Feature
Dec 24, 2023
If you received a new Nintendo Switch from Santa or simply looking to expand your library, here are some of the cutest games should play.
Some reports show that Santa has been pretty generous this year and there is a chance that if you were hoping for a new Switch, you may have found one underneath the tree.
No matter if you are an experienced Switch owner or if you just joining the fun, here are some super cute games that you should consider adding to your games library.
From hidden gems like Little Dragons Cafe a game made by the original Harvest Moon creator, where you run your very own Cafe and raise dragons at the same time – to must haves like Animal Crossing New Horizons. Dive in and check out some of these adorable and wholesome games that are perfect for cuddly and cozy winter evenings.
Little Dragons Cafe
Little Dragons Cafe is the latest game by Yasuhiro Wada the original Harvest Moon creator. In little Dragons Cafe players choose between a boy or a girl, who are twin siblings. You will be able to gather ingredients and cook recipes in order to run your very own Cafe. Furthermore players will be able to raise a dragon. A fully grown dragon can even be used as a method of transportation to reach far away spots on the map. MORE INFO HERE
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
For those with their head in the ‘clouds’, who have not yet played or heard of Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, it is an aesthetic open-world adventure game. It was initially released for PC and PS4 on July 18th 2017. It was released for Switch on 17th May 2018.
My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia Start a new life in the enchanting town of Portia! Restore your Pa’s neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land! [steam excerpt] MORE INFO HERE
Palia
Palia is a free-to-play cozy MMO all about farming, cooking, fishing, and exploring. Immerse yourself in a beautiful new world full of interesting characters and compelling storylines. Expand your homestead and build a gorgeous home for yourself. Craft a number of different furniture and decorative items to make your home suit your tastes. You can play solo or with friends, or even party up with strangers, and play at your own pace!
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Dragon Quest Builders 2 The game combines the best from an RPG game and mixes the formula with a crafting and building game. For the first time players in Dragon Quest Builders 2 will be able to go on a journey with up to 4 players in an online multiplayer coop experience. Exploring, crafting, building and more are all part of the game and can now be enjoyed with your friends. MORE INFO HERE
Golf Story
Golf Story is an uber-cute and silly golfing simulator that combines the relaxation of golfing with the stress of crushing defeat looming in the shadows. Take pride in driving that little white ball all across the eight unique environments , cleverly designed to simultaneously inspire joy and rage! Enjoy going head-to-head with your friends in varied and select-able modes, difficulties and maps. MORE INFO HERE
Roots of Pacha
Roots of Pacha is an absolutely adorable farming and life simulation game by developer Soda Den and publisher Crytivo. You get to customize your very own character and be a member of a thriving stone age community. Discover ideas to improve the village, grow and harvest crops from seeds you find in the wild, befriend a variety of cute animals, get to know your fellow tribes mates, and much more.
Stardew Valley
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? [steam excerpt] MORE INFO HERE
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a beautiful farming sim where you cultivate crops, craft items to decorate your home with or sell, and care for adorable farm animals. Befriend a varying cast of townspeople, and even romance some of them. Plus, you even get to venture into the faerie realm, where you’ll see faeries and fantastical creatures not seen in the human realm. Even delve deep into the mines to collect resources, fight enemies, and uncover mysteries!
The Legend of Zelda Links Awakening
If you are like us, you just can’t wait to get your hands on the newly remastered version of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. The adorable graphics alone are enough to keep us on the edge of our seat, waiting to find out exactly what else is new with this awesome epic classic. With the recently released fact sheet from Nintendo, we now know just a little bit more about what to expect. Not that we needed more than the beautifully polished graphics, that is. MORE INFO HERE
The Stillness of the Wind
The Stillness of the Wind is a beautiful and unique take on the traditional and very popular farming game genre. The game focuses on Talma, an elderly woman who is spending her late days on her farmstead growing food, making cheese and tending to animals. The Stillness of the Wind packs everything you come to except from amazing farming games, such as Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons to name a few.
The Stillness of the Wind My Riding Stable 2
My Riding Stables 2 – A New Adventure is an open world exploration game that focuses on the life of a stable owner, and that stable owner is you. You will get to care for a few different breeds of horses, while you try to run a fully functioning riding stable.
There will be many different activities to participate in while running your business. You can choose to start the game as most do and take part in the story mode, or you can choose to ride off into the world in search of treasures.
Harvest Life
Harvest Life is taking a cute approach to the oh so adorable farming life simulation genre. In this game the player will of course do some extensive farming, taking care of livestock and exploring the gorgeous environment. But beyond it’s usual farming features, the game also delivers an intriguing story line.
More info on Harvest Life here.
Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town
Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town is a remake of the much beloved and highly praised Harvest Moon Friends of Mineral Town that originally released on Gameboy Advance – many, many years ago! And now it is finally coming to Nintendo Switch with all new features and upgraded visuals!
Paleo Pines
Paleo Pines is a charming dinosaur farming game. Customize your character, and embark on a journey to a peaceful little island where pioneers live peacefully with affectionate dinosaurs. On the island, evolution went a different direction – “survival of the kindest” – and resulted in a world where humans and dinosaurs live together in harmony. Much to the delight of the residents of the island, you’re the last known descendant of the Flute Whisperer. Together with your Parasaurolophus, Lucky, you’ll build a ranch, make friends with residents, and discover the history of your lost ancestors. Tame other dinosaurs using your flute-playing skills. Build enough trust with them and they’ll help you with your farm chores!
Many More Games!
Of course there are just so many more games to talk about so make sure to check back for more coverage on current and upcoming wholesome video games!
If you are an Animal Crossing fan, you might want to take a look at the latest on New Horizons right here!
- Dec 21, 2023
Ready for another list? This time it’s a list of games released this year that are perfect for console users. Whether they’re receiving a new one for Christmas or you’re just searching for some cozy games to get your console owner, this list is a good place to turn! Many of these games are on more than just Xbox and PlayStation, but sometimes it’s hard to weed out what is or isn’t. At any rate, these are all cozy games that should meet some needs. Relaxing farming sim, cute survival craft, cozy exploration, spell-slinging dungeon exploration, intriguing conversations, and potion making are all here.
So here are 6 cozy games for the console!
Lego Fortnite – Xbox and PlayStation
Lego Fortnite is a brand new mode in the popular game where you play as a Lego figure. Play solo, or with up to seven other people and explore a fun new world. It’s a survival crafting game, so you’ll need to collect resources for crafting. Build weapons, homes, and many more useful items. Recruit villager NPCs as you expand your base of operations. They’ll be able to collect resources and battle enemies with you!
Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos – Xbox and PlayStation
Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos is the most recent entry in the franchise. Ten years ago, a great calamity. A volcano erupted and the Harvest Goddess and Harvest Sprites used the last of their power to keep the inhabitants safe, but it isolated the villages from each other. Some people were even trapped outside their villages. Ten years after the eruption, you find a message in a bottle containing an SOS message, and with the help of your inventor friend and others, you’re on a mission to revive the Harvest Goddess and Harvest Sprites and a mission to reconnect the villages. Farm in different biomes, raise a variety of animals, take part in different festivals and contests, so much more!
Coffee Talk Episode 2 – Xbox and PlayStation
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is the second episode in the Coffee Talk series. In it, you play as the proprietor of a cozy little coffee shop that’s only open at night. Set in an alternate present-day Seattle, join a cast of fantasy characters and serve up some delicious hot drinks as you explore the world by listening to their stories. Even use your phone to follow their lives outside of the coffee shop via social media, and return lost items to further influence the story.
Mail Time – PlayStation
In Mail Time, you’re a newly minted Mail Scout in the cozy forest of Grumblewood Grove. It’s your first day on the job, and you’re full of unbridled enthusiasm for your new adventure. With your cute little mushroom hat, over 46,000 character design combinations, and a bag full of mail, it’s up to you to deliver all of the letters to the inhabitants of Grumblewood Grove. You shouldn’t dally, but Mail Time is a relaxing adventure. Run through the forest, jump over obstacles, and even use letters to glide your way around the forest to reach your destinations. Explore 8 different colorful areas and meet 15 unique characters with their own stories and charms.
Spells & Secrets – PlayStation
Spells & Secrets is a captivating rogue-lite adventure where you use different spells to fight your way through dungeon levels. You’re a first-year student at the esteemed wizard Academy of Greifenstein, eager to learn together with your fellow magic users. However, something odd has happened to the school on your very first day there. It’s now over-run by magical creatures, and of course it’s up to you to defeat those creatures, save your classmates, and save the school.
Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator – Xbox and PlayStation
Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator takes inspiration from medieval manuscripts and medical books. Play as an alchemist who runs their own shop. Grow your own ingredients or haggle with traveling merchants to buy them. Use your various tools to brew potions using those ingredients. Even experiment to concoct new types of potions, then sell your wares in your shop!
Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of the 15 Best 3DS Games of All Time. You can also find a list 5 Games Perfect for Your New Steam Deck, and 5 Farming Games for Your New Switch.
- Dec 20, 2023
We’re another week closer to Christmas and I can’t wait! I love going around the neighborhood looking at people’s decorations. I think that’s part of why ACNH having lights in trees feels so satisfying to me. What else is super exciting about the Christmas season, is the new gaming systems and games you get! And with Steam Decks being fairly popular, what better way to celebrate the approach of the holiday with some gift ideas for that system?
The following list only features games that have been Steam Deck verified, to save the gamer in your life some troubles and heartache!
My Time at Sandrock
My Time at Sandrock is the long awaited sequel to My Time at Portia. And just like the prequel, this one takes place in a post-apocalyptic world 330 years after the Day of Calamity destroyed a lot of modern technology. You accept the role as a builder of Sandrock, a desert community. Gather resources to build machines, befriend locals, fight enemies, and lead the town to economic prosperity! Uncover the backstories for over 30 NPCs while you forge friendships with them. Complete side quests, play fun minigames, and even team up with a friend to play the game together!
APICO
APICO is a lovely game where you leave your boring city job and return to Port APICO, where you grew up, and return to your beekeeping roots. The APICO islands feature a set of lush, beautiful environments for you to explore. Each biome has its own breed of bees for you to discover. Gather resources to use in your studies or crafting. Make and sell Apicola (honey) and other beekeeping items you will discover. Play fun beekeeping minigames, without the stings! More importantly, breed different cross breeds of bees and discover 30 new species to help repopulate the APICO islands with. Plus, uncover the secrets of the islands while you explore.
I even have a review of APICO here, if you want more information!
Cornucopia
Cornucopia offers the same comfortable features players have grown to love from the farming game genre, but in a lovely 2.5D pixel art style. You plant 52 types of fruit trees, 15 types of berry bushes, and grow 52 different crops, including their different artisan varieties. Sell crops or cook them up in one of 200 different recipes! There’s also logging, fishing, mining, and pet breeding to occupy your days. Also enter the pets into competitive races or use them to help you fight monsters. Then, kick back and relax with some crafting and decorating. Unlock furniture and decorations to turn your farm into your favorite getaway. Make friends with Cornucopia’s NPCs, too. Who knows, maybe one of the over 47 NPCs will catch your fancy! Romance them, go on dates, and unlock their romantic cut scenes. Even marry one, start a family, and decorate their room in your house.
While the Iron’s Hot
Play as a simple journeyman blacksmith in While the Iron’s Hot. You’re looking to become a master blacksmith. This game features an exciting combat-free experience. Journey to the mystical lands of Ellian where you’ll meet a cast of quirky characters. Explore tunnels full of puzzles and resources. Master every step of the blacksmithing process. Smelt ore, turn metal into ingots, and shape them into useful items. Use your skills to repair machinery to open up new areas to explore. Craft equipment that helps you explore new regions. Even work hard to restore the defunct blacksmithing town of Stal. Revitalizing the village just might prove to Eillian’s artisans that you’re worthy of being a master blacksmith!
Loddlenaut
In Loddlenaut, you play as an interstellar custodian who has been hired by the spacefaring mega corporation GUPPI to clean up their mess. They’ve inundated GUP-14 with pollution, and want you to restore the planet. This is an open-world ocean adventure where you’ll get to explore this beautiful alien planet, along with the corporate ruins of GUPPI. You’ll find remnants of their buildings, ships, and machinery that have all sunken to the bottom of the game’s ocean. Use your bubble gun, clean up the trash, remove oil spills, and uncover clues about the past inhabitants. Unlock better gadgets to help you clean up different types of ocean pollution. Recycle the trash you collect and use it to craft items. Even befriend cute little axolotl-looking creatures called loddles!
Did you get a new Switch instead? Or perhaps you got one for someone and want some games to go with it. Either way, check out my list of 5 Farming Games for Your New Switch!
- Dec 14, 2023
Christmas is fast approaching! I don’t know where the year has gone, but it’s been full of a load of great new games. Some I’ve played, and many more I’m hoping to play at some point. I bet many of you will receive a lovely new Switch for Christmas, too. And that means you’ll need games for your brand new console. So, here’s a short list of some great new farming games to go with your Switch.
Roots of Pacha
Roots of Pacha is an absolutely adorable farming and life simulation game by developer Soda Den and publisher Crytivo. You get to customize your very own character and be a member of a thriving stone age community. Discover ideas to improve the village, grow and harvest crops from seeds you find in the wild, befriend a variety of cute animals, get to know your fellow tribes mates, and much more.
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a beautiful farming sim where you cultivate crops, craft items to decorate your home with or sell, and care for adorable farm animals. Befriend a varying cast of townspeople, and even romance some of them. Plus, you even get to venture into the faerie realm, where you’ll see faeries and fantastical creatures not seen in the human realm. Even delve deep into the mines to collect resources, fight enemies, and uncover mysteries!
Palia
Palia is a free-to-play cozy MMO all about farming, cooking, fishing, and exploring. Immerse yourself in a beautiful new world full of interesting characters and compelling storylines. Expand your homestead and build a gorgeous home for yourself. Craft a number of different furniture and decorative items to make your home suit your tastes. You can play solo or with friends, or even party up with strangers, and play at your own pace!
Paleo Pines
Paleo Pines is a charming dinosaur farming game. Customize your character, and embark on a journey to a peaceful little island where pioneers live peacefully with affectionate dinosaurs. On the island, evolution went a different direction – “survival of the kindest” – and resulted in a world where humans and dinosaurs live together in harmony. Much to the delight of the residents of the island, you’re the last known descendant of the Flute Whisperer. Together with your Parasaurolophus, Lucky, you’ll build a ranch, make friends with residents, and discover the history of your lost ancestors. Tame other dinosaurs using your flute-playing skills. Build enough trust with them and they’ll help you with your farm chores!
Wylde Flowers
In Wylde Flowers, you play as Tara as she starts her new life in the town of Fairhaven, located on a small rural island. She may be a city girl turned farmer with little outdoors experience, but she has the can-do attitude needed to help Gramma Wylde take care of the family farm. Learn how to plant and care for crops, mind animals, and gather materials like mushrooms and wood. You’ll also learn to fish, craft items, and all about magic! Craft potions to help you on the farm, or in your quests. Fly your broomstick around town. Even control the weather and the seasons!
- Mar 17, 2023
With Nintendo announcing a portable only Nintendo Switch that is now commonly seen as the successor to the much beloved but aged 3DS, we thought it would be a great idea to take a look at the Nintendo 3DS. This handheld console was first released in February of 2011. The console has since sold nearly 75 million units and features a library of more than 1297 games. We took 15 of the most popular and overall best received games and listed them right here for you! Join us on a journey through The 15 Best 3DS Games.
Nintendo recently announced that you will no longer be able to to purchase games from the Nintendo 3DS eShop beginning end of March, 2023.
As a tribute, I have collaborated a list of what I think were some of the 15 best games for Nintendo 3DS.
If you love your Nintendo Switch, or planning on getting one check out our Top 5 Game Ports and Wii U ports we would love to see on Nintendo Switch.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Of course this game was going to make the list. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is by far one of the most entertaining, family friendly, pick-up-able games of all time. Rated 88/100 by Metacritic, the game is even better than previous entries due to it’s improved characters, dialogue and game features. Oh, and also due to the fact that you can fire Resetti. That too.
Ever Oasis
As you attempt to discover what happened to your missing brother, you venture into the desert, make allies, and work together to create a perfect oasis. Rated 8.9/10 by IGN and described by them as “fun instead of tedious”, this action-adventure RPG was well-received despite it’s tardiness in joining the 3DS in 2017.
Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem awakening received widespread critical acclaim, and still holds a score of 92/100 on Metacritic. Shortly after it’s release, this tactical RPG earned a place on both GameSpot and IGN’s list of best 3DS games.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
The English localisation of Kid Icarus: Uprising was highly anticipated after it’s announcement. Scoring 83/100 on Metacritic, Nintendo Power described the mythology themed third-person shooter game as “well worth the wait.”
Shovel Knight
Released in June 2014, Shovel Knight is an 8-bit 2D side-scrolling platform game. Winning numerous awards, the game is held in very high regard and is described as “a brilliant homage to a bygone era.” The game currently holds a rating of 90/100 on Metacritic and 9/10 on IGN.
Mario Kart 7
Released in December 2011, Mario Kart 7 holds a rating of 85/100 and 9/10 by Metacritic and IGN respectively. The game honours traditional Mario Kart games, whilst also introducing new features such as characters, tracks and power-ups. I’m sorry to say that Rainbow Road is unfortunately still a thing. D̶i̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶r̶e̶a̶d̶y̶.
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Being the remake of a highly regarded game, upon its release in 2011 the game unsurprisingly received critical acclaim. The game was given a score of 94/100 on Metacritic, a 10/10 by Eurogamer and 98% by the Official Nintendo Magazine, who called it “a life-changing game”.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
Majora’s Mask was also a remake of an original Zelda game. Like Ocarina of time 3D, the game features graphical improvements and new features to make gameplay smoother and richer. Released in 2015, the game was rated 89/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by GameSpot. Not too shabby.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Released in 2013, A Link Between Worlds is in some people’s opinion, the best Zelda game for 3DS. Scoring 91/100 on Metacritic and a 10/10 by Nintendo Life, a Polygon reviewer went as far as claiming it to be the “best Zelda game in past twenty years”.
Monser Hunter Generations
Monster Hunter Generations is an action RPG released worldwide in 2016. Receiving a rating of 85/100 by Metacritic and 8/10 by IGN, many liked the continuity from previous entries, as well as new features, such as the ability to play as a felyne. A rise in the purchase of 3DS consoles occurred as a result.
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy
This puzzle game is the last game in the Professor Layton prequel trilogy. It is also the last to feature Professor Layton as the Protagonist (sad reactz only). With over 500 new puzzles and a variety of environments to explore, the game was well received. It is currently rated 81/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by Eurogamer.
Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land is a Mario platform game released in 2011. The game was well received, with gaming critics praising the game’s creativity and technical design. Game Informer liked the game so much they cited it as “easily the best reason to own a 3DS.” The game is currently rated 90/100 on Metacritic and 9.5/10 by IGN.
Bravely Default
Bravely Default is an RPG published in 2012. Set in the fantasy world of Luxendarc, the game utilises a turn-based battle system and job system. Rated 85/100 by Metacritic and 8.5/10 by Gamespot, the game often features on lists of top 3DS games.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. 3DS is the latest entry to the popular crossover fighting series. Released in 2014, the game received critical praise and holds ratings of 85/100 on Metacritic and 8.8/10 by IGN. With Nintendo characters such as Kirby, Link and Mario, and new third party characters such as Pac-man and Bayonetta, the game caters for a wide audience.
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Pokémon Sun/Moon
Released in 2016, many strongly believe Pokémon Sun and Moon are the best 3DS Pokémon games. Rated 87/100 by Metacritic and 9/10 by IGN, critics praised the change from the formula used by previous Pokémon games. IGN praised the game for creating “an engaging adventure that improves on its predecessors.”
If you love your Nintendo Switch, or planning on getting one check out our Top 5 Game Ports and Wii U ports we would love to see on Nintendo Switch. As well as Hokko Life a game truly worth comparing to Animal Crossing.
- Jan 20, 2023
These Animal Crossing features shaped the series back in the days but are now lost memories.
Animal Crossing has been a long running franchise, in fact the first game was released back in 2001. Since then the series continued to thrive and has quickly become one of Nintendos biggest games with New Horizons selling twice as many copies as New Leaf within just a single year.
However, since the launch of the game many features that have shaped the games into something so unique and special have gone lost. Lets take a look at 10 of the most unique features that never made it into New Horizons.
Flower Fest
Animal Crossing Wild World was the only game featuring the Flower Fest. This event is a competition between you and the villagers on your island. The idea was to grow a beautiful garden around your home, Tortimer would host this event and eventually decides the winner. Taking the number one spot in this beautiful event will grand you a golden flower trophy.
Given the small size of the event it was surprising how engaging and fun it was to participate in this cute competition.
Crazy Redds Tent was Password Protected
Some love him, some don’t love him so much. Crazy Redd has been a part of the Animal Crossing franchise for some time. In New Horizons you may have met him on the north side of your island where he docks his sketchy boat.
In Wild World he would pitch a tent in your village ever now and then. To enter his tent and browse his selection of questionable pieces of art you would need a password.
The password was not always easy to obtain, sometimes you find a letter from him in the mailbox containing the password but other times you may have to talk to your villagers who in return could share the password to enter his tent.
Quests to get a Golden Axe
While the golden axe is still an item you can obtain, it was a lot more difficult than simply breaking a lot of flimsy axes to eventually get the DIY for the shiny version of it. In Wild World you actually had to embark on a quest to get your shiny axe.
The Trading event is where this quest could be initiated. Once you come across our beloved Turnip seller Joan you will have to buy a special red turnip from her which you would then give to Wendall who will in return give you a turban. As you are holding on to this item you are waiting to meet Saharah who will gladly take the Turban of your hands and give you a big cozy massage chair.
Handing the comfy chair to Tortimer will grant you a scallop, who likes scallops you ask? Pascal does – of course! Give him the scallop you just received and you shall get the golden axe.
This seems fairly straight forward but all these steps can be changed by the villagers who can provide different items making the quest a bit a different. This was a lengthy but fun process that pulled in many different characters.
The Bright Nights of February
In the beginning Nintendo wanted to avoid including real life holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. Instead the big N added ” The Bright Nights of February ” something that looked a lot like Toy Day but instead was simply a day in winter where all villagers would decorate their homes with twinkle lights. The rewards for this even was “Winter” sending you a gift.
It was absolutely charming to see villagers decorate their homes with lights and other seasonal items. It made the village feel so festive and fun.
More Control over Villagers leaving
Whenever a villager is in boxes, it is pretty much set in stone that the villager will be leaving. However, in older games you could talk to the villager repeatedly and eventually convince them to change their mind to remain on the island ( or in the village ) even though they had already packed up their belongings.
In New Horizons the moving in and moving out process is a lot more focused on using Amiibo cards. As you may have noticed, it takes 3 days for a villager to move out, the exact time it would take you to invite a camper with the help of an Amiibo card to your island.
Lyle’s Insurance
There was a time when you were able to buy an insurance in Animal Crossing. Lyle, the cute little otter would make you an almost undeniable generous offer by providing you with an insurance in case of miss happenings.
The insurance plan only costs 3000 bells and would provide coverage for multiple occasions. It will provide you with 100 bells for 9 paintings that were not authentic, 100 bells for every 10 bee stings and other little things.
The total of of the return you can possibly make would only be 2900 bells making this insurance provided by Lyle a little bit of a scam. Regardless it was a fun feature to have and defiantly added more variety to the gameplay.
Dual Screen consoles and Gulliver UFO
In new Leaf and Wild World players would have the comfort of two separate screens and both games utilities this differently. In New Leaf the touchscreen was conveniently used for inventory management making organizing your many items a breeze.
In Wild World the dual screen was used to shoot down balloons and it was also the only way to spot Gulliver’s UFO – yes that was a thing!
Multiplayer mystery tours, souvenir shops and more
Mystery tours where somewhat of a new and old addition to Animal Crossing New Horizons. While they function in a similar way compared to previous game, in New Leaf there was a lot more to do.
In Animal Crossing New Leaf you would ask Kapp’n to give you a ride to a mystery island and as nice as he is, he would even let you bring along some friends. Bringing friends to mystery islands was a lot of fun and gave the multiplayer mode a lot more meaning.
Unlike in New Horizons you don’t have to shut down your gate and send your friends back home. Bring them along for some extra fun and resourcing. Everything is better together… Nintendo!
The island even featured a souvenir shop where you could obtain special souvenirs to bring home with you. These could only be obtained using a special currency found on the island.
In addition there were many multiplayer mini games you could enjoy with your friends, puzzles, hide and seek and so much more.
There were actually things to do in multiplayer back then!
Notes in Bottles
In New Horizons you find a daily DIY inside a bottle somewhere on your beach. DIYs and therefore crafting didn’t exist in this form in previous games so a daily bottles with a note could be found on the shore of your beach.
These notes were adorable and could sometimes be from a villager you met but more interestingly you can write notes, purchase a bottle, seal the bottle and throw it in the ocean. This does seem like you polluting the big blue but it will eventually show up at your real friends beach shore who will find your note in a bottle. This was an adorable way to exchange little messages between you and your friends.
Resettis Attitude
Resetti is not part of Animal Crossing New Horizons anymore, the grumpy character was part of many Animal Crossing games and was received, well – poorly.
His attitude was toned down in New Leaf a lot but back in the days he would be yelling at players for time traveling or shutting down their console without saving. The lecture he would give you coming back into the game can take a long time and guides you through a lengthy, grumpy dialogue.
The Resetti surveillance center was an underground faciltiy where Resetti would conduct his business of surveying your island. Players were able to enter it and talk to Resetti. This facility is no longer part of Animal Crossing.
However, his grumpy charm is undeniable and his absence has left a sad void in Animal Crossing fans hearts.
New Horizons is missing charm
Of course there are many other features that have come and gone since the series first launched, Brewster and his coffee shop is just another example.
I have played Animal Crossing New Horizons for more than 800 hours. The game is beyond adorable and so very polished and fun. But the lack of features that made the series so very adorable are noticeably missing.
As of now Animal Crossing New Horizons is a collection doll house game with terra forming. There are very few features that have made it into the game that are simply there for cuteness, like the insurance, message in a bottle or other little bits and pieces that together create a big whole.
Here is hoping that the content update Nintendo promised for this year will bring at least some of these beloved features back, or maybe even some complete new ideas?
- Dec 14, 2021
Tis the season to get cozy and cuddle up with video games by the fireplace (or whatever nook/cranny you choose)!
Luckily, with the holiday season usually comes a little time off from the daily grind, and some excess time to spend with the friends and family. Unfortunately, this season more-so than others. However, it is important that we all still spend time with the ones we can, in any safe way we can.
What better way to do that than to boot up a console and delve into an amazing adventure that you may enjoy with everyone, and all from the comfort of your own home. Or even if you just feel like spending some quality time with numero uno, video games give us a chance to explore infinite worlds right at our fingertips. Here are some of my favorite cozy games that are perfect for this time of year.
Animal Crossing
Obviously, when it comes to the holiday season, not many games take it to the level that Animal Crossing does. Get the full experience from weather and environmental changes, to special items and events, the Animal Crossing franchise has it all. It really doesn’t matter which game you choose, as they are all adorable and delightful and full wonderful holiday themed goodies! If you can’t afford a new game right now, Animal Crossing Pocket Camp is free to play on mobile devices. If you are looking for the ultimate Animal Crossing experience, you’ll want to pick up Animal Crossing New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch.
Ooblets
Another super adorable game that doesn’t shy away from the winter month’s is Ooblets. Ooblets is a cute creature collection game with some pretty epic dance battles. Just recently, the developers updated their game to help players enjoy the immersion that is experiencing the holidays in real life, and in game. The update (of course) brought a snowy environment as well as’ “We put in a load of work on this update to bring you a whole new region with its own storyline, characters, ooblets, crops, and craftables.” – via devlog.
Overcooked 2
Nothing beats the frantic action with friends that a good party game can stir up. Overcooked 2 is fast paced action with food that gets super crazy super fast, and is always a hilarious good time. And, with the Winter Wonderland DLC, you can take the game to a whole new holiday level (literally speaking). “Moreover, with these 5 new festive kitchens, you can cook s’mores by the campfire, feed the Horde which are now holiday cookies and candy canes, and use those awesome new cannons from the carnival levels!”
Portal Knights
If you love exploring wintery worlds and crafting darn anything your mind can come up with, Portal Knights is perfect for you and friends. Rebuild the festive portal and head over to the Winter Wonderland, where you’ll be greeted with new quests, holiday themed enemies, and cool festive items! There’s even an adorable reindeer pet waiting for you! Players need to have visited the first island of the second cluster (Landlubber’s Leap) in order for the event to trigger.
Slime Rancher
The developers have announced that the new 1.4.1 update helps prepare Slime Rancher for Wiggly Wonderland. It is currently available on PC and consoles. The developers promise “There will be plenty of fun surprises happening both on the Far, Far Range and outside of the game.” Every day of the event, the Twinkle Slime will appear in-game somewhere on the Far, Far Range. Follow the music to find the twinkle slime and receive a collection of musical chimes!
Slime Rancher Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is still held as one of the greatest indie games ever made. And considering that fact that it is a true blue life sim, you can most certainly expect to see some harsh times during the winter months. The entire gets covered in a nice blanket of snow, the trees change colors, and most of your crops will no longer grow. So, all that’s left to do is enjoy the coziest weather in one of the coziest games currently available.
Garden Paws
Garden Paws is an adorable life-sim game just full of the cutest creatures, and is still planned for a release on Nintendo Switch. Don’t take my word for it, though, here is a review from Steam “Cutest game EVER! So adorable! Mix of Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon! hours of fun! they’ve updated and added so much since the last i played it! <3”. The game also got its very own winter update. Of the many wintery things brought to the game, included are 21 new and unique winter themed items including a Candy Cane Fence, Ice Table, Ice Shelves, a Sleigh and a Winter Tree.
Did I miss any?
These are just some of the cute games I love that include a winter update. If there are any games that you think belong on this list, let me know in the comments, please!
For more cute games, check out the myPotatoGames Best Cute Games series.
- Oct 10, 2021
The most adorable and middle spooky games to get you into the cozy fall and Halloween mood!
As Halloween parties are being kept small this year (and being a
lotlittle too old to go trick-or-treating), I had decided to get my sulk on, as opposed to getting my spook on.Horror movies scare me, I can’t watch the Gremlins, and even get the heebie-jeebies from The Grinch. I admit it. I am a bit of a scaredy-cat. But I do really LOVE Halloween and this time of year.
So when I realized that candy is still abundant and mildly scary games perfect for Halloween exist, I was over the moon! Now, I’m super excited to curl up (in the warmth!) on the 31st, eat too many snacks, and play some of those slightly spooky games. So if you’re in the same boat as me, or are looking for something fun to do with kids, look no further!
Here are some wholesome games with Halloween events and some standalone slightly spooky games you should play this Halloween.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Halloween Event
Nintendo was very cryptic regarding the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Halloween event when it first launched. So cryptic in fact, that players had no idea what the seasonal event would entail, and many wondered if it would happen at all!
But just when all seemed lost and Halloween canceled, Nintendo decided to casually drop the game’s fall update and even added new items this year around. And what an update it was! The introduction of real pumpkins, brand new eye and skin colors, Halloween costumes, and spooky furniture were just a few fab features from the update.
*Pssst* If you haven’t already spook-ified your island, it’s not too late! Here are some spooktacular island tunes and flags, pumpkin patches, and decor ideas to inspire you before Jack is back.
Be sure to check out your island between 5pm and midnight on the 31st to witness and participate in the spooky shenanigans occurring. Island residents will gather in the splendidly spooky-looking plaza at 5pm. You’ll also receive a visit from Jack, the “czar of Halloween.” If you indulge Jack’s sweet tooth and give him lollipops and candy, you’ll get spooky rewards in return.
Ooblets – Halloween Event
Ooblets is described as ‘a farming, creature collection, and town life game where you build up your farm, befriend townsfolk, grow Ooblets, and have dance-offs’.
Developers and publishers of the indie game, Glumberland have been working their socks off to make the quirky little game the best that it can be. Excitingly, they released an early access version of Ooblets back in July of this year. Glumberland have been open about the game having some unfinished bits and bobs, and that players may encounter a few bugs. This is, however, to be expected in any early access game.
How is this relevant to Halloween you might ask? Well, back in September, Ooblets posted some very exciting tweets about the next update for the game. These posts spoke of a new area (named Nullwhere) for players to explore in update 0.4. Spooktacular images of Nullwhere were shared in the below tweet, which confirmed a Ooblets Halloween update.
Fast forward to October and fans got a (pretty darn awesome!) jump scare:
The Ooblets Port Forward update is alive!
To check out the new update introducing new recipes a new area and more, you can download the Ooblets early access here for $24.99. The game is currently only available on Windows, however, Glumberland hopes to release it on other platforms in the future.
Night In The Woods
Night in the Woods is an autumnal themed indie adventure game. Highly relatable to many, the game shows the crumbling former mining town of Possum Springs. After the protagonist, Mae Borowski drops out of college and returns to her hometown, she finds things as gloomy and hopeless as ever. But this time, it’s even worse.
As fall turns to winter, Mae notices that strange and eery occurrences are happening. And there’s definitely something in the woods. This charming game with a beautiful soundtrack and enthralling narrative is a must-play. Night in the Woods is playable on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox One, Android, Macintosh operating systems, and iOS.
Night in The Woods is currently available on Steam, you can grab it here for just $19.99.
Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times
Described as a cross between Harry Potter and Animal Crossing, Konami published Magicians Quest: Mysterious Times for Nintendo DS in Japan on the 12th of November 2008. The cute game hit the shelves in the US on the 11th of May 2009. Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times is a fantasy life simulation game for the Nintendo DS.
After customizing the appearance, name, and gender of their character, players are able to attend classes at the game’s magic academy. During classes, players will learn spells and incantations, alongside their classmates. Some of the game’s more amusing features include dating other students, playing instruments with others, and pranking (and getting pranked by) others.
When Mystery Time events are triggered in the game, however, things get a bit weird. On the 29th of October each year, a forced Halloween-themed Mystery Time event occurs. For added spookiness, the game also has a haunted house containing unfriendly ghosts and a ‘shady’ dude chilling in the graveyard (as you do!).
Costume Quest & Costume Quest 2
Costume Quest is a Halloween-themed party-based RPG game. The game was developed by Double Fine Productions and published by THQ. The player controls a kid who is out trick-or-treating with their twin sibling. When a monster kidnaps their twin, the player must travel around the neighborhood and collect candy, items for their costume, and other children to aid them in fighting the monster and rescuing their sibling.
The game released on October 19th, 2010, and is playable on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, and Android. The game’s sequel, Costume Quest 2 released on October 31st, 2014.
If you haven’t already played them, you can grab them both as a bargain bundle for just $4.99 until November 3rd.
The original Costume Quest (2010) game trailer Thimbleweed Park
Thimbleweed Park is a pixel-art-stylized puzzle-mystery game. The tiny town of Thimbleweed Park is home to 80 very strange people. Five people with nothing in common find themselves drawn to the town. They are all connected, although they don’t immediately know it.
Nor do these strangers know that somebody’s watching them. Despite the game featuring pixel graphics, with a rotting corpse, an abandoned circus, and a haunted house, the game is a far cry from Stardew Valley. The game is available to play on Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Linux, and Mac.
If you don’t yet own a copy, the game is discounted by 60% to just $6.99 on Steam until November 2nd.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 released on Nintendo Switch on October 31st of last year. Considering its release date, players got a sneaky suspicion that Luigi’s Mansion 3 may be a good game to play on Halloween. They assumed correctly.
Luigi receives a dream vacation package with Mario and friends to stay in a luxurious hotel. But the friends never seem to catch a break, right? Once at the hotel, King Boo (booo!) reveals that it was all a ploy and captures everyone! The hotel contains an abundance of uniquely-themed designs, puzzles, and, you guessed it: Ghosts. But with his new ghostbusting equipment with new abilities, Luigi’s got things in the bag. He thinks.
Alternatively, you can play in co-op mode with one other player. After unlocking Luigi’s gooey doppelganger ‘Gooigi’, you can pair up in solving perplexing puzzles and ghostbusting ghouls. But the multi-player fun doesn’t stop there! For example, in the game’s ‘ScreamPark, you and seven others can play mini-games together on a single console. Additionally, you can gather a group of eight others, either online or via local wireless play in an attempt to conquer the ‘ScareScraper’.
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is an action adventure RPG game. The game initially released in Japan for PS4 on the 30th of November 2017. It then released worldwide on the 15th of May 2018. The game was developed by A+ Games and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is currently playable on PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows.
if you’re unfamiliar with Little Witch Academia, it is an anime series about a school for training witches, Luna Nova Academy. The protagonist of the series, Akko, is a Japanese girl from a non-magical background.
In the game, you must uncover the mysteries at Luna Nova Academy with Akko and her friends. Players get to explore dungeons, cast spells, and use witchcraft, in order to discover the seven wonders, and solve the peculiar shift in time.
Graveyard Keeper the Stardew Valley of Spooky
Another addition to the list which is kinda like Stardew valley, but a bit darker is Graveyard Keeper.
Graveyard Keeper is a simulation game set in medieval times, where players take on the responsibilities of a cemetery manager. You must gather resources and create your very own environment. To do this, you need to build and manage your graveyard, find ways to cut costs, and ultimately to help the dead find peace.
Perfect for Halloween, Graveyard Keeper has some elements of dark humor. Examples of this include, taking a break from graveyard keeping, and instead, participating in witch-burning festivals, or scaring locals into attending church.
Making this game more Halloween-y, is the recent release of the Graveyard Keeper – Game of Crone DLC on October 27th.
Graveyard Keeper Game of Crone DLC Features
- 6-12 hours of extra gameplay.
- Build your own refugee camp and bring it to prosperity.
- Brand new bag mechanics!
- Get access to new dishes, gravestones, fences, and to teleportation scrolls.
- Deal with a vampire terrorizing a peaceful Village.
- Unravel the secret of the mysterious death of your predecessor.
- Find out even more terrible secrets abou your old and new friends.
- Become an ally of Comrade Donkey and take part in the Revolution!
You’ll have to help the escaped prisoners of the Inquisition survive in the wilderness by providing them with everything they need. To develop their camp into a fortified settlement while keeping in mind its benefits. To protect those who entrusted you with their lives, from the sword and fire. And also – to untangle the circumstances of the cruel game, which turned into the Great Blast and the return of the Ancient Curse.
Released on the 28th of October, also just in time for Halloween, is the Graveyard Keeper Strangers Sins DLC, which we covered here!
The Graveyard Keeper Game of Crone DLC can be purchased for just $8.99 here. Alternatively, if you do not yet own the base game, at the time of writing, you can get a hefty 63% off the Graveyard Keeper Collector’s Edition here. For only $19.75, the Collector’s Edition contains Graveyard Keeper, Graveyard Keeper OST, Graveyard Keeper Artbook, Graveyard Keeper – Stranger Sins, Graveyard Keeper – Game of Crone.
Animal Crossing Pocket Camp
Animal Crossing Pocket Camp is the mobile version of the much beloved Animal Crossing series. While it doesn’t offer the freedom of the console games, it still does a great job at delivering a super cute gaming experience.
During the month of October there will be plenty of Halloween themed events with spooky furniture and decoration items that you can use to turn your campsite into the ultimate Halloween Haunted House. The Pocket Camp team does a great job making the entire month of October feel spooky and fun!
