If there are three things I love in this world, it’s beer, video games, and some other third thing. Most of my friends know me as a beer snob. So I jumped at the chance to march around some monks to show the world the prowess of my brewing skill. Armed with overconfidence I began brewing my first batch. Spoiler: I suck at it. Churphy’s Light Ale only scored a measly 3 on the rating scale. Essentially I created the medieval version of Bud Light. However, the quality didn’t stop the next town from consuming it like water. I was not dejected by this palsy first beer I created. However, it inspired me. I know I can create a beer worthy of being the spotlight beer at the town’s next hootenanny!
Niche management sims are a dime a dozen on Steam these days. But never have I encountered one that is so esoteric and fits what I want in a game so perfectly. Ale Abbey is developed by Hammers & Ravens and published by Shiro Unlimited. From the Steam Store description: ” Build and expand your monastery, craft recipes and brew holy ales in this unique brewery tycoon. No pre-made recipes in Ale Abbey, oh no. It’s a canvas for true beer alchemists. It’s as simple as: brew, sip, repeat. Welcome to Ale Abbey!”
When I download demos on Steam, I usually don’t play them for very long as I know quickly if I will be buying the game or not. With this one though, I blinked and 45 minutes had gone by. The tutorial is quick, succinct, and does a great job of getting you right into the action without barraging you with text boxes. The developers have done a great job of keeping the UI clean and making it easy to find what you need. One tutorial was to build a cellar and then build a storage barrel. First, you have to research the cellar, then you can build it. All this is laid out on the left side of the screen at all times. But not in an intrusive way, so that you can figure out the process for yourself.
Admittedly, I found the mechanics of creating brew recipes to be challenging. But in a good way. You have to balance the ingredients in a way that hopefully results in a quality beer. There are different styles to choose from: light, blonde, old ale, etc. Each has its own unique ingredients, but all require yeast and malt. Balancing the ingredients is what decides the quality of your beer. After you’ve decided on a recipe, you can command your monks to start the brewing process. At the end of the process, you’ll be told the quality of your beer. If it’s low? Back to the ole drawing board. Regardless of quality, you will be able to sell it.
This starts another mechanic that I cannot wait to see expanded on in the full game. Once you have a batch ready, you can store it or sell it. Multiple towns around the map are eagerly awaiting your shipments. Balancing costs along with shipping costs while trying to maintain maximum profit will keep your hands full. Along the way, towns can issue specific contracts or requests. One for example asking for 90 liters of Blonde Ale of at least 14 quality ranking. Doing these tasks rewards you extra money needed for….you guessed it. Brewing even more beer.
My Friday tradition every week is I work at a brewery a couple blocks from my house in the afternoon, shoutout to Fireforge Brewery. And now, I can finally craft my own beer while enjoying a craft beer. I just hope Fireforge Brewery doesn’t let me anywhere near the creation process. Otherwise, Churphy’s Light Ale will have them named the worst brewery in town!
Ale Abbey is listed as releasing on Steam in 2024. I’ll be there day one! You can Wishlist the game and download the demo from the Steam page.
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