This game exceeded my expectations in every way. I admittedly didn't expect much of this gem of a game which has been egregiously underappreciated. I saw some criticisms I was concerned with and waited a long time before picking it up.

Every time I thought I had found the end of this game, it gave me more.

One of the biggest criticisms that worried me before going into the game was people griping about the lack of a map. I would counter by saying the lack of a map is in its own way compelling. I became familiar with the map by my ability to take control of it, in various ways that I don't want to spoil. As I began to feel comfortable with the map, its borders grew. Each border growth was interesting and made me want to continue playing. Both because of the newly introduced game mechanics and the story itself.

Other people have complained about the upkeep system. Quite simply, that's part of running a business. And the ways in which the story gets you to take on debt is often entertaining.

Another aspect in which I underestimated this game was in the capacity to run your business empire. I thought it was just going to be me restocking a storefront over and over again. It is much more than that. Again, I don't necessarily want to spoil it, because part of what made this game so memorable for me was the process of discovering it.

I can't speak much to the newer roguelike type gamemode that was added.

I completed my first playthrough of this game over a year ago; I still think about this game and its creator on a weekly basis. I am eagerly anticipating Oil Town, the creator's follow-up game. Before I had even finished the game I convinced two of my friends to get it and play through it with me.

All of that said, if this review convinces you to get the game and you see my favorite boy, Tinto, treat him well for me :)