Underplayed Gems

ShantyTown (2026)

ShantyTown cover
Developer
Erik Rempen
Publisher
Kinephantom Games
Platforms
Windows, macOS
Genres
Casual, Indie, Simulation
Rating
4.9 of 5, 415 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 9.6 hours
Where to get it
Steam

More by Erik Rempen

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.

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How it feels

A gentle, low-pressure sandbox where you build and manage a small shantytown at your own pace.

casualrelaxingsimulationcozylow-stakessandboxbuilding

What players say

Players praise ShantyTown as a cozy builder that balances guided puzzles with freeform creativity. Many wish the campaign were longer and request more challenge maps. A few note clunky controls and minor camera bugs, but overall it is described as a relaxing and satisfying experience.

Screenshots

ShantyTown screenshot 1ShantyTown screenshot 2ShantyTown screenshot 3ShantyTown screenshot 4ShantyTown screenshot 5

More games like this

More by Erik Rempen

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.