Book Bound Seemed Made for Us Gaming and Book Lovers

From the moment I heard about Book Bound, a cozy bookshop management sim, I was hooked. A game centered around running a bookstore? It sounded like a dream come true. But after playing, I found that while the concept was fantastic, the execution left much to be desired. Here’s my full review.

A Unique Premise That Falls Short

I went into Book Bound with reasonable expectations. Having played several shopkeeping sims, I had a general idea of what core mechanics to expect. Unfortunately, Book Bound was missing many of the standard shopkeeping features that make these types of games engaging. While books are the central theme, they often feel more like a decorative element rather than an integral part of the gameplay.

Gameplay & Progression – A Lack of Depth

One of my biggest issues with Book Bound is the lack of meaningful progression. The main goal seems to be unlocking genre-themed decor—such as fantasy-style furniture when selling fantasy books—but beyond that, there’s little incentive to keep playing. Unlike other management sims where you build a collection, expand your shop, or unlock new mechanics over time, Book Bound feels stagnant.

Personally, I prefer shopkeeping games that provide tangible goals, whether through a book collection system, a skill tree, or unlocking new features as you progress. Here, I found myself decorating just for the sake of it, which didn’t feel rewarding. If you enjoy open-ended gameplay with a strong focus on aesthetics, you may enjoy this aspect more than I did.

User Interface & Controls – Room for Improvement

Another noticeable issue was the game’s UI and controls. I played with a controller, and I frequently encountered problems with menu selections not registering properly. Additionally, the UI lacked clear visual indicators, such as highlights or borders, making it difficult to tell which options were currently selected. While this may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it could be frustrating for players who rely on clear visual cues, particularly those with accessibility needs.

Final Thoughts – Who Is This Game For?

Overall, Book Bound lacks the depth I look for in a shopkeeping sim. However, one of its strengths is that it may inspire more games in this niche genre—perhaps even better ones in the future. If you love open-ended, relaxing games with a strong emphasis on decorating, you might still find enjoyment in Book Bound. But if you’re looking for a deep and rewarding shop management experience, you may want to look elsewhere.

Would You Play Book Bound?

Have you tried Book Bound? Do you enjoy decorating-focused games, or do you prefer more structured shop sims? Share your thoughts in the comments!