I recently spent time with Trash Goblin, a fun shopkeeping game from Spilt Milk Studios Ltd, and it proved to be a charming experience. It may not be a speedrunner’s usual playground, but it offers plenty of chances for strategy and efficiency. Although my speedrun background usually makes me look for fast-paced challenges and complex mechanics, Trash Goblin’s slower pace was a pleasant surprise that rewarded careful planning and execution.
Overall Impression
Trash Goblin hits a great balance between calm and engaging play. Its friendly design and cozy feel invite you to clean up odd trinkets and then upcycle them for a cast of quirky customers. Unlike larger simulation games with long, winding stories, Trash Goblin sticks to a simple but engaging cycle. I liked that there was no time pressure, which let me test out different strategies without a constant countdown. This game lets you set your own speed. Even as someone who loves precision and fast runs, I found it easy to plan short sessions. The clear start and stop points made it simple to switch back to real-life tasks.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core loop in Trash Goblin is to clean mysterious objects, uncover hidden treasures, and then upgrade your shop. This cycle feels both routine and deeply satisfying. Scraping away grime has a calm, almost meditative vibe. I can see dedicated players enjoying the rhythm of cleaning, upgrading, and selling. On the other hand, like many speedrunners who find overly repetitive tasks dull, I did notice the mechanics can wear thin after a while. The chiselling in particular grew tedious over long play. One reviewer pointed out that cleaning the same mystery objects over and over can feel stale unless you mix in other goals, despite the overall charm.
Story and Characters
Trash Goblin doesn’t have a sweeping plot, but it does weave in playful storytelling. Instead of a deep story, the game uses character interactions and small world details to hold it together. The customers who visit your shop are bright and varied, each with their own quirks. These characters add life to the simple loop of collecting, cleaning, and selling. Their little jokes and surprises remind you why cozy sims remain so popular. The straightforward story was a plus for me; it let me focus on mastering the loop while still feeling part of the game’s world.
Visuals and Graphics
Visually, Trash Goblin does a great job of creating a warm, welcoming shop. Spilt Milk Studios clearly put effort into the art. The graphics are clear and attractive, with bright colors that match the game’s quirky style. Every part of the shop and each item waiting to be restored has its own charm. Since the gameplay hinges on a single loop, the clear visuals help players—and speedrunners like me—spot areas to improve. Whether you’re planning your next upgrade or focusing on a cleaning run, it’s easy to see what to tweak.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack and sound effects in Trash Goblin work well together. Gentle music and light ambient sounds create a soothing backdrop for the slow-paced gameplay. I found that the audio helped keep me focused, much like timing cues in a speedrun. Every tap of the chisel and each successful clean feels rewarding thanks to crisp sound design. The developers also added accessibility options—like alternative controls to reduce repetitive clicking—which is a thoughtful touch that makes the game easier for more players.
Difficulty
Trash Goblin offers a gentle challenge, perfect for a relaxing break. It doesn’t have the high-stakes maneuvers I usually chase in a speedrun, but it does let you set personal goals and work on shop efficiency. The simple design means you can jump in, make steady progress, and then step away without losing your place. This is a nice change from games that force marathon sessions. For those who like to squeeze out every bit of efficiency, you can set timers for tasks or compare your daily output against past runs for a self-made challenge.
Player Experience
While Trash Goblin is mostly smooth, it isn’t without small flaws. Some players have seen minor bugs—one caused the shop’s stash book to lock up, blocking certain features for a bit. These glitches aren’t common or game-breaking, but they can interrupt the flow. Based on user feedback and my own time with the game, the developers tend to fix these issues quickly. It’s clear the game is growing, with regular updates to polish the core loop.
Replayability
There’s good replay value for anyone who enjoys a slow, steady pace. Speedrunners can find fun in setting their own limits—trying to beat their best times or run cleaner shop cycles. Although the game isn’t about big risks, it lets you mix calm play with a tactical push for improvement. It stands out from titles like Powerwash Simulator or Supermarket Simulator by blending relaxation with a strategic edge.
Conclusion
Trash Goblin is a heartwarming and cleverly constructed simulation that brings together the best aspects of cozy gameplay and strategic planning. While it may lack the adrenaline-pumping intensity I usually crave, it nonetheless gives players—speedrunners included—a unique opportunity to engage with a gentle yet purposeful loop. The game’s inviting visuals, pleasant soundscape, and approachable mechanics are major strengths. However, its repetitive elements and occasional technical hiccups suggest there is still room for refinement. Overall, Trash Goblin earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. With its early access nature and promising foundation, it is a title that I look forward to revisiting and mastering as new updates roll out.
