Developer: Beard Envy
Platforms: PC (Reviewed), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S
Gene(s): Simulation, Puzzle, Roguelite
Publisher: Kasedo Games
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop is a spaceship repair roguelite. This game was developed by Beard Envy and published by Kasedo Games. This review was done for Windows, but the game is also available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch.
In Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop, you play as a mechanic named Wilbur, who has taken a new position in running a rocket repair shop. Wilbur’s main job is to repair and maintain rockets for several customers. The game features depth in the story through humour, where you can feel the struggles Wilbur is going through. Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop includes puzzle solving with a mix of time management to keep players in a tight spot. You have to make your rent; otherwise, the grind never stops as you meet quirky characters that will definitely leave an impression.
The tutorial for Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop plays out very nicely. Initially, you are given a grimoire that has all the information you will need in order to complete the tasks. As you start the first task, you get a tutorial on how to use the grimoire, where you can see tabs and sections that will easily guide you through each task. It’s a well-detailed manual that does a good job of illustrating and having notes on what needs to be done. I especially love how, in the tutorial, you’ll see red outlining drawings over the grimoire that highlight the importance of what needs to be read and completed. The game also gives players an option between two game modes: frantic fixing and focused fixing. Frantic is a great mode for players who like to be pressured under time, and the other does not have any time pressure, but work is more limited per day. I would highly recommend the focused fixing for your first run, as things can get hectic very quickly in frantic fixing.
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop has an art style that features sci-fi and pulp fiction imagery and vibrant diner aesthetics. Everything in the game is exaggerated, with neon signs, metallic colours and playful/unusual designs. I love the cartoonish visuals that seem to resemble the game Night in the Woods, where characters have expressive and distinct features and characteristics. The detail added in the technical repair sections for the ships is outstanding, as you can unscrew several layers to reveal wires and mini planets with significant details. The world that has been created in this game embodies outer space, where you will encounter aliens and humans that each have goofy personalities. The visuals are pleasant to the eyes as the colour palette has a vibrant standpoint that makes the art style shine even more.
The soundtrack featured in Uncle Chop’s Rocket Ship is a nice blend between retro synth and lofi-beats that emphasises a relaxing environment for you to fix ships in. The music nickel portrays a futuristic feel, which can change during busy repair sessions to music that is even more upbeat. The country-like music that is blended together with the other instruments gives a fun vibe to the game. The incorporation of mechanical sound effects like the tool clanking, unscrewing bolts, and hissing ties the theme of the rocket-repair shop beautifully.
The premise of the game is to repair ships for the robust customers that come to your shop. On a day-to-day basis, you clock in, pick the repair order, complete the list of tasks, check in with the customer, receive your payment and report, complete more requests and then clock out. A daily repairing grind where you try to make the most profit to meet your rent. Rent is due within a two-day period, and you can only choose three requests within a day, so you need to do your best to make no mistakes. The game heavily depends on the player understanding instructions (reading a manual) and carrying out what needs to be done as said. At first, you would think it would be an easy job, but even trying to understand IKEA instruction manuals can be a pain.
Nothing in this game will help you more than your grimoire (manual), as you are able to flip through different sections of the book being guided by symbols. It is so important that you read the instructions carefully because one slight mistake will cost your pay, and customer patience is key to a tip. Refuelling tanks, changing oils, fixing cameras, and repairing the toilet all require you to check and maintain several steps to make sure things are working just fine; it really makes you feel like a mechanic. You get to buy new parts accordingly, buy upgrade stations that will get you the necessary fuel or give you more benefits when carrying out the repairs. I do really enjoy the UI for this game is so nicely designed as you have pop-up tabs like bringing out your grimoire, your toolbelt, and a trash bin that will give you easy access to information and items whilst fixing away.
All in all, it is good as you just have to repair it whilst encountering some weird folk, but it can sometimes get to you. After a few repairs, I thought I was doing really well, only to find out that I had done something completely wrong. The game does not do you justice in guiding you whether you have completed everything asked of you or not. It is quite literally up to you to make the decision if the task is completed, which at times can be frustrating because a simple overlook on the manual can cost you a lot. If the payment is not made within the time limit, then you die, and you start all over once again. But not paying your rent isn’t the only way you can die. I’ve encountered deaths through being shot at, blown up, or even being crushed by a rocket. This aspect of the game introduces the rougelite element, where you learn from your past deaths to achieve a longer run by avoiding any mishaps.
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop requires players to remain patient, just like any other roguelike game, so you become more familiar with repairing distinct modules, figuring out the best upgrades to buy, and overall becoming more knowledgeable. Jobs will be randomized at every run, so you can never really know what’s next. What caught me by surprise was that the game also has bosses. Bosses will give you extremely difficult repair jobs that are extremely stressful but act like a learning experience in the game. The game does include perks which can work from run to run that are extremely helpful and can give players a starting boost.
The game is a different approach to most rougelite games, which made me want to check it out in the first place, and it does not disappoint. Its witty humour with unique personalities that you interact with can make each day at the job so fun. The game definitely keeps the player intrigued by getting a rush of wanting to fix every module supplied to them.
If you’re looking for a hilarious, roguelite game where you continue to discover new things in order to become a successful rocket ship mechanic, then this game might just be for you. Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop is filled with an adrenaline rush that comes from wanting to become knowledgeable and an expert at fixing every encountered module. Your daily shifts will consist of you meeting quirky individuals who can brighten or ruin your day by trying to repair their ship. Cartoonish-retro sci-fi-themed visuals paired with casual synth music are perfect for a laid-back repairing experience. So be sure to check out Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop!
Overall: 8.5/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
