Cozy Games
So if you're a gamer like me, you're likely aware of the "Cozy" genre of games.
Lately cozy games have felt same-y so I wanna share my criteria for a "perfect" cozy game.
To share my criteria, I'll break it up into categories: "Must Have" are features that would be essential, "Would be Nice" are features that aren't necessarily essential but would be good additions, "Hard Pass" are features that I wouldn't consider cozy or relaxing to interact with.
Must Have
- Gameplay should be focused on casual exploration and the environment.
- Art style must feel whimsical and simple.
- Friendly NPCs to interact with.
- No survival elements (ie hunger, health etc)
- Game is set in an open world with little to no loading screens.
Nice to Have
- Base building and decoration with free placement.
- Photo Mode (perfect for taking screenshots)
- Day/Night cycle
- Pets (that just follow you around, not necessarily needing care)
- Multiplayer
Hard Pass
- Farming (there's too many animal crossing, rune factory or stardew valley inspired games already)
- Progression/Skill locked activities or areas (I wanna explore without worrying about levels or skills)
- Intrusive UI
- Forced Tutorial (I want the option to figure stuff out on my own)
I know everyone has their own idea of what a cozy game should be, this is my take - feel free to disagree with it.
If anyone has any recommendations for games on PlayStation, PC or Mobile that they think is worth a try - feel free to drop a link to them and I'll check them out.
I will not be considering any games that were made with AI or have gameplay elements involving generative AI, human made content only!
@GnomedBinary i would say... death stranding 1/2
Sure the BT zone exploration can raise your blood pressure a bit but other then that .. pretty chill game
Can put some music on, plot routes, explore, fix things to make the next trip easier...
@mont22ha
Was never interested in DS, even when it came out.
@GnomedBinary i mean it meets most of your interests so.. should at least try it
@GnomedBinary
Not much sure but Minecraft feels peaceful even the farming genre is not that intense, you can go on horse rides, boat rides play with your friends , build base etc. it can be both tbh I have seen a lot of people struggling too.
@sereneMango2512
I already play bedrock edition, Minecraft can be cozy but not what I'm looking for.
Also no agreeing to privacy policies and such. I get weirded put by those. Just let me play the game! Lol
*Weirded out