The Hidden Art of Innkeeping Review: A Cozy Management Adventure Worth Every Penny

Developed and Published by: SeaPhoenix Games (Indie)

Genre: Management, Adventure, Cozy

“The Hidden Art of Innkeeping,” developed and published by indie studio SeaPhoenix Games, is a charming and cozy management adventure that serves as a prequel to the beloved “Lost Art of Innkeeping.” In this delightful game, you step into the shoes of Elinor, a girl with a passion for creating the perfect inn. Elinor arrives in a sleepy beach town and notices that the only available accommodation is an overpriced hotel, and of course that sparks a fire within her to start her second inn. With the help of the town’s residents, she embarks on a journey to build and manage the coziest inn around.

Story and Progression

The story of “The Hidden Art of Innkeeping” is simple and colorful, perfectly matching the game’s overall tone. The game progression is very demure, very cutesy doesn’t feel rushed, allowing the gamer to take their time and explore and learn about the town. This in my opinion adds significant value to the gameplay experience. As you guide Elinor through her innkeeping adventure, you’ll find yourself drawn into the quaint charm of the beach town and its residents.

Gameplay Mechanics

The mechanics of the game are straightforward yet engaging. Managing an inn involves checking guests in and out, assigning rooms, and exploring the town to interact with its quirky inhabitants. Each guest and townsperson has a distinct personality, making it easy to develop favorites. The diversity in the game is what I love to see, with character names representing various cultural backgrounds and skin tones, adding to the game’s inclusive atmosphere.

One of the most enjoyable aspects is the room assignment process, which requires a bit of strategic thinking. Deciding which guest gets which room, or which rooms gets a double bed or single adds a layer of depth to the management experience, keeping the gameplay fresh and interesting.

Visuals and Art Style

Visually, “The Hidden Art of Innkeeping” is a cutesy treat. The characters are well-designed, with a cute and fun aesthetic that fits the game’s cozy vibe. The graphics are a noticeable improvement from its predecessor, “The Lost Art of Innkeeping,” demonstrating SeaPhoenix’s growth as a developer. The town and inn are beautifully crafted, with vibrant colors and charming details that make the game world an enjoyable place to explore.

Music and Sound Design

The music in “The Hidden Art of Innkeeping” is upbeat and perky, it complements the game’s cheerful atmosphere. However, after about an hour of listening to the same two tracks, the music can start to feel repetitive but as your hotel becomes more prestige and as more areas become available to you we do get new candy for the ear which we appreciate.

Bugs and Performance

From a technical standpoint, the game runs smoothly, with no noticeable bugs during my playthrough. This level of polish is impressive, especially for an indie title, and contributes to a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.

Price and Value

For $7.99 on Steam, “The Hidden Art of Innkeeping” offers excellent value for da money. It’s a charming, engaging game that provides hours of entertainment. Plus, if you purchase before September 10th, 2024, you can snag it for just $7.19 I mean we at the library say spend your money on this game specially if you are into cozy management games.

Conclusion

Would I recommend “The Hidden Art of Innkeeping”? Absolutely. It’s a delightful, cozy game that offers a unique and engaging management experience. The characters are endearing, the gameplay is fun, and the visuals are charming. With its affordable price and with all the content that you get, this game is a must-have for fans of the genre. SeaPhoenix Games has done an excellent job, and we look forward to seeing what they create next.

Release Date: September 3, 2024

Rating: 9/10

recommend: yes