As beautiful as the holiday season can be, it isn’t like that for everyone. For some, this season marks loneliness, mixed emotions, sadness, and brings unwelcome memories. To honour those who may be struggling, here’s a list of games to deal with to help y’all process and boost your spirits!
For those of you who need games to unwind with, here’s a list of some relaxing games the lovely Mina did!
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is a visual novel-simulation game where you play as a barista at a late-night coffee shop. You listen to the bar patrons and mix the drinks they ask for, helping them solve their issues. The story is set in an alternate-reality Seattle where humans live alongside orcs, mermaids, shapeshifters, and even aliens. As such, your patrons are engaging in more ways than one. Their stories are initially separate, but they eventually interweave as they get to know one another. Here’s our in-depth review.
Coffee Talk is one of my absolute faves and so cozy! This game is a lo-fi safe haven for those of you who might feel a little alone or isolated. The characters, the setting, the music, all of it will make you feel like you’re right there in the moment. If you want to see my thoughts, I’m replaying this game on my stream before the sequel comes out next year!
Cozy Grove
A lovely little gem that came out earlier this year, Cozy Grove is a life-sim where you play as a customizable spirit scout – which is essentially a girl scout, but for ghosts! You get lost on a mysterious, haunted island. You discover and assist several ghostly bears who have unfinished business as you explore. Check out our in-depth review here!
The game unfurls bit by bit, only letting the player play for at most 45 minutes a day. However, that provides an attractive incentive for the player to come back every day. This game is right up your alley for those looking for controlled gaming and social interaction! A bunch of lovely updates has dropped throughout the year, so there’s plenty of content to explore.
What Comes After
A short, but sweet story about why you matter, What Comes After is a philosophical trip that will get you thinking about life. Playing as Vivi – a woman who has somehow ended up on a train for the dead – you explore the subway cars to talk to various spirits who give you advice and ask questions that leave you reeling and thinking about the impact you have on your life and that of those around you. Our full review is here.
This 1-hour experience had me in my feels for sure! The advice of the recently departed was poignant and kind. I have more than a few screenshots to look back on when I have a terrible day. For those who are being too hard on themselves, I think this game will help lighten your spirits.
Spiritfarer
I know this game has been everywhere since it came out, but it’s like that for a reason. Spiritfarer is a life-sim adventure game where you play as Stella. She is the new Spiritfarer who has recently taken over for Charon. She and her cat, Daffodil, are tasked with helping spirits fulfil their last requests and then move on to the afterlife. Our review for the game is here.
This is an emotional game that is also cozy and heartwarming. You will get attached to spirits and their passings will hit you in the gut. However, this game will help you cope with loss in a heartwarming and compelling manner. If you’re missing someone and need something feel-good that doesn’t shy away from its themes, this is your game.
Haven Park
Need a little sunshine? Well, look no further than Haven Park! Playing as Flint – a cute little chickadee – you run about a sunny campsite fixing accommodations and doing quests for campers. Here’s our review.
The picturesque scenery of the Park is a joy to look at. For those of you who are missing the sun, the perpetual light of Haven Park should help perk you up a bit.
A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build
For those of you who might what some snowy weather instead, A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build is the perfect treat. This is a Sokoban puzzle game where you play a cute monster. Feeling lonely, you decide to create snowmen friends. The game consists of rolling and combining balls of snow into various fun characters. There’s no dialogue, but each snowman is unique stylistically.
We did a review of this game earlier this year, so feel free to check it out to get a better handle on the game. I haven’t played much, but the game is pretty cute, fun, and addictive. I had to force myself to put this one down. It’s great for those who are dealing with heat or wanted a white Christmas they didn’t get (like yours truly).
Rain On Your Parade
Our final game is for our tricksters and mischievous people. Rain On Your Parade is a game where you control a cloud that quite literally rains on people’s days. There are tasks to complete in each level, from short-circuiting lights to chasing kids around the school to causing experiments to blow up.
This game is hours of fun that can be done alone or shared with others. It’s great for those of you who might need to work out any frustration you’re dealing with. Check out our review here.
With that, I’ll end the list here. Hopefully, something on this list will bring a smile to your face. I wish you all a happy and safe rest of the holidays!
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