As college students, one of the most significant aspects of adulthood is learning to keep life balanced. Just as keeping up with academics is important, self-care is essential in ensuring physical and mental well-being.
Games are an excellent form of stress relief, and there is no limit to the things you can do in them. Cozy games in particular are designed to be very comforting, with minimal stressors and low-stakes gameplay. For those looking to escape the weight of school, sit back and relax with some comfort games this semester.
“Stardew Valley” is often regarded as the ultimate cozy game. As the player, you are whisked away from your dreary corporate job at Joja Corporation to build a new life in Pelican Town, where you have just inherited your late grandfather’s farm. Though the farm plot is dilapidated, you have the opportunity to transform it into a prospering farmland while also interacting with a lovable cast of characters and uncovering the mysteries of Pelican Town.
Without a doubt, ConcernedApe has built a masterpiece farming game that continues to improve with each update. Its story is immersive, and the pixel art visuals are vibrant and charming. The mechanics for farming, mining and combat are also fairly simple, with only fishing being challenging due to the precision needed. However, by far, the stellar characters and the sense of community you build with them are the heart of the game, setting it apart within the farming genre.
“Stardew Valley” is available to play on Steam, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Players looking for a multiplayer experience can also play with up to seven players on one farm.
For fans of Sanrio and the “Animal Crossing” franchise, “Hello Kitty Island Adventure” is promised to be a quintessential cozy experience. Explore the different regions of the abandoned Friendship Island while solving hidden puzzles scattered around the environment and partaking in dynamic quests with your newfound friends. With over 40 iconic Sanrio characters to meet on the island and the ability to have another player adventure alongside you, there is no shortage of cozy and relaxing gameplay in this island escape.
Though the open-world nature of the game, year-round events and large cast of cute characters are most comparable to “Animal Crossing,” the unique questing system and numerous minigames offer much more to do when exploring the island. In addition, much like their more popular counterparts, the less familiar Sanrio characters are nothing less than endearing to talk to and befriend. Sunblink crafts a game that is inherently inviting, harboring no expectations or rush for people who want to play casually.
“Hello Kitty Island Adventure” is currently available on Steam, Nintendo Switch and Apple Arcade. It will release on PlayStation 4 and 5 later this year.
Those seeking a shorter and more narrative-driven cozy game may enjoy “Röki,” an indie adventure that delivers a captivating take on Nordic folklore. You play as Tove, a young girl that must travel into the ancient Scandinavian wilderness to rescue her younger brother, Lars, from a monster straight out of a fairy tale. As she traverses uncharted paths, collects useful items and solves puzzles, Tove stumbles upon the forgotten secrets of the wilderness — and they may hold the answer to saving her brother.
Despite its slower pacing, the game’s deeply compelling narrative is entrancing, drawing your attention from start to finish. Its powerfully poignant story is the backbone of “Röki,” and the strong narrative developed by Polygon Treehouse is aided by the organic integration of Nordic folklore, picturesque art style and incredible sound design. As a traditional point-and-click game, the mechanics are also easy to follow without losing any difficulty in the puzzle-focused gameplay, allowing for anyone to enjoy the game.
“Röki” is available to play on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PlayStation 4 and 5.
When academic responsibilities are overwhelming, taking the time to play a mellow game and retreat from the stress is key. There are an abundance of different games waiting to be discovered — one could even become your newest favorite pastime.
This article appeared in print on Page 10 of Vol. LIX Issue X, published Feb. 10, 2025.
