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Dark Mine
Game
Game2026
Retail Hell
Developer LEAP Game Studios
Trapped in an infinite shift, you are the sole clerk of purgatory’s only convenience store. Manage stock, pay your taxes and keep nightmarish creatures at bay as you uncover the secret of why your shift never ends. Clock in. Serve the dead. Survive the shift. From the Steam store page
227 reactions from 2 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky) · newest Nov 2, 2026 · last updated Nov 4, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
94
LovedLoved
200 positive · 12 negative
95% range 90–97%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 200 | 12 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 6 | 0 | 9 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
262 of 277 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
94% recommend · 194 yes, 12 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 206 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (602 of 631 positive).
Players praise the addictive mix of horror and store management. [1][2][3] Many find the game short and want more content or difficulty. [4][5][6] Some reviewers report bugs or frustrating mechanics. [7][8][9]
Liked
Representative posts
- [7]
Was having decent fun, but hit a rage quit moment. The addition of the thief was the straw that broke the camel's back. Not just for difficulty, but for frustration. Respawn time felt high and you can get to the end of a shift just to have him come back 10 seconds after you've sprayed him and immediately steal a valuable tool in your hand. Felt ridiculous/pointless at that point.
- [1]
This game is exactly what I've been looking for! There's something almost "cozy" about the initial gameplay loop but the later, hectic gameplay keeps things fresh and intense. I sat down intending to play for half an hour and ended up playing for three. This is a strong recommendation for any horror fans, especially fans of the horror job simulator subgenre. Absolute masterpiece and everything I wanted in a game!
- [4]
Love it, so much fun, so ingenious, hell of a game! haha My only complaint is that it is short and easy. I would love if the makers add a difficulty level to the game. In my second play I made so much money, it was not a challenge anymore. Would love if they improve the game with new stories, monsters and puzzles, it has a huge potential to evolve.
- [2]
The mix of psychological horror and chaotic store management is insanely addictive. One minute you’re restocking shelves and making coffee, and the next you’re dealing with terrifying customers straight out of a nightmare while trying not to completely lose control of the store. What surprised me most is how tense the game feels without relying only on cheap jump scares. The atmosphere is incredible — the …
- [3]
I do not usually do reviews but this game deserves it and oh my god it is so much fun hahaha sure the horror aspects are cool but I love the entire idea of this game and had no issues with like booting up the game, no crashes or anything weird yet just a solid gameplay. I cannot wait to see what else this game has to offer seriously good game. If you like simulator games, time management, organizing, and some horror …
Summarised from 34 of the 221 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Retail Hell talk about unique and addictive gameplay loop; those who didn't talk about game is too short and lacks content. Which matters more to you?
Reactions
60 of 227 · most liked firstRetail Hell - serve ghoulish customers (who are often quite nice) in this convenience store management horror game! www.alphabetagamer.com/retail-hell-... gameplay video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4tW... by #gamedev @leapgamestudios.bsky.social #indiedev #gaming #indiegames
neutral · AI labelView post →I really like this game, but PLEASE change the Delete Button for game Files..... Who has the idea to put the Delete Button bottom right where often the back button is and then doesnt even ask me if i REALLY WANNA DELETE THE SAVE........... Sorry for the rant, but i was tired and deleted my file TWICE so far lmao. So yeah plis fix
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is exactly what I've been looking for! There's something almost "cozy" about the initial gameplay loop but the later, hectic gameplay keeps things fresh and intense. I sat down intending to play for half an hour and ended up playing for three. This is a strong recommendation for any horror fans, especially fans of the horror job simulator subgenre. Absolute masterpiece and everything I wanted in a game!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Very unsettling until you get settled in the uncomfortableness, and then it's just normal. Very similar to real life retail work.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Love it, so much fun, so ingenious, hell of a game! haha My only complaint is that it is short and easy. I would love if the makers add a difficulty level to the game. In my second play I made so much money, it was not a challenge anymore. Would love if they improve the game with new stories, monsters and puzzles, it has a huge potential to evolve.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's a fun game that should allow perhaps workshop mods, where players could develop even more creatures or design work weeks for it. I managed to get 3 endings so far, and Endless Mode seems like it'll be fun and a way to add longevity.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The residents pf purgatory buy lots of toilet paper… It’ll take you a few nights to get the hang of the mechanics if you’re like me, but once you get into a groove it’s very fun to complete! Multiple endings, too, so while the game has replayablity just from the mechanics you’ll also want to replay to see the other endings. Overall, really great game!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →all fun and games until you run out of soda and the Soda Man™ asks for 6 cold ones
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A charming little game that really captures that authentic flavor of working in retail. I hope the dev/s add an endless mode!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I was completely hooked from start to finish, definitely need more games like this, you run a store late at night and as the days go by everything gradually descends into chaos, what seems like a simple job at first becomes increasingly stressful and I also really liked the character designs
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The concept of a horror-based working simulator always catches my attention, so this game was right up my alley. But I’ll still try to give an honest review without any bias. This game is great, but it may not be for everyone. When it comes to working simulators, I understand that most people don’t want an extra challenge. From my experience, most working simulators aren’t that difficult (except horror-based ones). But this game puts a lot of pressure on you from different directions (time,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really good game. There are a lot of things I could say about it but I must emphasize how focus you have to be on it to survive and the break you can take when the day is over. I love the idea and the way the devs implemented it. I'm on day 8 so not sure what else this would bring, but if devs wants to do it even harder, maybe add some "challenges" to choose before a run, like a limit time to open the shop or a limit time to start the next day. Anyways, recommended!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →the customers break your window if they get impatient, do that enough times and they will eat your face. but enough about me, let me see what this game is about.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Love the game! Unique monsters, little "ADHD gameplay" but nothing casual player couldnt handle. But I hate, I HATE trypophobia lady. I have Trypophobia and poor sense of direction.. brother, she costed me so many attempts lol.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Lovely little game. Oddly satisfying, you get sucked into the zone and then it gracefully ends after you've figured it all out. Good balance of depth and length. Like others here have said, I wouldn't mind seeing a bigger sequel or expansion or something, but I can definitely recommend this for the price.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's worth exactly what I was charged, 10 dollars about. It's a low-scares, but high intensity management game. Good variety of customers and gameplay mechanics for the price. Took me 4 hours to beat the game, probably another 2 to get the other obvious endings. Negatives - Not really scary at all. - Some of the later mechanics are just tedious. The fridge breaks constantly.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The real hell is having a low-paying job that never seems to end... Retail Hell is a fun and creepy game. 100% recommended.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There's very little I can fault with this game, just minor stuff that isn't enough to disrupt anything for me, and it leaves me wanting more, which is a good thing. My favourite part of this game actually isn't the plot, the loop of earning enough to pass the next day, or the threat of death, it's the character design. I really loved getting to know the different characters, the way they talked and their shopping habits. Each character felt charming in its own right, and makes me want to run…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I do not usually do reviews but this game deserves it and oh my god it is so much fun hahaha sure the horror aspects are cool but I love the entire idea of this game and had no issues with like booting up the game, no crashes or anything weird yet just a solid gameplay. I cannot wait to see what else this game has to offer seriously good game. If you like simulator games, time management, organizing, and some horror and funny moments please get this it is absolutely worth it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Very very fun. The premise made me curious, but the gameplay and the atmosphere made this game a favourite really fast. Interactions are fun, the gameplay is streamlined, has great pace and the design atmosphere is engaging. Very enjoyable!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Initial rating: certified banger from the lads. Artwork is sick, customers are interesting and the overall concept is unique and not one I had personally seen before! Keen to spend a bit more time with this one!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Was having decent fun, but hit a rage quit moment. The addition of the thief was the straw that broke the camel's back. Not just for difficulty, but for frustration. Respawn time felt high and you can get to the end of a shift just to have him come back 10 seconds after you've sprayed him and immediately steal a valuable tool in your hand. Felt ridiculous/pointless at that point.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i really like the game and it has a special charm , the loop of the game is beautiful ,but the only thing missing is new content because the game ends pretty fast , you only need 2 to 3 hours to finish every thing the game has to offer totally recommended thoogh.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The mix of psychological horror and chaotic store management is insanely addictive. One minute you’re restocking shelves and making coffee, and the next you’re dealing with terrifying customers straight out of a nightmare while trying not to completely lose control of the store. What surprised me most is how tense the game feels without relying only on cheap jump scares. The atmosphere is incredible — the fluorescent lights, creepy audio design, and constant feeling that something is wrong make…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Without a doubt my favorite game in this "Shop Keeper" Type Setting. but the thing that i love so much i could die, is the Art Direction! the Artwork is simply INCREDIBLE! the character designs deserve to be in an Artbook! i would literally buy an Artbook of the Dev put it up as a little "thank you for supporting" Option!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🔥Retail Hell🔥has been selected as a finalist for Best Game Latin America at the Gamescom LATAM @bigfestival.bsky.social awards! We're honored and so excited for the team at @leapgamestudios.bsky.social 🙏 Check out the stream on YouTube starting in 30 minutes! www.youtube.com/live/4vhkK7l...
neutral · AI labelView post →Retail Hell - the folks at @midnighters.games clearly have an eye for unique experiences and LEAP Game Studios is putting together something special. I failed at making coffee and the customer was NOT happy with me. Give this one a look (and use mouse and keyboard for the best experience)
positive · AI labelView post →This game is veeery addictive! I love the artstyle as well and I'd love to see more customers in the future :) After a bit of time you get used to the tasks and I think that makes the game a good one for just grinding and not thinking too much
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I watched streamers play Retail Hell for about 16 hours a day all weekend and here’s the general consensus condensed down to a single sentence “Fuck this game I hate this shit what the fuck anyway that was really fun 10/10” Hell yeah
neutral · AI labelView post →The characters, world and ambience are great, the gameplay is good and the story and endings are serviceable. My only nitpicks would be that a couple after death letters don't match the enemy that kills you and, especially, that getting all the endings is too repetitive (however, it's not a must to get all of them). Overall, it's a pretty good game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Retail Hell - a cool game - is on sale for just 6 bucks rn store.steampowered.com/app/4174310/...
neutral · AI labelView post →I'm a sucker for this kind of simulation games. I really enjoyed this one, marvelous work from the devs. Totally recommending it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's okay for its price, though it is nearly impossible to play it without keyboard+mouse so be aware of that. I liked the creatures (and the different approaches we have to take against them). It's more like a mini challenge rather than a game telling a story, i wish it was the other way around but it is what it is. Better wait for a sale.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Realistic retail simulator 10/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is so good!! It feels extremely unique and is tons of fun! youtu.be/-FxylzACr64 #retailhell #conviencestorehorror #indiehorror #indiegame #horrorgame
positive · AI labelView post →Too close for comfort! #Game: Retail Hell Check out the full #stream on my #Twitch! www.twitch.tv/girlgogrr #shorts #retailhell
neutral · AI labelView post →Really good Cozy game and Billy Bob always makes me smile, this would be more fun if you get to bring a friend.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Ahh this game is SO fun! It has the coziness of a shop/management sim with the creepiness of a horror game. I like the atmosphere, the intensity at some parts, and the overall message of the game (once you get all endings). I'm also a big fan of the monster designs and the variety of different challenges that come with them. I'm normally not a fan of games with multiple endings but this game is just so fun to play that I don't mind going through the motions to get to the endings and I think you…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I streamed the entire game to my bestie on discord and it's safe to say: WE LOVED IT! After work, I'd come home and chat a bit on call before booting it up and work on getting every ending. I am super excited for more updates and additions to come to the game! Every character is unique to their design and interactions with the player! I hope the devs add a way for us to uncover more lore about every character and our MC. Would love to know more about the STALKER and HARVESTER!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Nice scares and crazy progression. Enjoy! [url=https://youtu.be/GqxLmK6d8Fs] Retail Hell [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28820007] Recommendations [url=https://www.youtube.com/@kreatorb] YouTube [url=https://www.tiktok.com/@iplaykreatorb] TikTok
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →game is basically a night shift at a hood grocery store, without the shootin, and gettin robbed by a white lil girl instead of... An armed male. needs an endless mode, besides, 10/10.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →really fun game! starts off scary but as you play, it gets less scary and more stressful. i hope to see more updates on the game like an endless mode and possibly even co-op!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →At first I was like, what is this game, how can anyone have fun with some of these mechanic, but then I beat the game and it makes sense why a game about being punished eternally in purgatory would be kinda unfun to play. I actually like most of the enemies except for the one that intentionally trigger trypophobia. I don't have the phobia but every time he appear I just roll my eyes.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →fun gameplay loop, interesting and well designed monsters, a little easy but still has difficult elements overall cheap and fun :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I had fun. they ramp up the amount of junk you have to do in a way that's not half bad. there's a chance you get killed by all sorts of events and scary stuff can happen mid workday, so points for that compared to other retail horror games. runs do go on a bit long, so getting multiple endings seems out.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An average shift at a convenience store with Mr. X as your boss, lovely.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i loved the demo, and i love this, and i would love some more added, but thats just me. also i love the key ending, finding it out was really fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You cant ask for more for 6 bucks. The game has atmosphere, different types of hellish customers so far. I'm hoping it doesn't get repetitive but I'm not expecting much and at this point, I feel it's worth the monies.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Absolutely fun and relaxing game to play, can even say it can feel cozy once you know your routine and what everyone wants. Each day is a new opportunity to die. The skull guy that demands skulls is absolutely fun, guy rocks, very fun customer, would love customers like that guy. Additionally: On DX12 for some reason, the cursor input lags really bad, this is fixed by switching to DX11 thankfully.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →How cool! Midnighters' first published game! 🤩 If you're like me - feeding your inner demons in a desperate attempt to keep them from consuming you - this game is for you! Wishlist Retail Hell on Steam... if you're not a chicken! 🐣 store.steampowered.com/app/4174310/...
positive · AI labelView post →Retail Hell is at Tokyo Game Show, booth E39! If you're heading to Chiba for the event, you can clock in for an infinte shift in purgatory’s only convenience store from today until Sept 21st.
neutral · AI labelView post →I actually do work in retail, and i can confirm that this is an accurate representation of customer service
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →this game needs a short grace time after paying for the next day. it youre doing endless the only downtime you get is at the end of your shift. games decent under 10 bucks and under 6 on sale id say try it out
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Art, sound design, addictive gameplay loop - it is a neat little game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm constantly moving and seeing this game with restocking and cursed customers make me feel overwhelmed that it feels great to be productive and give that man his TP. (Also the vent stole my key)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Loved the Game because it's relaxing for me, tried to help the beta with the Endless Mode and noticed a pretty big bug that gave extra time, made a Discord post about it in their bug Report Forum. As thanks I got my legit playthrough of endless mode with about 25000 Points taken away , one where I didn't use the Seed ID of another Player. The bugged one I stopped at 18000 because I wanted to do good without bugs and my own merit. (Taking a Seed from a friend or Kompetitor you get a time…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Saw this on youtube and decided to play it myself, honestly LOVED it!! I wish there were more levels because its just that addicting, so I'll have to try endless mode! All the different endings are SO fun to figure out, same with learning all the customers habits, etc. LOVE this game! Totally recommend, its surprisingly chill for being 'horror'
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The artwork in this game is amazing! I would 100% buy a DLC that included an artwork book. It would be nice to have some music in the background. The gameplay is fun and I like that there are multiple endings that explain a little more of the lore. Please add some DLCs for this game, like maybe adding more monsters to endless mode? Excellent game, highly recommended!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game is a gem; incredibly satisfying gameplay loop and very charming characters. The dialogue is fun and funny and even endearing in some cases. Absolutely recommended and the dev will be adding a much requested endless mode soon!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →thank you so much everyone who hung out with me last night 😭🖤 I had so much fun with Retail Hell getting as many endings as we could! it made my lil Peruana heart SO happy to see a Peruvian-made horror game! I give it a solid 4⭐️ / 5
positive · AI labelView post →
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