Some Demos I've been playing... (part 1)

Retro Rewind - Video Store Simulator

by Blood Pact Studios

Steam Page 

Available: 17 Mar, 2026

When I came across Retro Rewind - Video Store Simulator on Steam I had to download the demo for two main reasons: first because I've been playing a lot of store sim games recently and second because I used to love my local video store where I first rented movies like Hellraiser and Poltergeist in the early 90s. A blast from the past, why not?

As a good demo that this is, the first screen welcomes the player to share gameplay and feedback, which is exactly what I am doing right now. 

The opening screen features the cover of one of the movies from the game and it changes every time.

The Devil's Robot was the first one to show up for me and of course I love it because it is a horror movie with robots. Right up my alley, I would totally rent this movie. 

 I also appreciate the roadmap and the updates list, very important not only for the dev team organization, but also for players who are interested in the tech aspects of how to craft a quality game. 

Two positive features right off the bat here!

When the game starts, the introduction is pretty short and straightforward, which I think it's great because that's exactly what someone who plays these kind games (ME) want: ACTION! Even when the action means building and decorating a store, filling up stocks and storage shelves and so on... 😎

The game starts outdoors, the player facing the video store and a few (ugly) NPCs around.

The always helpful controller/movement tutorial is the first thing you do, which is great and also the early todo missions are also very good to get a grip of the game. 

Excellent start, even though the NPCs are ugly as hell.

(She's creeping me out ngl)

Inside the building there are three rooms, the first one the store itself which is empty right now and comes painted in this blue color. 

I honestly like the design a lot. The amount of details, the old equipment that scream 1990s... all on point.  

One thing well executed in terms of game design: there are quite a few equipment, like the soda and popcorn machines for example, that are locked now but can be unlocked as the game progresses. Great use of teasers/rewards to keep players engaged. (It worked with me!)

Now, onto the office where our next mission, the catalog, is. Another very well designed level. I love the art, it is cute, homey and very colorful, like the 90s were.

Here there are also tons of teasers that can really sparkle our curiosity on how the game will develop.

Equipment, furniture, decor and other style related purchases are made through the catalog

Nice PC

Helpful and fun, a good guide to the day and what awaits you for the rest of the season. Very strategic and good gameplay here.

The game progress is displayed in this board inside the office. Another good feature.

 

Moving to the back of the building, the storage area is where the deliveries are made, both for furniture and video tapes. The place is also charming (for a storage area ) and I like how the punch clock works as a save point. Nice touch!

The deliveries come through this area

The video tapes are delivered here (yay I got The Devil's Robot!!)

and another workday was saved!

After purchasing some shelves, it's time to place them in the store and decorate them.

There are two "building" tools: Move and Design. You can apply your changes to the shelves, but also to the store itself (counter, walls, etc)

Who doesn't love to decorate?

By default the shelves get the Mixed tags.

As you place the video tapes, the shelves are tagged with the genre of the movies in there. 

Without skipping any steps, the next one is to purchase the video tapes. The fist and more conventional way of doing it is through your office computer. 

There are a few possibilities here: 

The new releases 

The market for used and bundles

the pirate alternative (SKU search)

There are also other shady methods of snatching some really good tapes... (but for that you'll have to go and play the game - no spoilers 😎)

Once everything is ready, you can hand out some fliers and open the store!

I'm starting to think the NPCs are cute lol what's wrong with me

Another extremely necessary part of every sim game like that... at the end of each day, you get a summary with some data of how your business went. 

✋I have a suggestion here! Not sure if it is TMI, but in this summary I would add the breakdown for each genre/type of movie. As a data addicted person, I was really curious to see what kind of movie customers were renting the most.

To sum up... I really like the game.

It is fun, cozy and kept me entertained for +2h.

I enjoyed how detailed and cute the game is and how the gameplay rolls out.

Can't wait for the full release!

Wishlisted? Hell yea!

P.S.:

A tape rewinder! I've always wanted to use one of those IRL.