Littlewood Reviews
Littlewood is a wonderful city builder, relaxing life-sim, and collect-a-thon game. I only wish that its social aspects had been a bit more centre focus for it falls short in comparison to all of the other systems in place.
Littlewood defies tradition with its unique premise, proving that Happy Ever Afters really can happen. Having control over how world reconstruction occurs is a huge bonus, enabling everyone to have an individual style with endless scope for personalisation, even with resident demands. Gameplay will stretch into dozens of hours, with you having the freedom to focus on whatever aspect of rebuilding you want, subject to certain quests being carried out.
Decent writing and a good art style keep this game above mediocrity and toying with the town building mechanics is enjoyable. But unless you're specifically looking for another entry in the town sim genre, it's hard to recommend this above other options already available on Switch. Then again, if the more simplistic approach is what you're looking for and the ability to change your town layout on a whim sounds appealing, there are things to enjoy in this quaint Littlewood.
Littlewood is so gosh darn cozy. From the charming characters to the low-stakes RPG fun, there's plenty to love in this interesting entry in the farm-sim genre. It may be the only game of its kind that is truly "pick up and play." Or, like me, you can sink in plenty of hours and get lost in all that cuteness.
Even though Littlewood is a peaceful town building and farming sim that doesn't offer anything new in the genre, it thrives in the soothing, meditative loop of its routines--from harvesting fruits to mining precious stones from ores. There are plenty to busy yourself with, but there's also plenty of time to get to them at your own pace. This means that Littlewood is mostly devoid of the pressures to optimise the grind--an issue that usually plagues other farm sims like Stardew Valley. It's, in short, a charming little distraction from the stresses of our real world.
Littlewood is a chilled out game, with positive vibes and a heart-warming story. The streamlined gameplay makes the game a joy to play, without the hassle of having to switch tools. Sean Young should be very proud of his little game and rightly so. For fans of this genre, Littlewood is a place you must visit. You will be warmly welcomed and live a life of peace and calm.
Littlewood is the kind of game where there’s no rush to do anything, because who needs to rush now that the bad times have all gone away? This is what life is life after the events of the main story. What does Link do once he’s rescued Zelda? He probably just chills in the long-grass and enjoys the serenity of a job well done. No one demands anything of the hero because this is their downtime, and by picking up a copy of this fine title you too can bask in the glory of a life where nothing much happens, and that’s just the way we like it.
Littlewood is charming and bright, and wears its “indie spirit” on its sleeve. The developer has created something highly playable that also acts as a lovely homage to the Harvest Moon tradition. By all accounts, Littlewood has been a commercial success, too, on its prior release on PC. That success is deservedly so, but hopefully the developer can invest some of that into some refinements for whatever their next project is, but there’s more ambition in Littlewood than the scope of the budget allowed.
For people who loved the collect-craft-combat loop of Fantasy Life, this game might scratch that same itch, and it'll certainly take up a fair few hours – even if the "combat" part is missing. Littlewood is an incredibly impressive game for a solo developer, and though none of its ideas go particularly deep, it more than makes up for it in breadth. Fans of the life sim genre should definitely seek this one out.
Littlewood isn’t just a fantastic little game, but it’s a quaint, chill experience. It’s hard to think this was solely developed by Sean Young. One man put his heart and soul into this and came out with a literal gem. My concept of time was gone the moment I began to chisel against the rocks in the mines. The pixel-art is the utter definition of simple but is way more detailed than it has any right to be. All the mechanics work together beautifully and the music is just catchy as hell. I absolutely enjoy the grind and couldn’t get enough of collecting all the items. The banter between NPC’s was enjoyable and I loved the little portraits of the villagers. There are, however, a few blunders that I came across. Littlewood has a stuttering problem and chugs when walking on flowers. Seeing such sudden jumps in frame rate was jarring, to say the least.
I am looking forward to spending many seasons in my own village of Littlewood. The ease of play and streamlined mechanics make it a near-perfect fantasy world to escape into a hectic day. It is Stardew Valley without the stress of time; Animal Crossing: New Horizon, without the byzantine limits to work through; Ultima Online without the threat of being killed by, well, everything.
A Real Town Hero
As day turns to night and summer speeds on, it’s obvious that this painless play style is entirely necessary. There are rarely enough hours in the days and the day/night cycle will rarely give gamers enough time to do much more than dash in and get a little of what they need, so frugal use of your time is utterly vital. Still, whether you’re ready to build the busiest town imaginable, officially become the cutest small hamlet in history or a famous fishing maestro you can. Littlewood is a picturesque escape into a magical world that doesn’t expect anything more than your own enjoyment. If you’re sick of the pressures of daily life, then quit being a hero and take some time in Littlewood, available on the Nintendo eShop now.
Overall Littlewood is great game in the farming/town-building/simulation genre. It stands on its own in a genre that is chock full of similar games.
No matter what type of gamer you are, whether you live and breathe video games or pick up a mobile game every now and again, life simulations seem to appeal to just about everyone. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is certainly proof of this, people who don’t usually play games are desperate to find a Switch which have shot up in demand during the pandemic. They’re relaxing, and don’t require a lot of skill or concentration. They’re the type of games you can play in chunks whenever you choose, during a lunch break or in bed late at night.
The nefarious Dark Wizard is defeated, the day is saved, and you, the legendary Hero of Solemn, wake up the next day. Now what? Well, how about rebuilding a world ravaged by your ancient foe, one house at a time?
Littlewood's warm setting, deep customization, and endearing characters make it one of the better farm-sims on Nintendo Switch.
A crystalized version of everything good about its genre, Littlewood succeeds by giving the player all the tools they need early and still finds ways to surprise and delight over years of play, both in-game, and likely in real life too.
Littlewood is a sweet, fun game that has a lot going for it. If 2020 has you looking for something a bit more wholesome from your gaming experience, then it is absolutely worth checking out this one.
Littlewood might just be the perfect casual game, blending farming RPGs, roguelites, and city builders into one neat package.