Operator (2020)

Developer: 30 Matches
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Simulation, Strategy, Early Access
Rating: 4.5 of 5, 33 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 17 minutes
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this

How it feels

A calm, methodical puzzle of managing passenger flow with pause planning and gradual escalation.

minimalistrelaxingstrategicmethodicalincrementallight puzzletimedtactical

What players say

Players compare it to Mini Metro but with elevator management. Many say it starts relaxing but becomes too easy after upgrades stack, and the game has been abandoned with no updates since its early access launch.

Screenshots

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.