Welcome to our Wholesome gaming news!
This week, we have news about Spy Video Game Rendezvous on Steam, Seeds of Calamity, blending farming and JRPG and a demo for Spooky Express. Nature part 2 update for Overthrown, a patch for Amber Isle on Switch and a release date for Instants. Subnautica coming to mobile, interior design game Small Spaces in Early Access and Snacko leaves Early Access. A demo for Aquapark Tycoon and Projected Dreams released on Steam.
Spy Video Game Rendezvous on Steam
The Spy Video Game Rendezvous has kicked off on Steam, hosted by Sunny Demeanor Games. This festival brings something a little different to your gaming radar: a Steam festival and video showcase dedicated entirely to spy-themed games, running until May 30th, 1pm US Eastern Time. While spy games don’t feature a lot on LadiesGamers, the event features some games that may surprise you with its cosy, creative twists.
Among the 30+ games featured, highlights include:
Puzzle Spy International, a stylish puzzle game with optional hints to keep things friendly and approachable. There’s a demo available now on Steam.
The Abbess Garden, a relaxing gardening game wrapped in an intriguing spy narrative
Super Spy Raccoon, an arcade-style sneaky raccoon adventure that LadiesGamers has already reviewed. James wrote in his conclusion:
“Super Spy Raccoon stands out for its originality, offering a fresh take on arcade-style gameplay with its stealth mechanics. It’s not the easiest game to warm up to, especially with its unforgiving detection system, but those willing to master its quirks may find it a satisfying challenge.”
There’s a demo available on Steam.
Barkour, where you play as a canine secret agent, a quirky premise that will appeal to animal lovers
Seeds of Calamity, Blending Farming and JRPG
Seeds of Calamity, a charming blend of farming sim and classic JRPG, is set to launch in Steam Early Access on May 28th, 2025. Created over five years by solo developer Jenny (aka Laborious Lark), this heartfelt game invites you to settle into a quiet mountain town still recovering from a magical disaster.
You’ll plant crops, befriend villagers, and explore dungeons, all while adventuring with your fluffy Spellbook Companion. The game features turn-based combat, seasonal festivals, and a story focused on rebuilding a world touched by calamity—perfect for those who love both cozy sims and nostalgic RPG storytelling.
Looking at it, they drew inspiration from Stardew Valley, but that is never a bad thing. Seeds of Calamity will be available for $14.99 | €13.99. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to stay in the peaceful village after the big JRPG quest ends, this might just be the game for you.
Demo for Spooky Express
There’s a spooky new puzzle game on the horizon! Spooky Express, the latest title from Draknek & Friends (creators of A Good Snowman is Hard to Build and A Monster’s Expedition), now has a free demo live on Steam.
A spiritual successor to the award-winning Cosmic Express, Spooky Express invites you to plan train routes through a haunted theme park, where every passenger has… peculiar needs. Vampires want coffins, zombies shuffle off to grave pits, and humans need a safe exit…unless they get bitten or scared along the way!
With over 100 levels packed with monsters, maps, and clever mechanics, this puzzle game promises both charm and challenge.
Nature Part 2 Update for Overthrown
Chaotic city builder Overthrown has just received a major new update, which is now available in Steam Early Access. In Overthrown, you’ll lift and throw just about anything as you build and manage a wild and whimsical kingdom for up to six players. Use your soul-stealing crown to protect your citizens from bandits and mutants, grow crops, gather resources, and try to keep everyone happy.
Since James checked out the first demo, the game has a veritable roadmap with updates, and this Nature Update part 2 adds plenty of new features to shake up the strategy part of the game:
- Brand new zones to expand your kingdom
- A Fog-of-War map that adds mystery to unexplored areas
- Pollution mechanics to manage
- A new Ember Root plant to grow
- Updates to the research tree
- And new stone fences for building
Patch For Amber Isle on Switch
If you’ve played Amber Isle on Switch, like Paula has (find her review here) you’ll be pleased to hear that a new patch is now live for Amber Isle, specific for Nintendo Switch.
Patch 1.0 focuses on improving overall performance, with better frame rates and less stuttering during normal gameplay. You’ll also notice improved grass and foliage visuals, along with the handy addition of a progress meter in the shop and island customiser, helping you manage placeable items more easily.
Several quest-related bugs have been fixed, including potential softlocks in “Impress the Mayor,” “Money Changes Everything,” and “Contractual Obligations.” Other fixes address interaction issues, display errors, and visual glitches around the island.
If you’ve been playing on Switch, this update should make your experience much more enjoyable. The developers have shared their thanks for your patience as they worked to improve the game.
Release Date for Instants
Indie developer Endflame has revealed that Instants is set to launch on June 7th, 2025, during the Wholesome Direct, and will be available on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.
In Instants, you’ll assemble photo puzzles in chronological order to uncover a heartfelt family story. Along the way, you can get creative by decorating each album using a variety of scrapbooking tools, making each page feel personal and unique.
I had a look at the demo a few months ago, and felt that Instants promises to be a nice game with little touches that might not be mind-blowing but add a sense of cosiness. Check out my thoughts here!
Subnautica Coming to Mobile
Subnautica, the underwater survival adventure, is making a splash on mobile this summer! Developed by Unknown Worlds and brought to mobile platforms by Playdigious, Subnautica will launch on iOS and Android on July 8th.
It’s been a while since CJ reviewed the game, and she wrote in conclusion:
“Challenging and gorgeous game. I love finding new creatures, and they even change with the in-game “seasons”. Frankly, I can’t see how this game could possibly get boring since I am enjoying myself so much, and because I have a lot of story and environment left to discover.”
So if you haven’t played the game on dedicated gaming consoles, you can now dive into the depths of an alien ocean world, where you’ll explore vibrant marine life, uncover hidden secrets, and fight to survive. From crafting gear to building shelters and gathering resources, every dive is a step closer to escaping the mysterious planet you’ve crash-landed on.
Mobile players can pre-register now on Google Play or pre-order on the App Store to enjoy a 10% launch discount, bringing the price down to $8.99 (normally $9.99). A perfect opportunity to take this deep-sea adventure on the go.
Interior Design Game Small Spaces in EA
Small Spaces, a meditative interior design game, has officially launched in Early Access on PC via Steam. Developed by solo creator Niklas Tomkowitz and published by Pretty Soon, the game invites you to design cosy, lived-in apartments without the pressure of scores or timers.
Inspired by The Sims Build Mode and the beauty of architectural photography, Small Spaces encourages you to decorate with feeling rather than competition. You’ll furnish realistic small homes, from minimalist Tokyo flats to New York lofts and Berlin apartments, using a detailed library of high-quality furniture and décor.
You can switch from top-down planning to a first-person view to walk through the homes you’ve created, experiencing them like a real resident. With narrative prompts and unique design objectives, there’s always a new story to inspire your layouts.
As an introduction offer Small Spaces is now discounted by 10% (now for € 11,51) till June 10th. This looks like a game for gamers who already loved Unpacking, Tiny Glade, Townscaper or A Little to the Left.
Snacko Leaves Early Access
Snacko has officially launched its full Version 1.0 on Steam! Developed by Bluecurse Studios and published by Armor Games Studios, this cozy cat-filled farming sim invites you to start a new life on the mysterious Snacko Island alongside feline friends Momo and Mikan.
After a successful Kickstarter and time in Early Access, the 1.0 release brings a host of new features. Explore four unique biomes, uncover island secrets, and enjoy new gameplay additions like kart upgrades, a magical staff for spellcasting, redesigned mines, and expanded NPC questlines, including heartfelt confession events.
You’ll also find plenty of quality-of-life updates, like a smart inventory system, flexible decorating tools with over 300 items, and a variety of daily life activities to enjoy at your own pace. With 26 characters to meet and 21 romance options, Snacko offers a warm, welcoming world full of charm.
Snacko is available now for £20.99 / $24.99 / €24,50, and there’s a 25% launch discount for a limited time.
A Demo for Aquapark Tycoon
Aquapark Tycoon, the upcoming sim game from indie developer Boxelware, has just launched its first demo on Steam.
In the demo, you’ll step into the role of an aquapark manager and design your dream water park, complete with pools, saunas, and exciting slides. You can try out two themed worlds—Pirates and Ancient Times—and get creative with a slide editor to craft your own watery thrills.
The demo includes two play modes (Scenario and Free Play), four customisable pools, five unique slides, three relaxing saunas, and management tools like staff hiring and guest feedback. It’s all part of the Cozy & Family Friendly Games Celebration 2025, running from May 29th to June 1st, but the demo will remain available even after the event ends.
The full version of Aquapark Tycoon is set to offer even more, including indoor park design, seasonal changes, and new themed worlds.
Projected Dreams Released on Steam
The full version of Projected Dreams, a cozy and emotional puzzle game inspired by 90s nostalgia, has launched on Steam. In this experience, you’ll step into the shoes of Senka, a young girl revisiting the memories of her childhood bedroom through light, shadows, and toys.
The game features inventive shadow puzzles where you arrange toys to create silhouettes that unlock pieces of a touching, wordless story. As you solve each puzzle, Senka’s room subtly transforms, reflecting her emotional journey and the quiet beauty of growing up.
With a soothing soundtrack by composer Floris Demandt and hidden secrets to uncover, Projected Dreams is a heartfelt blend of puzzle-solving and storytelling.
Want to know more about the developer Flawberry Studio, the team behind Projected Dreams? Check out our interview with them!
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