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Over the Counter

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2022

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Quick resume

A pharmaceutical business management game.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Simulator, Strategy

Pros

  • Free to play
  • Challenging and strategic gameplay
  • Good replayability
  • Well-optimized and runs on low-end systems
  • Humorous and cynical take on pharma industry

Cons

  • High rng impact leading to frustration
  • Steep difficulty curve
  • Repetitive gameplay after multiple runs
  • Lack of detailed tutorials or guides
  • Limited customization and story depth

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players manage multiple departments and make strategic decisions about hiring, firing, upgrading, and product development, indicating high control over actions."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game is challenging with a steep learning curve, requiring skillful management and strategy to overcome RNG and financial difficulties."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progress and survival rather than direct competition or leaderboards; no evidence of ranked or PvP modes."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report repeated playthroughs and attempts to win despite difficulty, indicating a desire to keep playing and improve."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player management game with no multiplayer or cooperative elements mentioned."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Some customization in strategy and drug development choices, but limited creative expression like naming drugs or deep customization."

  • Domination
    -4

    "No evidence of exerting control over other players; interactions are with game systems rather than social dominance."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a challenging distraction and stress relief, enjoying the cynical and humorous take on pharma business."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and challenge, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different strategies and tactics to overcome RNG and difficulty, experimenting with hiring and production approaches."

  • Exploration
    -2

    "Game is focused on managing known systems and strategies rather than discovering new areas or secrets."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited cosmetic customization; some desire expressed for naming drugs but mostly standardized presentation."

  • Fantasy
    1

    "Game presents a satirical, exaggerated version of pharmaceutical business with fictional elements like cartel involvement."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; gameplay is solitary."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn and develop strategies over multiple runs, improving skills and understanding of game mechanics."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay; sedentary management simulation."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active management and attention, with pause function used for planning; not a casual idle game."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or social interaction."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead and manage teams of scientists, lawyers, marketers, and HR, making key decisions and directing operations."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate upgrades, improve staff, and develop better drugs to progress through the game."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Game is challenging and tense due to RNG and financial pressure, causing stress rather than relaxation."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Simple graphics and sound provide moderate sensory stimulation; some players appreciate the presentation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal and not publicly visible."

  • Story
    -3

    "Minimal narrative; some events and flavor text add context but no deep story immersion."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around strategic planning, resource management, and adapting to random events."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Players experience suspense and tension from lawsuits, RNG events, and financial risks."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for being free with substantial content and replayability, offering great value for time invested."

  • Violence
    -4

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay focuses on management and business operations."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must avoid bankruptcy and manage threats like lawsuits and expenses to survive and succeed."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026