Join Rusty in Rusty's Retirement
Discovering the joy of having an idle game running in the background was a delightful experience, especially since this Steam title is compatible with both Mac and PC. No longer needing to prop up my Steam Deck next to my computer, I can now watch Rusty tend to his farm while I work.
Starting the game, you’re met with humble beginnings. The various farms only become available after Rusty has worked through a few of his retirement days, leaving you initially with a simple setup. This simplicity is a blessing, particularly when multitasking (though I often get sidetracked by minor side quests).
While I’ve enjoyed collecting unique creatures in other games, watching a farm thrive at the bottom of my screen provided a different kind of satisfaction. The intense gratification of powering the Biofuel machine to upgrade my farm was surprising. Despite being at my desk, I found joy in hoeing the land, sowing seeds, and growing crops, blissfully unaware of the outside world.
"Get 'ya dibber out!"
As you progress, more options to enhance your farm become available. The game encourages a leisurely pace rather than rushing, as Rusty is designed for relaxed farming, assisted by bots that help with harvesting. This focus on simplicity extends to the narrative, or lack thereof, which I found refreshing. Instead of grinding to meet NPC demands, I could work towards greater efficiency at my own pace.
One standout aspect of Rusty's Retirement is its scope. There’s always something requiring attention, ensuring long-term engagement. The well-planned longevity reassures cautious gamers, inviting them to dive in and don their virtual overalls.
The ambiance is another highlight, with soothing sounds of country life and gentle background music. You can mute the SFX and play your own playlist, with lofi beats or folk music complementing the relaxed gameplay perfectly.
However, the game’s compact interface is a minor issue. Its design, intended to coexist with your other desktop activities, makes it feel cramped. The user interface, though functional, lacks finesse due to this compactness. Navigation isn’t a nightmare, but it could be more user-friendly if given more space.
Rusty's Retirement excels in its simplicity. It transforms a basic concept into an enjoyable experience, showcasing the unique appeal of indie games. Major publishers might overlook such a low-participation activity, but for cozy gamers and dreamers who want a farm at their fingertips, it delivers everything needed.