We all love video games. That’s a given. Sometimes, we want to dive into a video game that can give us the most white-knuckle, no-holds-barred, and explosive action possible. But other times, we just want to get all snugly in a blanket, lay back, and take it easy with games like Katamari Damacy.
Luckily, there’s an entire subgenre of games that do just that. Cozy games are best played when all you want to do is relax. Some games can be cozy and wacky simultaneously. So, if that’s what you’re in the mood for, these are the games for you!
A port of the original PS2 game, Katamari Damacy: Reroll on Nintendo Switch is as bizarre and abstract as ever. When the King of All Cosmos knocks all the stars out of the sky, it’s up to his son, the Prince, to set things right. By rolling a small ball called a katamari around, players can make things stick to it.
Eventually, the ball gets bigger and bigger and bigger until you’re rolling up buildings, mountains, and rainbows. Katamari can get a little hair-raising in later levels, but it’s still a fun way to goof around if you’re not looking for a particularly difficult game.
In the Rural Village of Nagoro, is as simple as they come. By giving players only one button to use within the game to interact with things, Nagoro is more of an interactive visual novel than anything else. But that’s okay, as its minimalist vibes cater perfectly to its hand-drawn art style. Soft and warm, Nagoro is a picture book come to life, which is perfect for those who are looking to settle down nicely at the end of the day.
Gamers of a certain age may remember the Harvest Moon series, a farm/life sim where the objective was simply to run a farm and make a happy family. Even though the name Harvest Moon may not be used anymore, the series still exists as A Story of Seasons.
The latest entry, A Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, is a remake of the Gamecube entry of Harvest Moon. Players are free to grow their farm as they want, fall in love with who they want to, and build as best a life as possible. Cozy games don’t get much cozier than this.
Memories of being little and playing outside are some of the best we can carry. Lil Gator Game speaks to those memories and makes them tangible again. As the titular lil gator, players can explore an island of cute and friendly animals.
Friends will be made, cardboard monsters vanquished, and shenanigans will be had. In the entire history of video games, none have come quite as close to capturing the sheer joy of being young, silly, and carefree as Lil Gator Game has.
Are you looking for adorable accessories for your next cozy gaming session? YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!
All right, Crayon Shin-chan may not be the most kid-friendly of programs out there, but when Shin takes a breather, he can offer a surprisingly mellow experience. Shin-Chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation is precisely what its title suggests: a summer vacation experience packed with all the essentials.
Warm summer days, bug catching, and taking it easy. The simple gameplay often includes fetch quests, fishing, and the like. It’s a very cozy experience for Shin-chan, and if you can get past his silly antics, his Summer Vacation video game can be as good as the real thing.
Cozy games like Katamari Damacy should be played because they offer different experiences from other video games. Often, the goal of a video game is to survive. Survive to get the highest score, survive to beat all the bad guys, survive against all sorts of dangerous parameters, etc. However, in cozy games, the object is not to survive but to experience.
Like a slice-of-life anime, cozy games are just experiences to enjoy. Players can farm, they can raise families, or they can have fun on vacations. Gameplay is usually laid back and relaxed, unlike other action games that are rip-roaring excitement at all times. Cozy games are great because they cater to people who may not otherwise really like video games. Picture it: dim lights, a nice mug of hot tea, a comfy blankie, and a farm sim on the TV. Bliss.
Do you like cozy games at all? If so, which ones do you play? Why do you like it so much? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your favorite cozy game!
Looking to throw an awesome, cosmic arcade party this fall? Then you’ll need some awesome ideas!
Arcades in Japan are among the most legendary in the world. But what makes arcades especially fun aren’t just the video games but the countless crane games they offer.
Whether you remember feeding your Tamagotchi at the school lunch table or have never even held one, this article is for you!
Kirby characters are some of the most adorable figures in gaming, each bringing their unique charm. These characters capture the hearts of players with their colorful designs and playful personalities.
Pixel games are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why! They offer a charming mix of nostalgia and retro style, providing a fun experience without damaging your device or wallet.