Tiny Bookshop Review: Cozy Game or Cozy Snooze?

I wanted to love Tiny Bookshop, so here’s my honest Tiny Bookshop review. 

I’m all about cozy games. The kind that let me relax, multitask, maybe even stream a show in the background. When I saw this cozy indie game on Steam, I added to wishlist, asap!

It looked like the perfect fit for my late night cozy gaming adventures, small town vibes, books, and that late night cozy gaming kind of energy.

But once I started playing? It felt less like cozy gaming and more like waiting for AOL dial-up.

I gave it two hours, hoping it would click.

It didn’t.

The pacing is painfully slow, the interactions felt dull, and instead of that warm fuzzy escape I usually chase at night, I was left bored and regretting even paying half-price.

Cozy gaming for me should feel engaging and relaxing, this just left me lifeless.

Now, I’ll give credit where it’s due. I liked the idea that the Journal helps you with each area and what different book genres that “sell.” And when customers ask for help, there are little clues to point them toward a book they’d like. Cute in theory, but the clues felt inconsistent, the customers were robotic, and raising money was a grind. Honestly, it felt like too much brainwork for late night gaming. At that hour, I’m looking for cozy, not homework. If you’re the type who loves puzzles and problem solving before bed, maybe this is your vibe. For me? Not so much. Try the demo first. I didn’t, and now I’ve got regrets. Here’s hoping my next cozy fix delivers, because this one wasn’t it.

This is just my personal take. If you love(d) Tiny Bookshop, that’s awesome, gaming tastes are different for everyone.