Hey all, Sorry if this is not a great magazine to post this. I’m looking for a nice cozy game (for a non-gamer!) to play for about an hour or so a day instead of doomscrolling. I like the idea of a game where I can make slow progress, though I don’t tend to like the traditional RPG style. But something like a slow moving simulator or whatever could be great (for example, I really enjoy MiniMetro on mobile). Thoughts?
I have several suggestions, with different overall vibes, but that I think still relate to this itch.
First of all, my timewaster at the moment is Balatro. Not original, but fills the niche of a game you can hop on and off as needed, no need for quick reflexes, but still a sense of having to play and engage, with long term progression.
There was a time when Potion craft was the scratcher of this cozy niche. Very cool artstyle and music, no time constraints gameplay, and again a meaningful sense of progression with a very low bar for entry.
Perhaps not the best fit for your question, but I’ll still say it so you can try, Return of the obra dinn. It’s not cosy, but fits the criteria of something you can play with rather minimal “gamer experience” while enjoying it to the fullest. It’s an incredible investigation game where you uncover a superb and compelling story, at your own pace. Again, very characteristic artstyle, and one of my all time favorite music.
It would be a crime to answer a cozy game suggestion without mentioning Stardew Valley, however I think it’s going a bit against the non-gamer thing. Still, very nice game!
Another suggestion could be Powerwash simulator, very “brains off” kind of gameplay, very simple even for a non gamer (actually tried with a very not gamer family member), and sooo satisfying!
You may also like things like Poly bridge and other puzzle games, but I haven’t really played these so I can’t personally say.
I hope you find at least one thing you like here, and I’ll add some if I think of more