Running a Supermarket in Discounty: Cozy or Corporate?

Discounty, the debut game developed by Crinkle Cut Games and published by PQube (Cat Quest), is marketed as a cozy management sim RPG that invites players to run a discount supermarket in the small harbor town of Blomkest. Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, the game promises a mix of shop management, small-town drama, and quirky storytelling. But does it deliver on its cozy premise? We tested the game so you don’t have to.

At first glance, Discounty seems to tick all the boxes for a cozy game. The pixelated 2D art style is charming, and the idea of running a shop is appealing, especially for fans of games like Moonlighter. The initial setup is straightforward: you inherit your aunt’s supermarket and are tasked with turning it into a thriving business. However, as the story unfolds, the game takes a darker, more satirical turn that might not align with the expectations of cozy game enthusiasts.

Gameplay mechanics and atmosphere

The Discounty core gameplay loop revolves around managing the store, interacting with NPCs, and completing tasks. While the idea of running a shop is intriguing, the execution feels overly rigid. A significant portion of your in-game day is spent playing a repetitive cashier mini-game, leaving little room for exploration or personal choice. This lack of freedom undermines the cozy vibe, as players are forced to focus on work rather than enjoying the game at their own pace. Customization options for the store and character are basic but sufficient. However, the inability to set your own prices or experiment with store economics might disappoint players looking for more depth in management mechanics.

Discounty‘s narrative leans heavily into small-town drama, but instead of the lighthearted charm typical of cozy games, it feels surprisingly bleak. The townsfolk are initially hostile, and you inherit not just the store but also your aunt’s bad reputation. The story portrays a struggling community and a protagonist seemingly trapped on a predetermined path of corporate franchising. While this satirical take on capitalism is an interesting narrative choice, it clashes with the expectations of a cozy, uplifting experience. There should be a choice to make here regarding your values as a store owner, even if it’s now a discounter.

Strengths and weaknesses

One of the game’s strengths is its unique premise. For players who enjoyed the shopkeeping aspect of Moonlighter, Discounty offers a dedicated experience. The art style and sound design also contribute to the game’s appeal, creating a visually and aurally pleasant environment. However, the game’s weaknesses are hard to overlook. The repetitive gameplay loop, lack of meaningful choices, and dark undertones detract from the cozy experience.

Additionally, the game’s relatively short playtime (15-20 hours) and limited replayability make it feel less substantial compared to genre staples like Stardew Valley. During our testing, we encountered only one technical issue, a crash when exiting to the main menu. Although this didn’t significantly impact gameplay, it’s worth noting.

Recommendations and target audience

Discounty is best suited for players who enjoy management games and are open to a darker, more satirical take on the cozy genre. However, those expecting a whimsical, feel-good experience might find the game’s tone and mechanics off-putting. As of now, it can be purchased for around $20 to $35, depending on where you look.

If we could suggest improvements to the developers, it would be to offer more player agency and reduce the reliance on the cashier mini-game. Allowing players to make meaningful choices about the store’s direction and fostering a more positive atmosphere could significantly enhance the experience.

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For those curious about the game, we’ve recorded gameplay footage on Xbox, which will be available on the TechAcute YouTube channel and embedded below. Discounty is an ambitious game with a unique premise, but it struggles to balance its cozy aspirations with its darker narrative and rigid gameplay. While it has its moments, it ultimately falls short of the genre’s best offerings. If you are, however, into slightly dark undertones and the cashier experience, it might be just what you are looking for.

YouTube: Let’s Play – Discounty [Gameplay, No Commentary]

Photo credit: The images shown are owned by Crinkle Cut Games / PQube and have been made available as part of a press kit.
Editorial notice: We received a press copy to test this game, but were not paid to cover it.