Discounty | Let's Make Retail Fun | PS5 Review

Publisher: PQube
Developer: Crinkle Cut Games
PS5 Review

*Disclaimer: I was sent the code for this game on PS5 in return for a review; all opinions are mine and mine alone.

No one in their right mind likes working in retail; it can be hell and leave you wanting to never return again. I guess escaping to a world where it can be more laid back and you take on all the control, rather than dealing with hostile people, is a much more pleasant experience. Discounty is able to provide players with this, but at times it can feel a little stressful, having to restock whilst you have people waiting at the till to pay for their goods. Once you get moving again, it goes back to smooth sailing. Before you jump in, you get to create, customise and name your character; of course, mine has pink hair and is named Elle; she is my mini me.

My little character has travelled to a place called Blomkest to run her auntie's old store. Unfortunately, it's in quite a run-down place that is trying to get itself up and running again; the town needs saving, and your store (Discounty) can help be its saviour and lucky for the townsfolk, they have a new resident (me) who learns fast and can turn things around. I was a little sad that you weren't given a house, just a little trailer with the simple amenities inside and thrown right into things. I wanted to get the lay of the land first. I was happy to see there is plenty of time to crack on with it, and a lot easier once you acquire a map.

Discounty doesn't just focus on running a supermarket; it's a lot more than that; it's about helping out the community as a whole. Your store is the catalyst for doing that. Communication will get you places, but carrying out tasks will get you further. It can feel daunting at times, then when it clicks, everything starts to run like clockwork and you're able to focus on each task thrown your way. I struggled with keeping up with the demands whilst serving customers in Discounty at first. My fingers and hands weren't too happy with learning how to cash in faster, whilst trying to remember the prices of each product. After a couple of hours, something clicked, and I was able to know what each product cost until I unlocked a new one with perk points.

These perk points are earned by completing tasks for Discounty. I quite enjoy saving them up to upgrade my tiers with the suppliers. It can take a little while due to having to sell a set amount of stock, but once you advertise the shop and make ot more appealing, more people will visit and buy more of your stock. At times, money will run low; it can shoot right back up depending on what people buy that day. Supply and demand are what you need to remember. I learnt pretty early on to keep certain things in my pockets to restock them quicker, whilst also serving customers. You can eventually upgrade your pockets with perk points, which cost around 3 points each time.

I encourage people to explore the town. You will start to discover the little things, such as being able to fast travel through the use of the drains, help the rats, and, in return, you can use their home to your advantage. I ended up being so engrossed in Discounty; it has a charm about it that draws you in. I never once felt that it was repetitive; it was very engaging and set me tasks that kept me focused. The added bonus of being able to customise your trailer and the store to make it your own is one of the biggest perks for me. The store was able to run the way I wanted by placing shelves in the best possible spots for residents to reach what they needed. I'm so glad they aren't fixed in place. I've loved playing this game. Discounty has the cosy factor for sure.

Have a cosy day

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