Video Game Mini-Review: My Time At Sandrock

Developer & Publisher: Pathea Games

Genre: Simulation

Reviewed For: Nintendo Switch

Also Available On: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One

Pathea Games returns with My Time At Sandrock the sequel to the beloved My Time At Portia, bringing players into the rustic charm of a desert settlement. While it maintains the core life and farming simulation elements that fans adore, the full release expands the setting with more focus on RPG mechanics and character relationships. Despite its enhancements, the game does not mark a significant leap in graphics from its predecessor, and performance on the Switch is troubled, with issues in rendering and consistent stuttering.

The heart of My Time At Sandrock lies in its community. Players will find a wealth of characters to interact with, each bringing their own story and personality to the fore. The relationship-building aspect is a highlight, offering depth and incentive beyond the primary gameplay. Whether it’s through gift-giving or completing tasks, forming bonds with these characters feels as much a part of the game’s fabric as the building and crafting elements.

Speaking of crafting, the system remains as robust as ever, though it can feel grindy. The loop of collecting, creating, and upgrading is familiar territory for genre veterans, but the cluttered interface could benefit from streamlining. Despite this, there’s a satisfying sense of progression and customization here that makes the clutter easy to forgive.

Combat in My Time At Sandrock takes a backseat to building and crafting but offers a nice diversion from the grind. The battle system is simple yet improved, with the addition of skill trees that bring a welcome layer of strategy to encounters. It may not rival the complexity of combat-focused RPGs or even genre peers like Rune Factory, but it manages to be engaging enough.

My Time At Sandrock is a mixed bag. It’s a game that captures the essence of what made My Time At Portia appealing, yet doesn’t quite deliver the polish expected of a full release. For those seeking a character-driven builder with a solid gameplay loop, it’s still a fun choice. You will need to overlook its technical shortcomings, but My Time At Sandrock is an enjoyable addition to the life simulation genre on the Switch.