Exotica is a simulation game where you run an exotic pet shop in the city.
Players can design and manage their own exotic pet shop, laying out the store and decorating it to their liking. The simulation mechanics allow them to breed different animal species, unlocking new creatures and better equipment as they level up. This progression system provides a sense of achievement, as players work towards obtaining rare animals that are in high demand.
The game features an open-world setting, enabling players to engage in various activities beyond running the pet shop, such as visiting a nightclub, participating in gambling, and accessing a black market. This diversification of revenue streams helps prevent the gameplay from feeling repetitive.
Reviewers have highlighted several quality of life features that enhance the overall experience, including the ability to snap furniture placements during renovations and the game's stability, with no reports of crashes or save file corruption.
While the game is described as "chill" and "relaxing," it still presents meaningful challenges, such as managing inventory, paying bills and debts, and dealing with staff issues. Players must carefully balance these tasks to ensure their pet shop's success and profitability.
However, some areas for improvement have been identified, such as the need for more varied decorations and animal housing options, the ability to breed for different colors and morphs, and the implementation of an endgame money sink. Reviewers have also mentioned minor bugs and issues with staff management that could be addressed by the developers.