Kara’s Random Game Recs

This may seem random, but since I’ve been discussing maintaining my sanity, I thought I might talk about some games that I’ve greatly enjoyed and others I’m looking forward to in the future. Let me be upfront about my taste in games, in case we are polar opposites: I like low stress games with some story or romance, puzzles, task completion, etc. If there’s customization in the game, I’m probably down. If there is required multiplayer, I’m out. With that out of the way, let’s talk about some games I loved and why.

Ooblets

Ooblets is low stress and a bit silly. It’s a sort of like Pokemon in that you collect creatures, but instead of violent battles, they have dance battles. It’s low stress, there are mini games, lots of customization. It reminds me vaguely of My Sims for the Wii, especially with some of the Gothic flavored goodies, but it’s for the low stress crowd for sure.

Stardew Valley

Pretty much everyone knows Stardew Valley is a farm/life sim, so I won’t go into too much detail. I love how they’re still updating it now after how many years since its release and how many mods you can download to make the experience truly unique to you. My favorite character you can date will always be Shane. I take no criticism for it.

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is a gut punch at times. You are a spiritfarer, someone who transports souls along their journey to the otherworld. You have to help them become whole before they can move on, and some of the stories will bring tears to your eyes. It’s part story, part asset management game, and all fun. The world is fairly open but not so open that it feels aimless.

Strange Horticulture

If you loved Jordan L. Hawk’s Widdershins, Strange Horticulture is right up your alley. You play as a horticulturist who has just taken over a flower shop in a very strange town. Queer plants, puzzles, a cult and an eldritch monster lurking in the woods, it has everything you could possibly want. This story is divided into thirteen days (I think) and there are multiple endings, so it’s great to play more than once to hit all the paths/endings.

Unpacking

Unpacking is about telling a story through objects. We follow an unseen character as they unpack their life throughout the years. We get to see how their lives change and follow objects through the years. It is super sweet, and the more you play, the more you discover hints of the unseen character’s story. It is so chill, though I wish it was longer.

A Little to the Left

A Little to the Left is similar to Unpacking in that it is an object game, but this is more focused on puzzles. This one can be challenging at times (I had to sneak peeks at a guide a few times when I got stuck), so it’s low stress until it isn’t. They also made an expansion pack for cupboard and drawer puzzles (some of my favorites). It scratches the autistic urge to sort things.

Games I am Looking Forward to Playing

• Venba– the story follows a family who is now living in a new country and the story is told through recipes. It looks so cute, and it’s a great change to see a story from an Indian company. Out now.
• Book of Hours– this feels in the same vein as Strange Horticulture. It’s a puzzle game where you restore an occult library and discover things about its history as you fix it. It looks deliciously spooky, and you all know how much I love a game with historical flare. Out August 17th.
• Botany Manor– we have another plant-based puzzle game, but Botany Manor follows a botanist who inherits a house in the English countryside filled with rare plants. You explore the manor, solve puzzles to help the plants grow, and enjoy the 19th century atmosphere. It looks so chill, and the scenery looks gorgeous. No release date yet.
• Tiny Bookshop– You run a pop-up bookshop in an asset management/narrative game. This combines my favorite things: books, customization, and asset management. This game is still in development, but it looks right up my alley with the beachy, cozy ambiance. No release date yet.
• Moonlight Peaks– Spooky Stardew Valley. You play a vampire who moves to a new town, where you need to make friends with other supernatural creatures, grow plants, and do magic. You get to fly around town as a bat. Every clip I see makes my Halloween heart happy. No release date yet.
• Dredge– I own Dredge but haven’t worked up the nerve to play because I’m a chicken and it’s horror. You run a fishing boat in a town where some secrets are best forgotten. As you explore the island and upgrade your ship, you find out more. I love fishing games and unsettling games, so I’m hoping it’ll be my taste. It is out now.