It's that time again for a new episode of Chichuki Plays, the show where I go hands-on with upcoming games and show them off. Usually it's about an hour or so but I don't want to spoil too much of the game for you. Today, we're checking out Potionomics: The Masterwork Edition on the Nintendo Switch. Prior to the Switch version, Potionomics was also on Steam.
We play the role of Sylvia who out of the blue one day receives a letter from her Uncle Oswald about his dream of opening a potion shop in Rafta. Rafta is prime for exploration and discovery since Maven the Witch Queen fell in battle. She had tormented Rafta but she's gone now and it's ripe for the taking. Sylvia has decided to become a Potionsmith just like her Uncle but it appears that Uncle Oswald has passed on. We have inherited his potion shop and are going to take it over on Rafta. We also have inherited Oswald's debt so we have to hit the ground running and be good at selling potions.
I have always loved the way Potionomics looks. Graphically, the facial expressions are very well done and they help show emotions. The voice work in the game is great as well and that helps the player want to like the characters. You have a certain amount of time to pay off the debt and lucky for you, there's a potion selling contest coming up. You'll have plenty of time to practice making potions, selling potions, and other stuff.
Along the way, you'll get to know all kinds of people in Rafta. You'll make friends with people as well as create long lasting relationships too. It would be in your best interest to get to know all kinds of folks because you will need to gather all kinds of items to help your shop. Quinn runs a shop where you can get new items for potions. Mint is a hero in training who adventures out of the Hero Guild. You can send her on quests to collect items/materials for you. You'll also have the ability to buy new items for your shop and decorate it the way you want to. One of my favorite characters in the game, Muktuk the Walrus, is a craftsman and sells tools. He can craft cauldrons and shelving to help make the shop better.
Potion crafting will be key to your success. You will have to sell potions and the better you brew a potion, the more you can sell it for. Discover cool ways to make awesome potions. Then you can sell them to the townsfolk as well as your friends. The selling process is like a deckbuilder where you get cards through all kinds of means for your deck to make money. Potential buyers have patience with you. Patience is similar to turns in battle. Make the sale before patience runs out or you will not be able to complete said sale. Try to do your best to create the most interest in the potion you're selling so you can get a nice profit for it. When you visit your friends, you'll be able to get new cards for your deck and those new cards could be what helps you make a sale. You have a certain amount of time each day to perform tasks like brewing potions, opening the shop or visiting friends. Each task takes up time and you need time to open your shop. Make sure you regulate your time so you have even time to do everything you need to do.
You'll also have to deal with different events over the course of the week. These events could make selling potions easier for you but they could also hinder the process. An event could cause health potions to go down in popularity and in turn not sell. You'll have to manipulate the system and try to take advantage of Rafta to make more money.
Potionomics: The Masterwork Edition is a fun game in the fine art of running a potion shop. I really like the characters and want to get to know them more. However, there were slight performance issues where scenes would look choppy but I think that's because it was on the Switch. Fans of simulation games like this will be in their glory and I recommend it!
Check out the hands-on/thoughts video below!