The My Sims Cozy Bundle will give you a nice hit of nostalgia and charm, but not much beyond that. MySims and MySims Kingdom are pretty simple and repetitive games, what you see is what you get. While you can make your own fun, it's only within the limitations of each title.
Mindcop is an innovative detective experience with a killer style and well thought-out mystery. It blends non-linear gameplay with real-time puzzles and detective game aspects that fit pretty well together. This is due in part to time being at the forefront of every little action you make, from checking what's in a bin to uncovering someone's secrets, every minute counts which creates a tantalizing mystery to sink your teeth into. The game is gorgeous and quirky in its unique style and boasts a cast of fun yet troubled characters. However, Mindcop stumbles in how overwhelming it can be at times, penalising your mistakes and lacking just enough direction so you're often running around like a headless chicken.
The Case of the Golden shook up the detective point and click genre, and rightfully so. You can tell a lot of love and passion has been put into every element of this game, from its narrative that weaves through the scenarios and the perfect way it allows the player to unfold the mystery for themselves through their game mechanics. It can get a tad overwhelming at times with some grand schemes to unfold, but if you play it at your own pace, you'll constantly be rewarded for figuring out how the game works and who has poisoned who this time.
Death of the Reprobate is a delightfully devilish narrative experience that has you gasping with laughter at every interaction. The game forgoes challenge in order to provide the player with a seamless experience which is to its merit, but could do with a little less hand holding. Despite this, you really do want to stop and smell the roses when you play this game as its artstyle is a wonder to behold, and a bit yucky in other places. Its quirky characters and its use of the renaissance is unique and accessible to any player that doesn't have a degree in art as it prizes itself in how fun of a time you'll have with it.
I honestly think Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town greatly benefits from its new location, adding a unique charm that sets it apart from its predecessors with a charming story that's personal and melancholic. It still has its issues with overly simplistic gameplay, which could use an extra bit of spice to keep it from dragging, but this game is a definitive and polished way of experiencing Shin chan's adventures in video game format.
Despite the charm that Shin chan and co. bring to this endless summer vacation, with its bizarre story and fun cast, it's not enough to carry it across its 10+ hour playtime. The gameplay falls flat in its monotony and doesn't quite capture the charm of embracing everyday life like other games have done before it.
Nomada Studios has truly cemented their place in the indie landscape as a representative of how video games are a strong narrative medium. They do this through beautifully crafted animation, vibrant backgrounds, and a whimsical yet powerful soundtrack. Every element of Neva perfectly encapsulates the immersive experience of the player, from story to gameplay, resulting in Neva standing tall in the face of its predecessor, Gris, as its own masterpiece.
Loddlenaut is so perfectly simple, relaxing, and beautiful that I can't help but want to dive straight back into the planet of GUP-14 to breathe life into it all over again. Its gameplay is satisfying and grants the player enough control to not bring down the pace in bogging down the mechanics; it never overstays its welcome but provides a plentiful amount of stress relief and fun to stand out in the indie world. With its gorgeous graphics and style, I hope I can venture across space again with Moon Lagoon to clean up its planets.
Overall, Bloomtown: A Different Story is like a carefree summer vacation. It's a fun ride with its quirky characters, cozy blended with spooky vibes, and some thoughtful moments that have the foundation for a great game. The gorgeous visuals paint the world beautifully and its demons are original and striking to see in battle. However, this game lacks the depth and voice to stand out in its genre, especially with how closely it uses Persona as an inspiration.
Tavern Talk is definitely the best next step in a line of cozy drinking talking simulators, as it tells a charming and gripping narrative that echoes the adventures found in the realm of magic and fantasy. It stands out on its own as a fun and heartwarming piece of D&D with its unique cast of characters and vast world-building and pairs well with great gameplay systems that add depth to its world but could use a bit of beefing up to break up the monotony.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a short yet refreshing adventure game whose whimsical world and cast of characters make for a cozy evening gaming session. While the gameplay is simplistic and doesn't leave much room for deep thought, its strength lies in its ability to allow the player to stop and smell the virtual flowers, taking in the beauty of nature.