Simulator of an 80s Japanese stock market businessman. Chill, catch a retro vibe and watch your profits grow in the text-based game STONKS-9800.
Players can research and monitor the performance of various companies, timing their buy and sell orders to maximize profits. The game captures the feeling of being a 1980s Japanese stock trader, with reviewers praising the retro aesthetic and attention to detail. Many reviewers note the satisfying and engaging nature of the stock trading mechanics. Players can employ strategies like buying low and selling high, short-selling stocks, or taking advantage of market crashes. Some have even discovered exploitative "cheese strats" like the "Pachinko Gambit" to quickly accumulate wealth. However, some players desire more depth in the stock trading, seeking additional information and tools to make more informed predictions about the market. The randomness of stock movements is also highlighted as a potential area for improvement.
The game allows players to start and manage their own companies, adding another layer of strategic depth. Players must allocate resources like R&D, marketing, dividends, and reserves to grow their business effectively. Reviewers appreciate this company management aspect, as it provides more avenues for wealth accumulation and a sense of building something beyond just trading stocks. Being able to hire staff, make strategic decisions, and watch the company grow is seen as a compelling progression in the gameplay. Some players feel the company management could be further expanded upon, with a desire for more control and customization options over the company's operations and direction.
Interspersed throughout the stock trading and company management, the game offers various minigames and activities for players to engage in, such as pachinko, horse racing, and golfing. Many reviewers highlight these diversions as a welcome break from the core gameplay loop, providing a chance to unwind and engage in more casual gameplay. The minigames are praised as well-implemented and fun in their own right. Some players even exploit certain minigames, like the pachinko machine, as a means to quickly generate large sums of money to funnel back into their stock trading and company operations.
A notable aspect of the gameplay is the emphasis on building relationships with various characters, most notably the player's assistant, Amy. Reviewers frequently praise the enjoyment of interacting with Amy and other NPCs, highlighting the characters' personalities and the way these relationships can impact the player's journey. While some feel the relationship mechanics could use more depth and meaningful impact, others appreciate the warm, almost "waifu-like" bond that can form between the player and Amy. The ability to engage in social activities with colleagues is also seen as a welcome addition, even if the implementation could use refinement. These interpersonal elements are viewed as an important complement to the game's core financial gameplay, humanizing the experience and providing a sense of context and purpose beyond just accumulating wealth.