2/23/24 ~ Newsletter
🌻Button City (Sponsor) 🌻
Button City: A Pocket-Sized Cozy Game (2 minute read)
The mobile release of Button City, a colorful, low poly adventure game, brings its heartwarming story and engaging gameplay to your pocket. As of February 22, the game was released on Apple and Android mobile platforms. Play as Fennel, a shy fox who befriends animal pals and joins them to save their beloved arcade from a greedy villain.
✨ Upcoming Games ✨
I Tried 18 Cozy Game Demos and Here’s What I Thought (15 minute read)
During Steam Next Fest, opinions were shared on 18 different cozy game demos that were explored. On the list were various games, from puzzles to mystery, farming in the galaxy, and several adventure stories. Some of the featured games were Pine Hearts, Magical Delicacy, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, and Little-Known Galaxy. Overall, the quest to find promising cozy games for the year was successful.
Warm Up Your Week With 5 Newly Released Cozy Games (2 minute read)
Looking to escape the winter chill? This week offers 5 cozy games for every taste! From gardening and decorating to platforming and puzzle-solving, these diverse options are perfect for unwinding. Explore new releases like Garden Life, Promenade and more! Whatever your preference, there’s a cozy adventure waiting to warm your heart and spark your creativity.
🎮 Game Updates 🎮
Palia Steam Launch: Where To Get The Frogbert Plushie (5 minute read)
Palia, a free cozy MMO, launches on Steam on March 25th, 2024, with all available content. Wishlisting the game on Steam unlocks an in-game Frogbert Plush reward, growing in size with each 100,000 Wishlists. The maximum size is 5x, achieved at 500,000 Wishlists. All players, regardless of platform, can claim the plush from the in-game News tab starting March 25th and have until April 25th, 2024 to do so.
The Sims 4 Crystal Creations Stuff Pack Details (5 minute read)
The Sims 4 Crystal Creations Stuff Pack lets players collect and craft crystals for adornment and magical effects. Releasing on February 29, it offers over 1,000 customizable jewelry pieces and 27 crystals with positive or negative effects depending on the cut and use. Crystals can be charged by the moon and worn for benefits, requiring occasional recharging. New crystals like Amber, Jade, and Moonstone are added, with varying rarities found in dig spots, rocks, or different worlds.
🌿 Game Reviews 🌿
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator Review (5 minute read)
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator lets you design and maintain your own virtual garden. Relaxing visuals and calming gameplay make it a great escape, but repetitive tasks and tricky controls hold it back slightly. Overall, it’s a charming pick for peace-loving gardeners (both real and virtual).
Bandle Tale Review: A Cute But Ultimately Frustrating Tale (6 minute read)
Explore Bandle City, befriending Yordles and League Champions. While it gives beautiful visuals, relaxing music, and a heartwarming story about friendship, it’s hindered by tedious tasks, frustrating inventory management, and confusing lack of direction. Despite its flaws, the character creation, house customization, and League Champion interactions offer some redeeming qualities.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Review: It’s One Quirky Nintendo Switch Game (8 minute read)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a puzzle-action game for the Nintendo Switch. It features classic Mario gameplay with puzzle-solving elements. Players help Mario navigate levels, collect Mini-Mario toys, and avoid obstacles within a time limit. The game offers two difficulty modes, 130+ levels, and multiplayer. While praised for its visuals and homage to classic games, it can be frustrating and repetitive, especially for younger players or those who dislike puzzles.
🍄 Events 🍄
Nintendo Partner Direct February 2024: All News, Trailers, and More (10 minute read)
Nintendo Direct showcased upcoming games from Nintendo’s partners, including remakes like Disney Epic Mickey and Endless Ocean, and new titles like World Goo 2 and Super Monkey Ball. Xbox Game Pass titles Grounded and Pentiment will come to Switch for the first time. Overall, it offered a diverse lineup for various tastes.
The Gayming Awards 2024 Is Moving To Los Angeles (3 minute read)
The Gayming Awards 2024 moves to Los Angeles for a pre-recorded virtual show on April 7th. Hosted by DEERE and MiladyConfetti, it aims for wider accessibility with a Spanish co-stream and captioned YouTube stream. Coral Island, In Stars and Time, and Tchia compete for Best LGBTQ Indie Game of the Year, while Humble Games and Larian Studios are among the nominees for the Industry Diversity Award.
💖Cozy Gear & Accessories 💖
Mushroom Cable Holder ($15)
Don’t let your cables slip away by using this adorable mushroom holder!
Link Here
Tom Nook Succulent Planter ($25)
Drink your cozy tea or coffee in this adorable Stardew Valley Mug
Link Here
Cable Management Box ($17)
Clean up those messy cables by hiding them away in this organizer!
Link Here
💌 Worthy Mentions 💌
This May, The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook Will Be Released (2 minute read)
The official Stardew Valley cookbook arrives May 14th, 2024 with over 50 recipes based on the game’s seasonal ingredients. Created in collaboration with developer ConcernedApe, it features original artwork and photography, allowing you to enjoy Stardew Valley’s flavors in your own kitchen. This follows the game’s huge success, selling over 20 million copies since its release.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time looks like the RPG take on Animal Crossing: New Horizons that I’ve been waiting for (2 minute read)
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time resembles Animal Crossing, but with a time travel twist and RPG elements. Players build a deserted island, gathering resources from the past, and choose from various roles like Miners or Magicians. Up to 4 players can explore the island together, battling enemies, uncovering mysteries, and building friendships. This Animal Crossing-inspired RPG launches October 10th.
Video Game Industry Lags in LGBTQ Representation – GLAAD Study Finds (3 minute read)
1 in 5 gamers identify as LGBTQ, but the gaming industry lags in representation, according to a GLAAD report. While LGBTQ gamers contribute significantly to the player base, less than 2% of games feature LGBTQ characters or storylines. The report calls for increased representation, improved portrayal, and industry efforts to foster inclusivity.
1 Million Trees Planted Thanks to Player Action In Longleaf Valley (4 minute read)
Mobile puzzle game Longleaf Valley has achieved a major milestone: planting over 1 million trees in real life through player actions. This “Play It, Plant It” model tackles environmental issues within the game while empowering players to contribute directly to reforestation efforts. TreesPlease Games, dedicated to positive impact gaming, celebrates this achievement and looks forward to continued engagement and environmental action through future updates and events.
Lego is Teasing a Dungeons and Dragons Collab With Adorably Deadly Gelatinous Cube (3 minute read)
LEGO and Dungeons & Dragons are collaborating to celebrate D&D’s 50th anniversary with a new LEGO set. A teaser video showcases intriguing clues within a gelatinous cube, hinting at exciting possibilities. This follows a 2022 contest where BoltBuilds’ “Dragon’s Keep: Journey’s End” won with its 3,000+ pieces and customizable features. While details remain mysterious, LEGO fans can expect an epic brick-building adventure inspired by the beloved RPG.