In the Steam Next Fest demo for Ale Abbey, my favorite aspect was being referred to as “your Maltiness,” which reflects the overall charm of the game. This upcoming tycoon game sets itself apart by placing players in charge of a brewery run by Catholic monks. Upon entering the monastery, players are greeted by the bishop, who outlines the mission of expanding the brewery to become the most popular in the region.
The game begins with a series of tutorials that guide you through the essential steps of establishing your brewing business, starting from setting up your workspace to crafting your first ale recipe.
Initially, players are limited to brewing just one type of light ale. However, as you progress, the game offers the opportunity to brew over 20 different European ale styles, each of which can be customized with various optional ingredients for unique characteristics.
Additionally, players must strategically manage aspects such as pricing, production quantity, quality, and even the mash temperature to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain the monastery’s financial health. Timing becomes crucial as players decide whether to ship their brews directly to market or store them for aging, adding another layer of strategy to the gameplay.
While the demo provides a limited experience, it’s clear that Ale Abbey doesn’t aim to revolutionize the business simulation genre. Instead, it excels in what it sets out to do. The art style is charming, with adorable animations that enhance the overall experience. The simulation mechanics are intricate yet user-friendly, and the writing is genuinely humorous, providing a delightful atmosphere for players. The memorable phrase “your Maltiness” epitomizes the game’s lighthearted approach.
During my time with the demo, I enjoyed personalizing my monastery by rearranging furniture and decorating my living space while the monks busily worked on brewing. Although my initial batches of beer were subpar, I strategically priced them lower to maintain customer satisfaction. As I invested in the Research skill tree and learned from my brewing mishaps, I began to build a successful ale operation, showcasing the game’s rewarding progression system.
One of the standout features of Ale Abbey is its endearing representation of Catholic monastic life. The game strikes a playful yet respectful tone, with characters that move energetically through the monastery, accompanied by whimsical music reminiscent of classic Ultima games.
In contrast to many games that explore darker themes, especially around Halloween, Ale Abbey serves as a refreshing and light-hearted alternative. I wholeheartedly recommend this charming game to anyone looking for a delightful gaming experience.
