Rapid City, a small town in the American Midwest, is facing a crisis. It’s not economic hardship, though that’s present, but a full-scale monster apocalypse. And the unlikely hero in this scenario? A diner owner. That’s the premise of Midwest 90: Rapid City, a new story-rich restaurant management survival game from Hidden Chest Studios, with publishing support from Rising Tide Publishing. A demo will be available as part of Steam Next Fest, offering players a taste of this unusual blend of genres.
The game, described as a “monster apocalypse restaurant simulator” by developers, tasks players with keeping a diner afloat while navigating a world overrun by creatures inspired by American folklore, including Wendigos and zombies. It’s a far cry from the typical restaurant tycoon experience. Instead of focusing solely on menu optimization and customer satisfaction, players must also contend with defending their establishment – and the town – from monstrous incursions.
Balancing Business and Base Defense
The core gameplay loop revolves around a surprisingly practical approach to the apocalypse. Monsters aren’t just threats; they’re a resource. Players can defeat these creatures, harvest their remains, and transform them into unique dishes. This isn’t a game about serving burgers and fries; it’s about crafting a menu of monster meat delicacies to attract customers and generate revenue. According to the game’s description, “Nothing is wasted in Midwest 90.”
But simply serving monster meat isn’t enough. Players must also invest in research to unlock new recipes, upgrade kitchen equipment to handle the demands of a growing (and potentially discerning) clientele, and, crucially, reinforce their defenses. The game incorporates elements of tower defense, requiring players to strategically place traps to fend off unpredictable monster attacks. This dual focus – business management and tactical defense – is central to the Midwest 90: Rapid City experience.
Narrative Choices and a Haunting Aesthetic
Beyond the gameplay mechanics, Midwest 90: Rapid City emphasizes narrative depth. The game features a branching storyline where player decisions have real consequences, impacting relationships with townspeople, overall morale, and the fate of Rapid City. Dialogue and character interactions are described as “rich, peculiar, and consequence-driven,” suggesting a focus on building a compelling and reactive world.
Visually, the game aims for a distinctive aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the early Fallout games and incorporating an “eerie orange-and-red supernatural vibe.” This stylistic choice aims to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere, reflecting the desperate circumstances of the game’s setting.
Southeast Asian Development and Publishing
The development of Midwest 90: Rapid City is notable for its origins. The game is being developed by Hidden Chest Studios, an independent studio based in Malaysia. This highlights a growing trend of game development outside of traditional hubs like North America and Europe. The game is being published by Rising Tide Publishing, a Thailand-based publisher specifically focused on supporting indie studios across Southeast Asia.
Rising Tide Publishing’s stated mission is to help Southeast Asian studios gain visibility and resources, operating under the philosophy that “a rising tide lifts all ships.” This partnership underscores a commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive game development landscape.
A Unique Blend of Genres
Midwest 90: Rapid City isn’t easily categorized. It’s not simply a restaurant simulator, a tower defense game, or a narrative adventure. It’s a combination of all three, creating a unique and potentially compelling experience. The game’s key features, as outlined by the developers, include managing menus and researching monster ingredients, defending the diner from monster attacks, and making meaningful narrative choices that shape the future of Rapid City.
The game’s premise – surviving a monster apocalypse by running a diner – is inherently intriguing. It presents a darkly humorous and unconventional take on the survival genre, forcing players to confront difficult choices and make compromises in order to survive. The combination of resource management, tactical combat, and narrative storytelling suggests a game with significant depth and replayability.
Players interested in experiencing Midwest 90: Rapid City can wishlist and download the Steam Next Fest demo on Steam. The game is also actively promoted on social media platforms including X (Twitter), Facebook, and Discord, offering players opportunities to engage with the developers and the community.
