Welcome to our Weekly Wholesome Gaming Round-Up. Don’t forget to take our survey to kick off our 10-year anniversary for LadiesGamers! This week, we have news about:
Wildmender is now Steam Deck certified, Dorfromantik has a physical version, there are more details on Radiant Tale – Fanfare, and we introduce cosy storybook puzzler Tell Me Your Story. Planet of Lana is coming to Switch, village builder Stacklands is coming soon to Switch, Kickstarter Cinnabunny is live, and Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling introduces a Limited Edition. Which Way Up gets funding from Screen Australia, there’s a free update live for FaeFarm and details of Stardew Valley 1.6 update and patch.
Wildmender Steam Deck Certified
A while ago we reviewed Wildmender, a survival simulation game that emphasises crafting your own oasis in the desert. Wildmender is procedurally generated, meaning each time you start a new game, the world changes. So your world and your adventure will be unique to only you. We liked the game a lot, and now there’s good news: Wildmender is now Steam Deck Certified!
Dorfromantik Physical Version
Dorfromantik is a strategic puzzle game that challenges players to build an ever-expanding map while getting as many points as possible. It looks beautiful, was ported well from Steam to the Switch and we gave it our highest praise: Two Thumbs Up. Six-sided tile-based games are all the rage these days, but Dorfromantik is often named the original one.
Nice news that there is now a physical version exclusive for Nintendo Switch through the Rare Games Storepage. However, as the release was on March 21st and there are only 4,000 copies, I’m afraid we may be out of luck. Still, good news that Rare picked up another good game to bring to physical form!
First Asset Pack for Cities: Skylines 2
The first asset pack is almost here for Cities Skylines 2, called Beach Properties. It will be released on March 25th, and alongside the pack, there will also be in-game modding options and tools included.
Colossal Order is releasing three developer diaries this week about what to expect from the in-game modding. Tuesday will feature an introduction to Paradox Mods, Wednesday will look at the Map Editor, and Thursday will look at Code Modding.
More Details on Radiant Tale – Fanfare
Aksys Games has revealed more details about the fan disk to Radiant Tale – Fanfare. This fan disk includes three new play modes with fresh stories and new routes with two side characters, enhancing the complete Radiant Tale adventure! The Nintendo Switch game is expected to launch on June 27th.
If you haven’t played the original game yet, know that we liked it a lot, as you can read in Caroline’s in-depth review. In Radiant Tale Tifalia is recruited to help an unlikely group of performers make a last-ditch effort to reform a failing circus. A crazy dragon, a sombre clown, a hesitant magician, an acrobat who can’t entertain, and a reluctant ringleader… it’s up to her to turn this dysfunctional troupe around and make them stars.
So what can you expect in Fanfare?
- After Story – Tifalia continues her journey with her choice of the five quirky performers she meets. Will she find her happy ending beyond the big top?
- If Story – an inventive, original tale in which Tifalia becomes Jinnia’s secretary, but a planned celebration introduces new complexities and emotions…
- Interlude – a set of unrevealed mini-episodes taking place behind the scenes during the course of the original game, providing new perspectives, fun, and insight into the fantastic world of CIRCUS.
The Aksys Online Store is offering two unique extras: a pre-order bonus of eight character cards and an exclusive edition of the game that includes the Radiant Tale -Fanfare!- soundtrack CD.
Tell Me Your Story Cozy Storybook Puzzler
Tell Me Your Story is a cosy puzzle game about the importance of grandparents and adventure. The game will put you in the shoes of Amelia, a young girl who visits her grandmother and discovers that she used to be a globetrotting adventurer.
In Tell Me Your Story, you are tasked with helping Grandma Rose complete everyday chores, from washing dishes and organizing boxes to feeding her cat and re-stocking the bathroom. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon interesting artefacts of a life well lived and find yourself exploring the world through Rose’s eyes. Each artefact sheds light on Grandma Rose’s globetrotting adventures in South America’s rainforests, the Chinese province of Yunnan, and the track of the Orient Express’ first route. There’s a full world of adventures to uncover!
This bite-sized puzzle game is perfect for all ages and has a charming storybook art style, cosy soundtrack and relaxing puzzles. The game is set to launch in Q2 2024 on Nintendo Switch and Windows PC.
Planet of Lana is Coming to Switch
When Kalina reviewed Planet of Lana on Steam, she loved it, giving it Two Thumbs Up. This is what the game is about:
You travel in a breathtaking world with your loyal companion Mui as you navigate stunning landscapes, solve puzzles and overcome mysterious dangers. Kalina added in her conclusion: “It is clear that for Thunderful Publishing, it was a labour of love, from the premise to animation, world lore, music, and sounds. Even more impressive, the whole game studio was created around this project, and this game is their first.”
Wonderful news then that this puzzle platform game will be coming to the Switch and PS4/5 on April 16th.
Village Builder Stacklands on Switch
Sokpop, a four-person video game collective from the Netherlands, has announced that their village builder game Stacklands will be available on the Nintendo Switch starting March 28th. After achieving success on Steam, this management roguelike game is set to reach a broader audience on the Switch platform. The gameplay involves using cards to manage resources and develop a village, requiring strategic thinking to progress.
In addition to the Switch release, Sokpop will introduce a new DLC, Stacklands 2000, later this year for the PC version. This update will bring post-industrial elements to the game, expanding the player’s experience with new content. Stacklands offers an engaging experience through its unique card-based system for those interested in strategy and management games.
Wholesome Kickstarter Cinnabunny is Live
Patrick Gauthier, the man behind Reky Studios, must really love bunnies. After the relaxing, wholesome game Bunhouse, he has brought Cinnabunny to Kickstarter. Fancy backing goodies with your bunnies? You can find the Kickstarter campaign here.
Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling Limited Edition
Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling will be released later in 2024. The game will be available physically and digitally in North America and Europe for the Nintendo Switch. You can soon indulge in some sweet and spicy delicacies with the reveal of the Limited Edition bonus items for the otome visual novel.
The Limited Edition includes:
- Official Hardcover Art Book
- Audio Drama Set
- Postcard Set with Display Booklet
- Steel Game Case
- Reversible Cover Sleeve
- Collector’s Box
- Exclusive Trading Card
Which Way Up Gets Funding from Screen Australia
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games formerly named Which Way Up: Space Olympics, has just received grant funding from Screen Australia to help with the game’s development.
The Games Production Fund provides grants of up to $100,000 towards supporting the development of original, Australian independent games, with a budget of up to $500,000 at the time of applying to support the game towards a significant milestone of its development. Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is featured alongside a total of 26 other Australian-made video games. This funding goes towards improving the games’ development and ensuring the quality of production.
James has checked out the game in early development and wrote:
A jolly party game focusing on simple controls and loose platforming. Created by space enthusiasts from Australia, Which Way Up looks to create a memorable game night experience for the entire family and gamers of all skill levels.
Free Update Fae Farm
Fae Farm has released a new Spring update, which includes several additions and improvements to the game as well as a pack of free cosmetic items for players’ homes and characters. Below are all the changes and additions made:
To make Fae Farm an even cosier experience, a new “double-day length” option has been added to make time on the world clock pass slower, allowing players who decide to use it to do more in a single day.
A new cool decorating option aptly named “Stuff-on-Stuff” is also part of the update. Players can now place various decorative inventory items such as candles, books or vases on tables and other specifically tagged decor items.
This Spring, what if significant others became more significant? Marriage in Azoria is now more wholesome, with post-wedding dialogues for each character and new interactions. In addition, if a player’s fae bae is hanging out on their homestead, sitting in the cosy area will invite them to come and join them there.
Several new options have been added to the character creator menu, including 16 new vibrant dyes (usable on hair, facial features, face markings and eyes), 16 new non-human skin tones, one new “stubble” hairstyle, and nine new eye styles. All these options are unlocked automatically in character creation to let players unleash their creativity and build an even more unique character of their own. But that’s not all: six new sets of wings including the Marquis’ are now offered by the Wisp Mother.
And finally, to celebrate Spring and thank all the players, a pack of free cosmetic items is offered as part of the update, including four new full-size constructible items to decorate the outside of your homestead further, and a new “Spring Petal Dress”.
Stardew Valley 1.6 Update and Patch
After all these years, Stardew Valley still gets updates and additions making the gameplay even better than it already was. We are already at update 1.6 and an additional patch which are brimming with loads of new content.
Players will enjoy two new mini-fishing festivals, a captivating three-day spring festival, and a special summer event. Among the standout additions is the Meadowlands Farm, a new farm type that offers players a chicken coop, two starting chickens, and unique blue grass that’s particularly appealing to animals. A new “mastery” system promises to reward players with powerful perks and items, found in an entirely new game area.
For those in need of extra storage, the Big Chest arrives as a welcome feature. Additionally, players can embark on a new quest, interact with new neighbours, enjoy a prize machine with enticing rewards, undertake four home renovations, choose from new cat and dog breeds, and even have multiple pets. Plus, the ability to accessorize your pets with hats adds a whimsical touch.
With eight new achievements to unlock, the 1.6 patch offers plenty of reasons for players to return to their farms and discover all the new content.
