Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk is an idle sim that lets you take on the role of vending machine owner! You’ll be responsible for transforming alleys, alcoves, and spaces into a little convenience paradise for the thirsty and hungry passersby. 

There are several different machines that have different slots to choose from and a few decorations to set up a cozy little spot for your patrons to sit and rest while they enjoy their newly acquired snacks. It’ll be your responsibility to manage the upkeep as well as your inventory to ensure that slots rarely go empty.

We played the demo a while back and really enjoyed the process, so I knew that I had to get my hands on the next iteration. Right now, it’s in early access, so there’s not too much difference in terms of gameplay. However, we do get to enjoy new areas to set up machines as well as staff!

At the moment, you can only hire employees to clean. Later, you can assign them tasks like managing inventory and repairing machines. At this moment, the machines don’t break, so it’s fine that you can’t assign that task yet. I’m looking forward to the stock management. 

For now, the machines empty out slowly enough that I can leave for a bit and come back, but once that opens, you’ll have the ability to idle far longer if you take the time to backorder a ton of stock.

I know there’s a roadmap coming of features to be on the lookout for, but that hasn’t been announced just yet. What I can report, however, is that the next update, coming in just a week, will add a staff responsibility. So, we’ll be able to look forward to repairs or stocking options to assign. 

Please, I’m the most forgetful person, let it be stocking!

Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk
Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk

Since we can’t look too far ahead, let’s focus on what we can manage now. Aside from managing stock and keeping the machine filled and tidy, you can decorate your little space to not only make it look nicer but to improve the overall vibe. A better vibe means more customers and better ratings. 

Honestly, I find the decorations to be a little lacking, but I’m sure the team will add more decorations; they’ve already added a bit more in the latest update by adding new items to the gachapon machine. 

Every little space will give you the ability to place down a “reward machine” that will give you either money or special items over time. These rewards were previously just interesting gnome statues, but stone lanterns, frog statues, and cat statues have been added to the roster to further individualize your space.

And, speaking of unique interests, the machines themselves can be customized. You can decorate a machine to your exacting specifications, or you can check the community offerings. I was able to get the cutest Sailor Moon and My Neighbor Totoro machines that others created. 

As you play, you’ll enjoy some lo-fi beats to help you further cozy down as your game idles. Or, if you feel like playing actively, you have the ability to speed up time by double or triple. If you’ve ever played The Sims games, you’ll be very familiar with zooming time along. This makes your idle game much more active, so you can choose the playstyle that best serves you in the moment.

Lastly, there are brand deals that you can take part in. All of the confections that you sell are part of a larger brand. Every so often, you’ll get promotional challenges to sell a certain number of items from that brand in an allotted time. By doing so, you’ll be rewarded with money and fall into good graces with that brand. Eventually, you’ll have added perks like a discount on buying wholesale for brands that you have a good relationship with, among other advantages. 

Watch the trailer for Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk!

Right now, things are fairly chill and relaxed, which is great since that’s the vibe Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk is going for. Whether you want to set and forget it or watch each purchase as it happens, you’ve got the freedom to play your way.

I’m expecting a lot more upgrades during the early access phase, and I expect that by the time Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk is ready for full release, we’ll have a lot more features to play with.

If you’d like to try Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk for yourself, you can get it for $11.99 normally or for 10% off until June 21st, making it $10.79 until then.

If this isn’t your cup of tea, you can check out some of the other reviews that I’ve done. Idle Waters is another idle sim that lets you play a little tanuki that catches fish, treasures, and helps NPCs. And Camper Van: Make it Home is an Unpacking-esque game where you decorate a small living space to make it your own.