3/8/24 ~ Newsletter
✨ Upcoming Games ✨
Merchants of Rosewall is a Cozy Shopkeeping Sim With a Climate Crisis Twist (6 minute read)
Merchants of Rosewall, a shopkeeping sim by Big Blue Sky Games, lets players manage a shop in a fantasy world. The game is unique because the climate impacts resource availability and cost, reflecting real-world concerns. The developer prioritizes a sustainable work environment for its team.
This Incredibly Vibesy Town building Roguelite is What I Want To Relax To (3 minute read)
Tranquil Isle is a new lo-fi town building roguelike game by solo developer Tom Daly. Players will build towns on procedurally generated islands, managing resources and upgrading skills. The game also features a sandbox mode for players who just want to relax and build without the roguelike elements. Tranquil Isle is expected to be released in 2024.
Camper Van Interview: Independent Studio Creates Cozy, Tranquil World (7 minute read)
Camper Van is a casual game about self-discovery through campervan customization and exploration. Players will decorate their vans with various items, travel to different locations, and learn about the game’s protagonist’s story through the objects they bring along. The game is expected to be released on multiple platforms, including PC and Nintendo Switch.
🎮 Game Updates 🎮
Check out Coral Island’s 2024 Roadmap (3 minute read)
The developers of Coral Island have revealed a roadmap for new content coming to the game in 2024. Players can expect new features like reaching Town Rank S, building attractions, and exploring the island’s history. Tourists will also be visiting the island, offering new opportunities for interaction. Additionally, players can invite their dates on hangouts and new farm animals like buffalo and ostrich will be added.
Sims 4 Players Hate Its Obtrusive New Store Button So Much That a Modder Has Already Removed it (3 minute read)
The Sims 4 recently received a new update that added a store icon to the main toolbar. This icon allows players to access information about new DLC packs, but it has been met with widespread dislike from the community. Players find the icon intrusive and annoying, and some have even created mods to remove it. This is not the first time players have criticized The Sims 4’s monetization strategy, which they feel has become increasingly aggressive in recent years.
🌿 Cozy Corner 🌿
Best Apps to Gamify Your Focus and Productivity (1 minute read)
This article recommends apps that use game-like features to make staying focused and productive more engaging. These apps use points, rewards, and challenges to motivate users. Examples include Forest (grow a tree by staying focused) and Habitica (turn tasks into a role-playing game).
What Is the Best Way to Play Cozy Games? (10 minute read)
Choosing a platform for cozy gaming? Consider comfort, affordability, and accessibility. PC offers frequent sales and is affordable (if you already own one), but requires technical knowledge and isn’t the most comfortable. Xbox is affordable, has many cozy games, and doubles as a media player, but might require a subscription and is more expensive than the Switch. The Switch is versatile (handheld or TV), family-friendly, and has many cozy games, but games are expensive, online features are limited, and it’s less powerful.
🍄 Game Reviews 🍄
Quilts & Cats of Calico (PC) Review (5 minute read)
Quilts and Cats of Calico is a digital adaptation of a board game where players compete to create the best quilt. The game is praised for its simple and addictive gameplay, clean interface, and relaxing atmosphere. It features various game modes, including a story mode with unique challenges, and allows players to customize their in-game cats. Overall, the reviewer recommends the game to anyone who enjoys cozy games, cats, or puzzles.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley (Switch) Review (6 minute read)
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a charming and relaxing adventure game based on the Moomin series. The reviewer, initially unfamiliar with the Moomins, was impressed by the game’s beautiful visuals, engaging story, and use of music to solve puzzles. While the Switch version has some minor technical issues, the reviewer highly recommends the game for its heartwarming story, quirky characters, and relaxing atmosphere.
Ufouria: The Saga 2 (Switch) Review (8 minute read)
Ufouria: The Saga 2 is a charming but easy side-scrolling platformer inspired by 1990s games. Explore a bright world, gain abilities from rescued friends, and collect coins to upgrade your character. While praised for its visuals and reward system, the game is criticized for its low difficulty and repetitive boss battles. Overall, it’s recommended for fans of classic platformers looking for a relaxing experience.
💖Cozy Gear & Accessories 💖
Cloud Wrist Rest ($13)
Say goodbye to painful wrists with this adorable cloud rest. Comes in multiple colors!
Link Here
Govee 65ft LED Strip Light ($21)
Set some cozy vibes in your gaming room with these RGB LED Lights!
Link Here
Kawaii: Animal Crossing Keycaps ($78)
These cute, handmade keycaps are sure to bring coziness to your desk!
Link Here
💌 Worthy Mentions 💌
Nintendo Officially Reveals Mario Day 2024 Game Deals, Free Nintendo Online Trial, and more (5 minute read)
To celebrate Mario Day on March 10th, Nintendo is offering discounts on various Mario games, both digitally and physically. Additionally, a $25 gift card will be available with Nintendo Switch console purchases at select retailers. For Nintendo Switch Online members, there will be a free 14-day trial, in-game rewards, and online and in-person events.
PlayStation Plus RPG is a Perfect Mix of Stardew Valley and Final Fantasy (2 minute read)
Rune Factory 4 Special, a free RPG with a PlayStation Plus Extra subscription, is a perfect mix of Stardew Valley and Final Fantasy. Players take on the role of a hero who falls from the sky and becomes a ruler of a town. They can farm, explore dungeons, and develop the town. The game is praised for being a good entry point for newcomers.
Catch up on Pokémon Day Festivities, Including News About New Game (2 minute read)
Pokémon Day celebrates the 28th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Featured are some current Pokémon games including Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Cafe Remix, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It also announces a new game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to be released in 2025 in Lumiose City.
Viral Willy Wonka Event Invades Video Games (5 minute read)
A failed Willy Wonka immersive experience in Scotland has sparked a wave of online humor. Gamers and video game companies are recreating the event, with memes and in-game content inspired by its bizarre and low-quality execution. The event has even gained the attention of the actor who played one of the characters.
Steam’s Cutest New Cozy Game Is Free To Play Right Now (2 minute read)
100 Dino Cats is a free-to-play hidden object game on Steam with positive reviews. Players search for adorable cats hidden in charming, hand-drawn dinosaur-themed locations. The base game is free and offers over 100 levels, while a deluxe version with bonus content is available for purchase.
Genshin Impact Developer Reportedly Working on Animal Crossing/Stardew Valley Like Game (3 minute read)
Genshin Impact developer Hoyoverse is reportedly creating Starry Sky Valley, a new life simulation game similar to Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. Unlike their usual action titles, this game will offer a relaxing and casual experience. Details are scarce, but it might feature a character-collecting mechanic similar to another Hoyoverse game, Tears of Themis.
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