Merchant 64

I always hesitate to leave negative reviews on small games unless I have something constructive to say. Additionally I believe I bought this game for about $1. However, trying to play this on my Steamdeck was nearly impossible. Confusing UI with very little visual feedback to the point where I didn't know if I didn't even know if i was selecting something. It might be less perplexing with a mouse, but I bought the game because it preported to be playable with a controller. Once I realized how long it would take to get to the second area in the game, aka the area where you can finally start comparing the different prices (the main point of the game) I gave up. The visual style is charming but ultimately this feels more like a prototype that needs much more time in the oven.

The game works fine, there's just no point where the games takes off and gets "really good." Feels like a polished student project. You essentially work up from nothing selling copper for $2 max. You try to buy it up from people who are selling it for $1, or look in trash cans. Then you unlock silver which ranges from$3-8, buy low sell high, and then unlock gold which is 9-15. There's no point where the game feels fun and is building towards something. There's a sparse amount of sound effects and like one main loop of a song that is generic. I'd recommend it to support indie devs, but it's kinda whatever. It's one of those games where once you get the main gameplay loop down you realize, "yeah I'm kinda tapped, I could finish the game but I just don't care."

Developed and published by SuitNtie, Merchant 64 is a nostalgic indie adventure that successfully combines retro-inspired presentation with a light merchant simulation. Rather than pursuing the complexity of a traditional economic simulator or role-playing game, it embraces a focused design built around trading, exploration, and gradual progression. The result is a relaxing experience that captures the charm of classic Nintendo 64-era games while introducing a satisfying gameplay loop centered on buying low, selling high, and steadily expanding your success as a traveling merchant. Its compact scope works in its favor, delivering an adventure that feels complete without becoming unnecessarily drawn out. The heart of the game revolves around its straightforward trading system. Players travel between different settlements, purchasing goods where prices are low before transporting them to locations where demand creates higher profits. Although the mechanics are intentionally simple, they remain consistently rewarding because every successful transaction contributes toward future upgrades and better opportunities. There is enough strategy involved to encourage careful planning, yet th…

Honestly, I agree with most of the negative reviews on here. There is not much to do in this game. The thing is... I don't really care. I'm pretty easily captured by stuff like this. It's simple and it's CUTE! and kind of creepy? in a way that is hard to explain but honestly, was pretty neat to experience. I had some fun walking around for about 2 hours, doing some mindless work. Overall, just a really charming little thing. also the freaking music. waow.

If you're not a fan of slower paced grindy game I wouldn't recommend, BUT I LOVED this and trying to get all the endings is so fun!! The first time playing I thought I was gonna hate this game for being tedious, but wow I really enjoyed every interaction the further along I got! and its got replay ability if you like these kinds of games

Recommended with a warning: The game does the "you can't go back once reaching the last area" bit, but for absolutely no reason. There's nothing there (besides the endings), your save just gets stuck. Otherwise it has great N64 vibes, very simple gameplay and fun while it lasts.