When I started playing Workshop Simulator by Reddeer Games I expected to get a relaxing game about tinkering in your workshop. I didn't expect a visit from my grandpa's ghost. But that's essentially what happened. Grandpa used to make things from wood and nails when I was a young boy. And Workshop Simulator let me get a glimpse into what that must have been like. The opening cinematic of a young boy asking his grandfather to fix his wooden airplane is spot on. It sets the tone for the whole game.

Fixin' Stuff

The game really starts when “you” have grown up and are watching over your grandparents' home. Everything is pretty run down so you start by doing odd jobs around the property, like repairing the mailbox. And you start taking jobs from people who need their old key holder fixed up. They mail you the thing they need to be worked on, you take it into your shop and work your magic and then mail it off to them. You can walk the property and explore the house but most of the game takes place inside the workshop. Fixin' stuff.

Take It Apart, Then Put It Back Together

Every job follows the same basic workflow. Take it apart. Clean the parts. Paint them. Then put them back together. Here's a pro tip, when removing the nails or screws you can hold Alt to highlight ones you may have missed. A feature they probably don't have in real life.

Progress, In An Old Timey Way

In the beginning, you have to do everything the slow way. Like painting with a brush. But after you've done enough jobs and saved up enough money Workshop Simulator lets you buy bigger equipment. Like an airbrushing machine. That gives you a nice sense of progression. The game is a super chill experience, but it's nice to get paid for your work and upgrade the shop.

It's Cozy

This game has been described by others as “cozy”. And that really is the best word for it. This is about relaxation. It's about calm. If you like other super chill simulation games, like maybe Lawn Mowing Simulator, then Workshop Simulator is for you.