You then select from several different farm types and work to clear the overgrown land so that planting crops can begin. You start by creating a character, that is the recipient of a plot of land which was once owned by your grandfather. Stardew Valley is a slow-burn farming simulation game. Unlike in animal crossing and cozy grove where there is really no “end game”, it’s nice to be able to say you have finished a game in this cozy genre. Wytchwood is an enchanting game that is heavy on gathering and crafting, but also satisfying in it’s finite ending. Do you forgive or punish? The journey is up to you. Along the way you collect magic ingredients, brew sorcerous spells, and enact justice upon twelve seemingly wicked fellow inhabitants. In this game you play as an old witch of the woods, where you explore a strange map of forest, swamps, fields and caves. Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game set in a dark land of fairy tales and fables. Its gorgeous artwork and heartfelt dialogue are what sets this game apart from the rest, you cannot skip forward or binge play… this is the perfect game to take things slow and wind down your day. Much like it’s inspiration (Animal Crossing), you build a camp, make friends with the characters, explore the forest, forage and fish… and craft, slowly adding your decorating touch to the island.Ĭozy Grove sessions are short and sweet, which makes for half-hour-a-day kind of play. You set up camp, and slowly bring colour back to the black and white maps by helping the spirit bears in their afterlife. You play the role of a spirit scout and your main goal is to help the spectral inhabitants with their afterlives. Cozy GroveĬozy Grove is a beautifully illustrated indie life-sim game, centring on everyday life spent on a haunted, ever-changing island. It really is all up to you how you choose to spend your time on your island, just don’t ask me how many hours I have clocked up! 2. As the island representative, it’s up to you to make friends with animal villagers, build infrastructure and homes, grow food and flowers, fish, catch bugs, grow the island museum, craft, make bells (island currency) and lot’s more.
This cutesy life simulator gives you – the player, your very own private island to build up. Animal Crossing: New HorizonsĪnimal Crossing: New Horizons was released at that very moment that the whole world was being rocked by covid lockdowns, and it really does deliver on every cozy game front. This week, Sara shares her top 5 recommendations for cosy video games. Many young and old gamers might not have gotten through those harsh lockdowns without one of the most well-known titles in the genre – Animal Crossing. Games that ditch adrenalin pumping action for a very chill style of gameplay are a cure for the modern stresses of our times. The popular folklore-ish image of the witch has her brewing potions in a cauldron over fire.Our Practice Manager, Sara, loves relaxing with a cosy video game. Another shortcoming with Wytchwood is the fact that there is not much, if any, use of the cauldron or the hut. Essentially, players are sent out on fetch-quests where they have to gather resources, craft items and accomplish certain missions to progress in the story.Īs the story moves along, the recipes and requirements get ever more complicated and the grinding can become a tad tiresome. The distinctive storybook vibe of the artwork, coupled with a fairytale-like setting, has a note of comfort in it. In a year filled with grief and gloom, the world of Wytchwood brings a refreshing bucket load of warmth and joy with it. Players also have the option to toggle the graphical settings to suit their setup. The indie game can easily be enjoyed on computers with lower-end hardware.
Wytchwood was played on PC having the following system specifications: As the game progresses, the recipes for the items become more of a cascading matter. For others, the player needs equipment such as a capture net, a pair of shears, and more.
Some of the resources can be readily picked up off the floor. This, in turn, reveals a recipe for crafting the same. Inspecting creatures reveals their weaknesses - such as traps or potions - and how they can be collected. The dear old witch has the option to inspect objects around her. Wytchwood is dictated by lists of objects that are required for action. The difficulty in Wytchwood does not lie with enemies or threats of action - their attacks are mostly telegraphed and easily dodgeable. The crux of the game revolves around the notion of fetching and crafting. If one runs out of any ingredient, they can quickly teleport to a biome through the dimensional gate hub. Each biome also provides the players with crafting ingredients that they must gather. Some are violent towards the protagonist and can be dealt with craftable items. Different biomes have different unique animals and creatures living in them.