concept of repairing electronics themselves, are both concepts that feel unique, and not one’s I’ve seen tackled in this way before.
It’s a game that feels unlike anything else, so for originality, I’m rating ReStory as Fully Caffeinated.
the final brew:
ReStory is one of those games that you’ll either really love and spend a 100 hours playing, or it’s one that you just won’t vibe with at all. For me, I fell firmly into the first category, and have sunk a lot of hours into this one, replaying the story multiple times.
We’ve ground the beans, we’ve carefully weighed and pressed the grinds, and brewed this game down. Now it’s time for a taste test…. ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs is Fully Caffeinated.
ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs is available on Steam now, you can check it out here.
There is a new update headed our way for this one September 21st, which adds a new device and some more story, so it’s the perfect time to pick this one up.
If you’re looking for more indie games, you can find plenty right here on our website, and until next time, Stay Caffeinated!