Welcome to our Wholesome gaming news!
This week, we have news about new Otome games from Aksys, a release date for Critter Crops and Spilled! gets a new demo after a total make-over. Battlefield Waltz is coming West, Elrentaros Wandering is the New JRPG from Yoshifumi Hashimoto and a big Quality-of-Life update for SunnySide. We have Kickstarter Crony Corp and news about froggy platformer Valley Peaks.
And don’t forget: Can’t wait for the news? Do you want to be the first to read it? Join our subreddit called r/LadiesGamersNews and read the news even before it’s rounded up in these Wholesome Gaming News articles.
Otome Game News from Aksys
There was news for Otome fans at the Aksys Anime Expo 2024 Panel. Aksys Games has announced the release of five more otome games for the Nintendo Switch in 2024 and 2025. This includes updates on familiar titles and new game announcements.
Virche Evermore Epic: Lycoris fan disc is set to launch on November 7th, 2024. Following that, Despera Drops will be released in Spring 2025.
Among the new announcements, 7’scarlet is making its way to the Switch in Spring 2025. This game follows a woman searching for her missing brother and discovering unexpected events and people along the way. Previously available on the Vita, its Switch release is highly anticipated.
Additionally, two more otome games were announced that are so early in development that they don’t have English titles yet. Mistonia no Kibou -The Lost Delight- and Utakata no Uchronia are both expected on the Switch in 2025.
Release Date for Critter Crops
SkyReach Studio and publisher indie.io have announced the new release date for Critter Crops on PC via Steam, now set for July 22nd, 2024. Initially planned for April 15th, 2024, the delay has allowed the small indie team to polish the enchanting world of Mutter Island.
In Critter Crops, you join Sylvie, a fledgling witch who arrives on Mutter Island after being chased from her hometown for her magical talents. Sylvie discovers she can grow magical Critter Crops, which are essential for unlocking the island’s mysteries.
This game blends charming farming gameplay with isometric role-playing elements, providing a cosy and wholesome experience. You’ll farm, mine, gather, and explore the island to level up Sylvie’s abilities and uncover Mutter Island’s secrets. With 24 unique Critter Crops, each with special growing conditions and skills, you’ll navigate challenges and help revitalise Mur Mur Town.
Spilled! New Demo After Total Make-Over
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Lente, the developer of Spilled!, has completely revamped the game’s graphics with the help of a hired tech artist. Lente, who lives on a boat herself, began developing Spilled! at the end of 2022, embracing the maritime lifestyle she grew up with.
Spilled! is a wholesome, relaxing game where you clean up oil spills with a boat. You recycle waste, earn coins, and upgrade your boat to tackle new areas and challenges. The game’s recent visual overhaul makes it even more enjoyable, and a new demo is now available on Steam.
The Kickstarter campaign, launched in early 2024, was a huge success, raising € 31.600, which was 316% of the original € 10.000 goal. This funding allowed Lente to hire a talented tech artist, leading to the stunning visual upgrade and the creation of the new demo for you to enjoy!
Battlefield Waltz is Coming West
A lot of news this week for otome game enthusiasts! Battlefield Waltz is set to debut physically and digitally in North America and Europe on the Nintendo Switch™ in 2025. For the first time fans in these regions can enjoy the officially localized version of this hidden gem (Age rating is still pending).
In Battlefield Waltz you’ll meet Lan, the Maiden of the Cursed Sword, who trains with elite warriors and compassionate lovers. After a tragic event, Lan gains the powerful yet burdensome Cursed Sword. As she forges new bonds, she seeks a place where she truly belongs. With six romanceable characters, will Lan find love on the battlefield? If you can’t wait to learn more about this game, you can find the info here.
Elrentaros Wandering, the New JRPG from Yoshifumi Hashimoto
Elrentaros Wanderings, known as Rear Sekai in Japan, is the latest Action-RPG from renowned Japanese creator Yoshifumi Hashimoto, famous for Story of Seasons and Rune Factory. Developed by the acclaimed Japanese studio HAKAMA, this game transports you to the remote town of Elrentaros, far from the Melvanian capital.
In Elrentaros Wanderings, you embark on a journey to aid the locals but find yourself transported to a mysterious new realm. You’ll choose your protagonist, male or female, and build deep connections with the people of Elrentaros by conversing, listening to their troubles, and assisting them. There are ten potential partners to bond with, and giving gifts can deepen friendships, unlocking battle “alliances” in return. Your partners might even invite you home for dinner or visit your tent to talk.
It’s not all farming and socializing, though. As you acquire weapons and armour through alliances and dungeon raids, you can combine them into powerful arsenal “builds” to tackle increasingly challenging dungeons. Cleared dungeons can be reattempted at higher challenge levels for better gear.
Elrentaros Wanderings will be released digitally on August 16 in Europe and North America for €39,99/$39.99. Physical versions will be available on October 11th, 2024.
Quality-of-Life Update SunnySide
After the successful launch of their charming farming game SunnySide, developer RainyGames is debuting its first big quality-of-life update! Whether you enjoy dungeon crawling, dating, or farming, there’s something for everyone in this new update.
For those who prefer cosy interiors over camping, you’ll now receive a quaint Shack to kickstart your interior design journey. Philip, the friendly retired architect, will gift you the blueprints for the Starter House and plans for the lovely teahouse that once drew everyone to the farm.
The update isn’t just for architects. If you love strolling through town, keep an eye out for new seed and farm goods offers. Sunnyside vendors now have better opening hours, unlike Marnie in Stardew Valley.
Adventurers can breathe a sigh of relief. Your progress will now be saved accurately if you fall asleep in the caves, so you can venture deeper into Sunnyside’s mysterious underbelly.
Hop on a bus to the idyllic Japanese countryside and create your perfect farm in this modern take on the classic farming and life sim. Inspired by the Persona games, SunnySide is ideal for fans of Animal Crossing and Boyfriend Dungeon looking for a new adventure!
Kickstarter Crony Corp.
Now and then we mention a Kickstarter campaign, this time it’s the campaign for Crony Corp. An upcoming idle business builder game made by developer Blarney Bytes. In Crony Corp, you’ll build and manage your own business empire in a competitive live market, making strategic decisions to dominate the industry and become the ultimate industrial magnate.
The game is developed by Micah O’Hair, founder of Blarney Bytes and offers expansive manufacturing opportunities, aiming to provide a deep and engaging experience for players who enjoy business simulation games.
What is interesting is that Blarney Bytes states this in their campaign, as to me, that’s often the downside for mobile games, the constant ads:
The dev team believes in providing an enjoyable gaming experience for all players. Consequently, the game does not contain any forced ads. We want you to focus on the excitement of building your business empire and engaging in thrilling PvP battles without any forced interruptions or limitations.
The campaign has set a funding goal of $50,000 and runs until August 17, 2024. As of now, it has raised a small fraction of the goal, so they are looking for more backers to support the project. If you want to know more about this industrial journey, you can check out the Kickstarter page for more details.
Froggy Platformer Valley Peaks
Indie publisher Those Awesome Guys and developers Tub Club have announced that Valley Peaks will be hopping onto Steam on Wednesday, July 24th! This first-froggy platformer invites you to embark on a cosy climbing adventure through a colourful and whimsical miniature open world. Each mountain in Valley Peaks presents puzzles to solve as you climb using unique mechanics.
Your goal is to install radio towers atop the mountains to connect the froggy inhabitants to the world beyond the valley. You’ll face obstacles like crumbling rocks and moving minecarts, but adventure awaits no matter which path you choose!
As you journey through this picturesque mountain paradise, you’ll be reminded of your dad, whose legacy inspired your role in this mission. Customize your climb with Cozy Mode for a casual experience or Normal Mode for a greater challenge. Explore hand-crafted landscapes, climb Mount Shroom, pet geese at Roston Ranch, and enjoy minigames like Mortimer’s Boat Race. Meet adorable froggy friends, unlock gadgets to slow down time or soar the skies, and immerse yourself in the charm of Valley Peaks. Can’t wait to try it? There’s a demo on Steam!
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