Minami Lane Review (eekz)
Created by two developers in six months, Minami Lane is a super-casual street management game with cute 2D graphics, easy mechanics, and the option to play "Missions" or in Sandbox mode.
Gameplay
While the five missions give you more specific goals, your general objective is always the same: build up your street by increasing your population, and boost their satisfaction by selling things they want at prices they like during the day. Each day plays in two phases:
1. Preparation. After a random event mixes things up, you can add one new building, upgrade existing buildings, or switch up shop inventories. There are (12) buildings to choose from, all with limited color and design swatches, but your options are limited by population, satisfaction, and funds.
2. Daytime. While visitors roam your street, you idly pick up trash, pet cats, and keep tabs on shop reviews.
Review
I completed the missions in ~3 hours over the course of several 20 minute lunch breaks. It's easy to pick up and put down, and was all chill vibes while it lasted; I particularly enjoyed the cats and how a random event can tank your satisfaction score.
After ~5 hours and 100% achievements, I've gotten everything I wanted from this. That said, I think cozier gamers could easily sink a dozen or so hours into sandbox mode.
Recommendation
I'd recommend Minami Lane to anyone who wishes Cats and Soup were more interactive, or just enjoys cozy vibes and idle management.
I do not recommend it if you are looking for a decorating game or even a semi-crunchy management sim.
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