Be the ultimate blacksmith
Blacksmith Master, developed by Untitled Studio and published by Hooded Horse, is a simulation and management game. Step into the shoes of a medieval smithy owner, overseeing the entire production chain, from the raw harvesting of ores and timber, to crafting and sale of finished goods to the town’s paying customers.
In Blacksmith Master, the ultimate goal is simple: transform a humble workshop into a thriving enterprise and earn the coveted title of “blacksmithing master”. You are responsible for establishing distant woodcutter camps and mines to secure raw materials. It also features the ability to hire staff to streamline your production.
A forge of your own
A key element in Blacksmith Master is staff management. You must find and hire skilled workers for various roles, from miners and woodcutters to dedicated smiths. Equipping them with the right tools and investing in their training allows for specialization or generalization, impacting efficiency and output. Decisions regarding worker welfare, such as providing rest stations at remote outposts, present a moral and economic dilemma: prioritizing profits or employee well-being.
The workshop itself is a canvas for optimization and personalization, as you can design your shop layout for better manufacturing flow. Additionally, fulfilling orders from across the kingdom unlocks new skills and product designs, continuously expanding the business's reach. Whether you prefer direct, hands-on crafting or delegating tasks to your staff, the game offers multiple approaches to item production, from simple tools to complex military equipment.
Technical-wise, it has an enjoyable gameplay loop, and appealing medieval aesthetic. The progression is satisfying as well, so are the controls. However, some players will dislike it for its casual approach, rather than a deep strategy title. The end-game balance and the comparative lack of content compared to more mature games in the genre is also noticeable. Despite these, the developer’s responsiveness to community feedback are highly commended, promising future improvements.
Offers nothing new to the genre, yet still great
Blacksmith Master successfully created a medieval smithy management simulation with such boldness regarding its approach, setting, aesthetics, and the overall experience of it. While praised for its polish and developer support, its casual approach and current content limitations may not satisfy those seeking a deeper, more challenging strategy experience. Still, it’s worth a try if you’re the type of gamer who will enjoy this.
