All posts tagged in Crafting
Jul 19, 2024
Trade Tales is an exciting, modern farm sim by Brick Geek. Immerse yourself in a unique journey full of charm as you settle in a brand new town. You recently won ownership rights to a small farm plot in this town via a lottery, so now’s your chance to start a fresh new life. However, this game offers exponentially more than just the simple farm life!
Live The Life You Want
In fact, you get to actively shape your destiny and become so much more than someone who wants a simple farm life. Explore the town’s rich culture, make friends or even rivals with those you encounter, and develop different skills. Do the usual farming, fishing, mining, and raising animals that you’re familiar with. But also branch out from the familiar and open a shop, become a popular supplier, work different part-time jobs in town, or become a social media star. Start your own jewelry brand or run a restaurant. Open up a pet shop to sell adorable kittens or run a bakery with tasty treats.
Whatever you want to do, your Trade Tales life is in your hands and you get to choose. Plus, you get the chance to design your brand’s logo, customize your store’s interior and signage, but you also can build your own advertisements. Post flyers around town, make engaging social media posts to attract customers, purchase billboards for even more reach. You’re in charge of everything in your business, so do what you can to make it the best possible!
There’s Even More to Love
What makes Trade Tales unique isn’t just the job system, though that’s incredibly fleshed out on its own. You also have the chance to purchase multiple plots of land to turn them into profitable assets. Use the in-game smartphone and apps to make daily life easier. Host events like birthday parties, graduations, and weddings where you can invite NPCs to join you in making memories. Invest in the stock market, face disasters, encounter romantic rivalries, and solve problems to overcome other problems like natural disaster and economic lows. You can even travel to new destinations where you’ll meet new people and learn new things.
Kickstarter Campaign
And now’s your chance to support the game so you can get all this incredible content and more! Trade Tales has a Kickstarter currently going on that details all these fun and unique features you’ll get to experience in the game. It also offers some cool rewards for being a backer as well as some extras for reaching certain stretch goals. And as great as the game sounds already, you’re not going to want to miss being a part of this campaign!
So far, the first stretch goal has been unlocked, which means there will be an even more in-depth character creator for you to enjoy. The next stretch goal adds more vehicles to the game, and the goal after that adds even more part-time jobs to expand an already robust job system. Then there’s the addition of a museum and the possibility of a console release. Which, this game would be perfect for the Nintendo Switch!
As for the backer rewards, I highly encourage you to head on over to the Kickstarter campaign to take a look for yourself. However, depending on the tier you choose, you can expect to enjoy some fun rewards. Each tier comes with access to the game. Some tiers only give the option for a digital game key, while others offer Alpha access. Other rewards include in-game items like clothes, furniture, and pets. Or if you’re feeling super generous, you can even become an NPC in the game for everyone to see!
Release Date
Trade Tales is projected to release in Alpha Access September 2025, with the full Steam release coming available in the first few months of 2026. As for now, you can head on over to Steam to add it to your Wishlist so you can keep an eye on it. You can also take a look at the Kickstarter campaign and back it to help make the game even more incredible while receiving some fun rewards!
- May 1, 2024
If you haven’t kept an eye on Echoes of the Plum Grove by developer Unwound Games, you should check it out now! In this charming game, you start a brand new life in Honeywood. There, you’re given a plot of land after you’ve washed up on the shores of the island. It’s up to you to turn that plot into a functional, prosperous farm. Of course, there’s much more to the game than just farming!
Echoes of the Plum Grove is a casual, cozy farm simulator where your decisions directly influence your gameplay. What you plant on the farm, the items you stock up on to survive winter, and the friends you make determine the way Honeywood will develop. You can even make enemies! Of course, survival is your number one priority, but don’t forget to take time to indulge in the festivities the town has to offer. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, after all. And unlike other farm sims, there’s a generational aspect to this game. You can get married, have children, and when your character dies, you can continue the game playing as one of your children or other relatives. This lends a fun and fresh element to the game you don’t often see!
Release Date
Echoes of the Plum Grove has finally been released on Steam, too! It’s even on sale for 10% off until May 6th, so if you’ve been eyeing this game, now’s a great time to pick it up.
Cozy Crest is a unique farming simulator to keep an eye on!
- Jan 11, 2024
Magical Harvest is a farming and life sim with a magical twist and fantasy races of people. Set in the fantasy world of Hyldena, a magical accident erased magic from the world. Magical plants and creatures disappeared as a result. This lead to scarce food supplies and despair. Even the gods have turned their backs on the living, but perhaps you can help restore magic to the world and save everyone.
In Magical Harvest, you run your very own farm. Grow and harvest different crops, both normal types and unique ones. You’ll discover their magical evolutions, too. You’ll also encounter 27 different breeds of animals, including dragons, that you can crossbreed. Fish for a variety of fish species, then cook them up in some tasty dishes. Get to know a variety of characters, each with their own personalities and backgrounds, and fall in love with one if you’re so inclined. And of course you get to design and create your dream farm!
Release Date
You can find Magical Harvest on Steam, where you can Wishlist it. It does not have a release date yet.
Fae Farm is another magical farming sim you might like.
- Nov 9, 2023
Witchy Life Story is a vibrant visual novel where you play as a sassy witch sent to save a town’s harvest festival. You have exactly two weeks to work your magic (literally) and help the residents of Flora with their problems so they can make the festival a success. Reside in a small house outfitted with witchy items, and tend to the small garden attached to the house. Collect plants and flowers from that garden to use in your spells and rituals. Your choices matter, too. Take time to get to know the villagers and carefully help them, or perhaps cause some chaos instead! And who knows, you might find a little love in your short stay.
The Story and Characters
I am absolutely enamored by Witchy Life Story. It’s a short little game, but it is abundantly clear the developers put a lot of love into it. The story is sweet and simple, but so engaging. The characters are wonderfully crafted, too. Your own character is sassy and witty, with an outgoing personality. You’ve been sent to Flora because their “I’m a genius” attitude has gotten them in plenty of trouble. You need to prove to your teacher, aka grandmother, that you are worthy of finishing witch training.
Your dialogue throughout the game proves just how salty you are about this predicament. Additionally, the different characters with their own, varied personalities and it makes for a really fun visual novel experience. Some are lovable, some are reserved, and others have anxieties and troubles that make them super relatable. Witchy Life Story blends the fantasy witch life with real-life problems like a lack of confidence in your leadership abilities, or worrying over all the work that you need to get done by a deadline. It brings a sense of familiarity while still making things magical and fantasy.
I enjoy the choices that can be made throughout the game, too. During your conversations with the villagers, you can pick responses. These responses and choices shape the path you take in Witchy Life Story. Run through the story playing the contrite little student witch and put all your effort into appeasing the villagers. Conversely, cause a little chaos like the mad genius you really are! Better yet, do both. Run through the story a few times to discover some fun differences as you sow chaos in the village, and even romance different characters.
Final Thoughts
Aside from the wonderful story and great characters, Witchy Life Story really nails the art, too. It’s beautifully enchanting. The village is equally charming and inviting. The character designs are cute and everyone has their own personal style. There isn’t much to do outside of tending the garden, crafting spells, and talking to the villagers. It’s a visual novel, after all. The story is the focus, and it really shines in this game. Overall, it’s a gorgeous, heartwarming experience that I’d recommend everyone play! I can’t recommend it enough.
Overall, I give it a:
You can find Witchy Life Story on Steam!
Coffee Talk 2 is another great visual novel you should take a look at! - Aug 17, 2023
Welcome to the fabled Grimoire Groves! The witches just couldn’t wait to move to the beautiful magical forest. According to old myths, the forest is full of magical creatures and plants. But when the witches arrived, they realized something was off about their new home. The forest spirits are absent and there are only a few plant creatures around. They should be abundant! Not all hope is lost, though. With some dedication, a little investigation, and useful magic, the witches ought to be able to restore the groves!
Play as one of those witches and embark on a journey in a fantasy world to restore the forest of Grimoire Groves. Spend time unlocking magical spells to complete your very own grimoire. Mix and match the spells to find the perfect combination of magic for you. Even work on mastering the balance between all four elements.
Then, use your magic to grow a variety of plant creatures. They look cute, but they’re certainly demanding! You’ll need to master control of your magic, learn critical timing, and even use careful positioning. It’s your job to learn and understand the needs of the creatures of Grimoire Groves in order to harvest the fruit they produce. That fruit will be used in crafting new spells and items.
It’s also up to you to find the hidden mystical spirits of Grimoire Groves. They need a new home, and your cottage is awfully cozy! Decorate your home to help boost their powers, and yours, so they can bring balance back to the forest. Perhaps even unravel the mystery of the fabled rainbow sock!
Coming Soon
Grimoire Groves is coming soon to Steam and Switch!
Craving more witchy games? Wylde Flowers, Witchy Life Story, and Witchbrook are all great options!
- Mar 2, 2023
Explore the World, Gather Ingredients, and Make Potions
I stumbled across Alchemist: The Potion Monger from developer Art Games Studio S.A. back in February during Steam’s Next Fest. I honestly downloaded the demo based on the title and picture alone, and was not disappointed.
This beautiful first-person RPG allows you to create your character, but you’re no ordinary human. In fact, you play as an anthropomorphized animal! Choose from several different animals like cats, snakes, or goats. Pick a name that suits your new character, and don’t forget to choose a name for your trusty dog
Alchemist: The Potion Monger starts with you moving to a new town, and has you actually unpack your cart to begin setting up your house. Then it moves into teaching you the basics of potion-making.
You’ll have to explore the world to gather ingredients, then use your cauldron to make potions. You can sell those potions, use them to complete quests, or use them for yourself. Need to jump super high for some reason? There’s a potion for that!
Each ingredient you find in the wonderfully crafted world of Alchemist: The Potion Monger will have alchemical aspects. You’ll learn them as you play, and can access your found knowledge in your alchemy book. Plus, your cute little dog isn’t just there for looks. They’ll help you discover those alchemical aspects of ingredients.
Not to mention, you get to pet the dog. You’ll level up your alchemy through discovery. You’ll also learn new skills through challenges, get a chance to help NPCs, fight some slime monsters, and much more.
Coming Soon!
Unfortunately, Alchemist: The Potion Monger doesn’t have a specific date listed for release. The developer’s website lists the release as 2023, though! You can find the game on Steam, where you can add it to your Wishlist.
Want more potion fun? Give Alchemy Garden, Alchemy Story, Alchemic Cutie, Potionomics, or Potion Permit a try!
- Jan 21, 2023
Farm, Clean the Environment, and Embark on Adventure
In the relaxing farm sim game No Place Like Home, play as Ellen Newland, a young woman who’s come to visit her grandpa on his farm one last time before moving to Mars with the rest of Earth’s population. However, she discovers Grandpa is missing and the farm and town are trashed.
Embark on a journey to clean up the environment by destroying piles of trash and vacuuming up the remnants. Hidden within the piles of garbage are trapped farm animals looking for a friend to rescue them, and seeds to grow crops on your farm. You’ll also discover the few townsfolk left on Earth as you uncover the town in your adventures. Befriend them and they may prove to be helpful in your search for Grandpa and in your quest to restore the farm to a thriving homestead.
The fun doesn’t end there, though. You can use the garbage you collect to craft items. Create things to help you make the farm a better and more functional place. You can also decorate the inside of your home. Take it from the dusty, unkempt place to sleep, and turn it into a place all your own!
Available Now
No Place Like Home is developed by Chicken Launcher, and published by Realms Distribution. You can find it on Steam, along with information about the new patch update that was released August 9th.
I also recommend checking out My Time at Portia, and the upcoming sequel, My Time at Sandrock for some similar feeling games.
- Jan 12, 2023
Garden, Cast Spells, and Help the Village
In this cute and cozy little visual novel game, Witchy Life Story, play as a customizable, fully emotive witch of your own design. You are the youngest member of the esteemed and magical von Teasel family. You aren’t exactly the star of the family, though. Grandma has set you a test, and should you fail, you’ll receive no more magical training. The task? Save the harvest festival in the small village of Flora. And you only have two weeks!
You and your crow familiar, Ramsey, will spend your time gardening, using your plants in spells and rituals, getting to know the villagers, and helping them make their upcoming harvest festival a success. Fulfill orders for the villagers, including relax incense or chitchat potions. You’ll craft spells, perform tarot readings, and lead guided meditations. Witchy Life story even has three romanceable villagers! Two weeks is enough time to make the festival a success and for you to make some big life choices, right?
Play Witchy Life Story today
Witchy Life Story is now available on Steam. There is even a free demo if you’d like to give it a test spin!
for other witchy, fun games check out A Garden Witch’s Life, Little Witch in the Woods, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain.
