Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop

Though its expressive fix-'em-up modules and its detailed manual made us want to love the game, we left Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop feeling frustrated, having been beaten down repeatedly by punishing, sadistic mechanics and unfriendly controls. It's not a great sign when you come away from a roguelite not thinking "One more go," but rather, "Please, no more."

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop is a especially satisfying routine game that emulates the best bits of furniture building and tech troubleshooting to provide a roguelike you'll feel is worth mastering. It's silly but narratively dense. It's randomized but always feels intentional in its design. And I just can't stop thinking about Wilbur and his weird batch of rocket ship pals. If you're the type to greedily clap your hands together at the sight of a hefty manual, then a gig at Uncle Chop's is for you.

It’s fun and knowing, and it’ll put a smile on your face while giving you something to think about, which is what good comedy is all about.

Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop has a lot going for it, but I think a lot of your enjoyment will be based on how or where you play it.

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop is a simulative roguelite as ambitious as it is original, perhaps a little too brutal for its own learning curve but packed with quality content to offer. Recommended on handheld systems (Switch, Steam Deck).

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop is a title that manages to skillfully blend humor, strategy, and roguelike mechanics, providing a fresh and engaging gaming experience. Its ability to keep the tension high through increasing economic progression and the learning element tied to the instruction manual adds depth and variety to the gameplay. The attention to detail in the visual design and the quality of the Italian adaptation further contribute to making the game a truly unique experience. I honestly think it is one of the most worthwhile titles I have tried in many years, so I can't help but highly recommend it to anyone.

A rather original approach to Roguelite with a friendly and fun design. In its normal mode there is a stress that could be part of the game if it wasn't compounded by the problem of the controller controls.

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop is a great game with fun mechanics, a cool art style, and humor that complements all of them. It's not something that you should play if you are short on time and don't have patience, but I would recommend it if you are free and want to dive into the world of puzzles with indie-type art.

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop is the perfect blend of a comedic story being told with fun mechanics. Fixing every ship is suitably challenging, although the time limits do make it very difficult if you play the frantic mode before the focused one. The sound and art are nothing but assets to a game. Beard Envy Games have come out with a true hit and are one to keep an eye on for future projects.

Roguelites usually frustrate me, but I’ve never once wanted to rage quit Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop. Whether it’s the fact that I’m armed with new knowledge, I’ve got new perks to push me further, or it’s just that Droose has gently encouraged me to keep going, I can’t stop playing Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop. I want to find all its secrets and once, just once, manage a perfect run. I’ll probably have to finally figure out what to do about exploding nuclear reactors first, though.