Reviewing Trash Goblin proved to be an amusing journey, one that began with a simple suggestion from Dayna Eileen. Known for her keen eye for all things cute and cozy, she nudged me toward this title, and I readily agreed to take a closer look. As time passed without further mention, Dayna eventually rallied our team for the bi-monthly Indie Spotlight, emphasizing that we would be remiss not to explore this game. A gentle reminder of my initial commitment brought us to this moment.
However, Trash Goblin left me with a sense of ambivalence, reminiscent of my experience with Mika and the Witch’s Mountain. It prompted introspection about the cozy game genre and whether we should excuse these titles for straying from traditional gaming structures.
Exploring the Gameplay
At its core, Trash Goblin presents a rather minimalist narrative. Players assume the role of a goblin managing a shop, reselling items salvaged from refuse. While there are charming interactions with humans and fantastical beings who share snippets of their stories, the overarching plot is intentionally sparse. This lack of depth is not inherently problematic; a game can thrive on an intriguing setting alone, provided the gameplay remains engaging.
“Trash Goblin left me with the same conflicted feeling I had after playing Mika and the Witch’s Mountain—wondering what we really want out of cozy games.”
Indeed, the primary gameplay loop revolves around acquiring items, refurbishing them, and selling them to customers. Yet, it is within the finer details that the game begins to falter. The item discovery mechanic, for instance, introduces a block puzzle element where players chip away at obstacles to unveil hidden treasures. This includes various types of blocks, each requiring different strategies to break. However, the overall impact of this mechanic feels somewhat hollow.
The game employs a “clock” system, limiting players to six actions per in-game day. Regardless of whether players choose to discover, clean, or upcycle an item, each action consumes one move. This design choice raises questions about its necessity, as it disrupts the cozy atmosphere by imposing a rigid structure that feels counterproductive to the game’s laid-back intentions.
Questioning the Mechanics
Furthermore, the absence of meaningful management elements in the shop raises additional concerns. Customers can request items without any repercussions for delays, and players face no penalties for opting out of fulfilling requests. This begs the question: what purpose does the customer interaction serve if it lacks tangible stakes?
While players can invest in tool upgrades and expand their storage, the clutter on the worktable poses no real challenge, aside from triggering a mild sense of disorder. The time required for restoration tasks remains constant, meaning that efficiency does not translate into a more rewarding experience. Ironically, this streamlining diminishes the incentive to continue playing.
“Trash Goblin has the bones of a deeply satisfying cozy sim—it just doesn’t seem to want to be one.”
Despite these critiques, it’s essential to recognize the developers’ vision for Trash Goblin. They have crafted a game that reflects their intentions, and I commend them for that. However, the mechanics often mirror those found in more structured cozy games without serving a clear purpose.
Consider the potential of removing the clock entirely, allowing players to enjoy a straightforward brick-breaking puzzle at their leisure. Alternatively, a reimagined timer could introduce a system where larger items require more actions to clean, or where time passes based on the complexity of breaking blocks. The game could also benefit from a shift away from specific customer requests in favor of a value board with fixed prices and randomized daily item trends.
In conclusion, while Trash Goblin may not resonate with everyone, it holds promise for a segment of players. It’s entirely possible for a game to embody both coziness and satisfaction. Titles like Story of Seasons exemplify this balance, rewarding players for their efficiency and creativity. Ultimately, Trash Goblin possesses the foundation for a fulfilling experience, yet it seems to waver between embracing its simulation elements and letting them go entirely.
