Star Merchant

[h1] Avoid Conglomerate 5 or get rekt. [/h1]

Star Merchant, developed by SimProse Studios and published by Conglomerate 5, is an independent space trading simulation that embraces the simplicity of classic economic and exploration games. It aims to give players the satisfaction of commanding a small starship and building a fortune through smart trading, opportunistic risk-taking, and a touch of combat. Rather than trying to overwhelm players with vast galaxies or complex politics, it keeps its focus on the fundamentals—buying low, selling high, and surviving in a procedurally generated universe that rewards patience, calculation, and persistence. It is a game that feels like a deliberate throwback to the era of early PC space sims, offering a minimalist experience where numbers, choices, and imagination drive much of the enjoyment. At its core, Star Merchant is built around the trade loop. You begin with a small ship and a modest amount of credits, venturing from one planetary system to another, looking for profitable trade opportunities. Each world has its own economy, producing and consuming different goods with fluctuating prices. The player’s challenge lies in identifying routes that maximize profit while avoiding unnece…

Trading sim that's not terribly interesting. It attempts to include multiple financial features, which is good. But many of the aspects of these are confusing, and there is not much information to go on, other than trial and error. Pirate attacks are clunky and unclear what is needed to fend them off. Results often seem random. You can transport passengers, but it's just people boarding the ship? There is no stated destination, so it appears they get on and just go to whatever planet you randomly pick next. Very odd behavior for intergalactic travelers! This could be way better. Missions and transport of goods should have more focus, less randomness. A good example of an older game that gets this aspect of trade missions right is Escape Velocity (and its sequels). This one held my attention enough for one playthrough, but it gets rather boring quickly.

Cosmic trading that turns dreams into puzzles! Every mission feels like searching for lost stars but more boring. Nothing interesting here just mysteries and disappointment.

If you play it like the only trader available the game makes sense but it is kinda buy some goods and move on till you can sell for profit. Diversify your inventory and you can't ever lose. Or at least that was my experience. Delightful lil trade game though.

[h1] …