Thank god it’s almost fall! I’ve had enough of this heat and can’t wait for Halloween and rainy days spent playing games in my blankie with some hot cocoa and a cinnamon spice candle (although I use these during the summer too tbh). There’s just something that just smells of childhood when you think about curling up with a relaxing game in fall, probably because I got the GameCube with Animal Crossing from my bro when I was a kid (I’m the one helping him out now, though, so weird how things change)
I feel like other people here are also probably looking for cozy games to play so I’d like to recommend some games I enjoy (which also got a green light from my sister) and spread the love c:
Now, I’m not sure how many of you have played A Little To the Left. Most of you probably heard of this one, but I just can’t get enough. It’s so soothing and addictive, it’s truly cozy gamers’ crack. I cleared the new levels we got in June and can’t wait to get some more puzzles with the most precious pastel household items. I have an old college friend of mine coming over soon and I think it’ll be just the thing to reminisce about “old” (lol) times when winter comes (and here in the North it’ll probably be sooner than later 🤞)
Another really neat find – I was looking for something to play on the Switch and came across Paper Trail a while ago. It was giving me somber whimsy fall vibes in the dead of summer and I just had to get it. In case you haven’t seen it, it’s a puzzle game in which you play as a girl in a beautiful world made of paper. The paper folds like origami in order for you to move forward and this mechanic is something I’ve never seen before and I’ve played a lot of puzzles like this. It’s very refreshing and unique. I don’t wanna spoil it too much, but if you liked the vibes and aesthetics of Ooblets or the mechanics in The Pedestrian I think you’d love this one. The soundtrack is *chef’s kiss*
Honorable mentions: I also bought Fe a week ago, haven’t played it yet but they look so cozy that I wanna save them up for when the real fall kicks in and weather becomes even colder.
But that’s enough about me, I think. Any games y’all have ready to start off once the Halloween season is upon us? 🙂
Where I live, Halloween, and these months until January = jungle weather where it’s sticky, humid, and warm (yes, it’s uncomfortable, too!).😭
I’ve been trying to make a list for Halloween themed games, especially something that screams more “Over The Garden Wall” aesthetics. Here’s my list for relaxing games, because that’s my definition for “cozy”.
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**Games for Autumn**
**Passing By – A Tailwind Journey** (Demo Available on Steam) – You travel through a colorful world of floating islands, befriend its residents, and solve puzzles.
**Cozy Grove** – I’m pretty sure this game is well known by now, but I think it’s a bit unfair because it is a game that plays in real time, and as the seasons pass in our time, the weather also changes in the game, and I also enjoyed some of the seasonal events and the furniture/outfits that can be traded at this time, but that doesn’t make the game less cozy.
**Fall of Porcupine** (Demo Available on Steam) – Step into the town of Porcupine and take to the well-loved scrubs of Finley, the newest fledgling doctor to join the ranks of St. Ursula’s hospital. As the seasons in the small-town change and life starts to stir, you’ll soon realize that things aren’t always what they seem: Not everyone is honest with themselves and others, the healthcare industry is not as illustrious as it seemed in medical school, and the work/life balance Finley strives toward might be impossible to achieve. As the name suggests, the colors used in this game really gives me the autumn vibes.
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**Games for Halloween**
**Minute of Islands** (Demo Available on Steam) – MoI is a narrative puzzle platformer where you guide a girl named Mo, a skilled tinkerer who lives with her family in the lands that were once inhabited by ancient giants, and it’s on the brink of collapse. Mo holds this powerful Omni Switch tool that can help restore the machines that keep the giants afloat. In this short game, you guide Mo as she explores and learns about the state of the islands, and lastly, help clean up her once beloved home. I really like artwork–very dystopian, and the rotting fleshes really brings in that spooky vibe.
Upcoming: **Neva** – Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world. I’m looking forward to this game as it’s developed by the same company who created Gris–really beautiuful, and stunning artwork.
**Crypt Custodian** – a charming metroidvania about cleaning up the afterlife. Play as Pluto – a mischievous cat who has died, and is sentenced to be the afterworld’s janitor… FOREVER! Hang out with other doomed ghosts, battle beasts, and explore a vastly expansive landscape. This game reminds me a lot of Cult of The Lamb. Although not a game for me, but the vibe is there. As a friend had suggested a better name for this title, and I agree, it should be called Cult of The Cat!
Unpacking on switch was delightful. Cozy, relaxed, and a lovely story 🙂
I think I might have just the thing for ya, discovered it pretty recently myself
[https://store.steampowered.com/app/1608230/Planet_of_Lana/](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1608230/Planet_of_Lana/)
I am looking forward to fall and the Halloween season so bad. My favorite thing to do on a dreary day is to go for a run in the cold outside and then crawl under a blanket with a cup of tea or soup and whip out a cozy game. Also, I’m a big fan of anything spooky so I’ve lined up a few spooky games that were waiting for the right time, and I believe we’re almost there.
(I’m actually thinking of playing Fe myself. I’ve got it wishlisted on the Nintendo store.)
I love me some puzzle games; they are peak cozy for me. **Little Nightmares**: I played the first one last year and I will be playing the second one soon. **Limbo** and **Inside** are very gloomy but amazing. **RiMe** –> This one is not as spooky as my previous suggestions, but beautiful and amazing. **Journey** is a classic, I recommend it to anyone.
My current cozy game is **Spiritfarer,** which is about a girl who helps Spirits move on. It’s a management sim, but very chill about it. It sounds super creepy but it’s actually very bright, colorful and cute.
I’ve enjoyed playing Arise: A Simple Story – it’s a lovely puzzle platform game traveling thru the afterlife. The graphics are gorgeous and it’s been so very cozy for me.