We all require something to unwind from the pressures of daily life, the anxieties, and exhaustion. Some find solace by reading a book, watching a movie, or even taking a stroll in the neighborhood.
The world of video games has introduced yet another means of “escape” into our lives, making it a compelling medium to cherish. For the most part, Potion Permit serves precisely this purpose: providing a break from the routine and immersing us in the cherished essence of Stardew Valley.
Unveiling Moonbury’s Alchemical Quest
In the realm of many RPG life simulation games, a familiar setting unfolds within the quaint village of Moonbury. A pressing call reaches us from the capital, summoning an alchemist capable of healing the mayor’s daughter. However, our arrival in the village is met with unwelcoming glances, and understandably so, given the village’s less-than-positive encounters with alchemists from the capital in the past. Our mission is clear: we must aid the villagers and, at the same time, forge amicable connections with them to enhance our social reputation.
The game’s standout feature lies in its well-crafted characters, each with their own unique traits. Engaging in daily conversations with the villagers allows us to build strong bonds with them and unlock various special events.
Through these events, we gain valuable insights into their personalities and the rich history of Moonbury, occasionally earning delightful rewards along the way. Notably, the game allows for the potential development of deeper connections, even romantic ones, with certain characters. However, it could benefit from a more gradual transition between distant and friendly behavior, as some characters quickly shift from aloof to warm after just a few interactions.
A Journey of Crafting and Healing
In Moonbury, there are diverse activities to engage in, with the primary focus on mastering the art of crafting elixirs. These elixirs serve a healing purpose, contributing to the protagonist’s overall reputation. To create an elixir, we must collect various natural ingredients found in the wild regions. Armed with our trusty trio of tools, we can gather essential resources like wood and stone, crucial for much-needed upgrades. Notably, in the last two regions, a significant amount of grinding was observed to obtain the desired materials. However, with careful resource management and wisely choosing upgrades for better tools, the grinding process can be considerably reduced, though it never fully vanishes. The game lacks automation, which would undoubtedly be a valuable addition.
Apart from collecting resources, we’ll have to face various wild creatures – and later on, formidable monsters – to make our journey more manageable. Even adversaries play a significant role, as they provide materials necessary for crafting elixirs. At the start of each day, both resources and foes regenerate, sparing us from spending excessive time searching for specific items. However, our character’s energy is limited each day, so unless we use supplements or visit the baths, our exploration in the wild remains restricted.
A Diverse Array of Mini-Games
As we delve into the world of elixirs, we’ll encounter a diverse range of mini-games, from crafting to caring for patients. One remarkable aspect of this title is the abundance of mini-games available. From solving puzzles to memory challenges and reflex tests, the variety is both delightful and refreshing. However, some players might find the overall ease of the game less satisfying. As previously mentioned, the game’s primary aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere, and the developers intentionally avoided excessive difficulty. Nevertheless, as with all things, moderation is crucial, and the same applies in this case.
Endless Engagement
While playing Potion Permit, one thing we can be certain of is that we’ll always be kept busy. Whether it’s with part-time jobs or completing missions, there’s constant involvement without overwhelming us. Amidst all these activities, a close companion is the soothing and delightful OST, which, though pleasant, doesn’t offer the variety we might wish for. Nevertheless, it beautifully complements the captivating pixel art that stole our hearts from the very beginning!
Regrettably, the technical aspect poses the greatest challenge in our adventure. Despite the game running smoothly at satisfactory FPS, the presence of game-breaking bugs could easily discourage potential players. For example, some instances of teleportation led to glitches in the player’s surroundings, forcing them to restart the game. Although bugs are a drawback in any game, they don’t define indie titles. With a little more care and dedication, they can be addressed over time. Additionally, notable points include the lack of manual saves and the underutilization of the DualSense controller’s capabilities.
Lastly, it took around 20 hours to complete the game, with plenty of exploration and side-content included. Those who aspire to achieve the platinum trophy should be aware that it might require more than 30 to 35 hours of gameplay. With its price set at 19.99$, it offers a reasonable value considering the amount of content and gameplay duration.
Exploring the World of Potion Permit
In a nutshell, Potion Permit offers a laid-back adventure for those seeking an escape from traditional action games. The engaging characters and their interactions through events are sure to captivate players right from the start. The gameplay incorporates enjoyable mini-games, but it’s worth noting the presence of grinding, especially in the latter areas. Unfortunately, the game currently suffers from some bugs, so potential players should approach with caution. However, the nature of such games allows for the possibility of expanding content with new areas to explore, which holds great promise for the future of Potion Permit.
In my opinion, Potion Permit provides a delightful and relaxing gaming experience, and with the potential for future improvements, it holds the promise of becoming even more captivating over time.
