Before Exit: Supermarket takes a simple concept and builds an unexpectedly engaging experience around it. Developed and published by Take IT Studio!, the game places players in the role of a supermarket employee finishing the final tasks of the night before being allowed to leave. Rather than focusing on fast-paced action or elaborate storytelling, it embraces the everyday realities of retail work and transforms them into a relaxing yet occasionally tense simulation. From cleaning up messes and collecting discarded items to powering down sections of the building and securing the premises, the game succeeds by finding entertainment in the ordinary.
What makes the title stand out is its ability to create an atmosphere that feels authentic. The supermarket is completely empty once the doors close, leaving players alone with their responsibilities and the ambient sounds of a large commercial space after hours. There is a peculiar satisfaction in methodically completing a checklist while wandering through quiet aisles under fluorescent lights. The game also introduces randomized objectives and small puzzle elements, ensuring that each shift requires attention instead of becoming a predictable routine. Players are encouraged to remember details, explore every corner of the store, and think carefully before declaring their work complete.
The inclusion of roguelike-inspired mechanics adds an interesting layer to the experience. Although the game does not offer the extensive progression systems commonly associated with the genre, it does use variation effectively. Tasks change between runs, forcing players to adapt and preventing the gameplay loop from becoming entirely repetitive. There are also moments of humor and light frustration, particularly when dealing with customers who refuse to leave despite closing time. These touches help give the supermarket a sense of personality and elevate what could have otherwise been a straightforward task simulator.
Visually, Before Exit: Supermarket favors practicality over spectacle. The environment is detailed enough to feel believable, and the first-person perspective enhances immersion by making each assignment feel hands-on. The game's greatest strength may be its atmosphere; despite not being marketed as a horror experience, the emptiness of the store occasionally creates an unsettling feeling. Walking through darkened aisles after shutting off the lights captures a liminal quality that many players will find memorable. Combined with subtle sound effects and the absence of crowds, the game manages to create tension without relying on jump scares or overt scares.
However, the game's limited scope may not appeal to everyone. Players seeking a lengthy campaign, extensive customization, or deep progression systems may find the experience too brief. Its repetitive nature is intentional and supports the central theme, but that same repetition can wear thin over extended sessions. Additionally, some objectives can be easy to overlook, and having to retrace steps to find a missed task may become frustrating. The challenge comes less from mechanical complexity and more from observation and patience, which means enjoyment will largely depend on whether players appreciate slower-paced experiences.
In the end, Before Exit: Supermarket succeeds because it fully commits to its unusual premise. It transforms the nightly closing routine of a retail worker into an immersive and oddly compelling adventure that blends simulation, exploration, and light puzzle-solving. While it may not have the depth or longevity of larger simulation titles, its originality and strong atmosphere help it leave a lasting impression. For players interested in niche indie experiences that turn everyday activities into memorable gameplay, this is an easy title to appreciate.
Rating: 6/10
