Max
Jan 9, 2023
Unpacking lets you unfold your inner zen now also available on Nintendo Switch.
Every morning after my routine cleanup of my office here at myPotatoGames, I look forward to playing a video game, or two… three. To continue my morning trend, I couldn’t think of a better game than Unpacking stress and getting immersed in a virtual world where one can continue their routine by neatly and effortlessly storing away items. Unpacking is a game that lets you do exactly that!
Unpacking may seem like an odd concept at first glance, storing away items and essentially cleaning things up might satisfy your OCD but does it make for a satisfying and fun game experience?
The game captures a feeling that most people have experienced in one way or another. When you move to a new location, you will essentially start on a fresh slate, a clean space to store your things neatly, perfectly – just like a store shelf.
Unpacking starts at the point where you open your moving boxes with all your gems and goodies inside of it. You will be tasked with the compulsive need to store away everything you have brought with you. Calmly and as slowly as you’d like. That feeling of a fresh start, clean and so neat is what Unpacking tries to capture.
The sounds and satisfying snap ins make playing this game just as relaxing as can be.
Unpacking Release Date
Unpacking is now available on Steam for PC and on the Nintendo Switch eShop, allowing you to curl up in your bed or on your favorite couch with a blanket to enjoy this meditative game.
Garden Paws now on Switch
For more relaxing games, take a look at Animal Crossing inspired game – Garden Paws, now on Nintendo Switch!
- Jan 6, 2023
Witchbrook has been in development for some time now. The game created by Chucklefish, the previous publisher of Stardew Valley, revealed some amazing new details about the upcoming Magic game in an early design document.
In Witchbrook the player will take on the role of a student inside a magic school, something a Harry Potter fan might be familiar with. During the course of the studies, players will be on a path to discovering who they really are.
The game will take the player on a journey through various activities that all help you work towards a successful school life. Withcbrook offers a lot of side activities next to the very busy study schedule that players will have to master.
Witchbrook Looks Stunning
Chucklefish surprised fans with some brand new screenshots showing of the games colorful, whimsical world. Take a look at the new screenshots released below!
Gardening, Potion Making and Artifact Hunting!
Side quests such as social actives and school work are just the beginning of the many features you can look forward to. You will be able to plant your very own herb garden, go on a fishing trip and just so much more. Witchbrook is designed to deliver a relaxing and calmly paced experience much like Stardew Valley where you can decide how to play the game.
Besides growing your own herb garden, you will also be able to go artifact hunting. These items are scattered throughout the world, inviting the players to go exploring! Once you come across an artifact you will have to solve a puzzle to obtain the item!
Fishing in Witchbrook using target mode Potion making is obviously part of the game, every wizard needs a cauldron expelling green mysterious steam. Once you acquire potion recipes you will be able to brew a potion. But don’t you worry, there will also be traditional cooking where you can throw together a delicious meal inside the local cafe!
Some activities like fishing also allow the player to enter “Targeting mode” where you can choose from a list of different actions like spells, items and tools. This mode is great to create a rich and meaningful experience, rather than just point and click at something.
Withcbrook doesn’t stop here, exciting features like wizard dueling, crafting, astrology and even mail stamp collecting enrich the gameplay even further.
Seasonal Events
The game is also accompanied by weather and a day and night cycle. While this is always a pleasant element to have, as it creates a more immersive experience, it also adds seasons and therefore seasonal events. Christmas and Halloween were named as a few possible examples. Magic school and Halloween events just seem like a perfect match to us!
That’s right, players will be able to enjoy 4 seasons, each lasting one month or 30 days according to the in-game calendar. If you played any Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley or Story of Seasons games you will know how much each season can change the gameplay entirely. During each event players can also look forward to obtaining new items to redecorate part of the school grounds or simply make new friends at the gathering.
Broom Racing and other Minigames
Minigames are also going to be a big part of Witchbrook. According to the game design document “Minigames are scattered throughout the gameworld. Some minigames only show up during events.” Chucklefish also named some examples that could potentially become part of the game. Broom racing, casino games, wizard chess, card games and more.
What would a magic school game be without… magic? Players can learn spells which can help you perform better in side activities such as fishing, foraging or even farming! Alakazam!
Everything you love in games is here!
Besides all the fun new features Witchbrook has to offer, there will of course be elements you come to expect from such game. NPCs with unique personalities are populating the breathing and living world. Make friends around school, help other people around you by obtaining quests from them and more. Get to know the people who share a world with you, customize and play the game you enjoy it the most.
Witchbrook is one of the titles I look forward to playing a lot! With its adorable art style and plenty of content, I can only imagine the amount of hours I am going to pour into this promising title. However, do keep in mind that game designs can change drastically throughout the development cycle. While all these features sounds exciting it is possible that they will change or be left out entirely. Regardless, Witchbrook is shaping up to be a fans new favorite game!
Witchbrook Multiplayer and Cross platform
Some details in regards to multiplayer options for the magic game have also been shared, you can find out more about it right here.
Witchbrook Release Date
Witchbrook does not have a release date – but is expected for a release sometime in the near future, Chucklefish is very quiet about the actual release window. Given the publishers history I would not be surprised to see Witchbrook appear on Nintendo Switch as well as on Steam!
In a recently released FAQ Chuckelfish stated that it is a “no crunch” game development studio which essentially means developers are given enough time to bring their vision to life. However this also means that games take a little longer to comeplete.
Animal Crossing New Horizons was also delayed by nearly a year which resulted in one of the most refined games Nintendo has released in recent years.
Make also sure you keep an eye on another magic focused game called Little Witch in the Woods a super adorable indie game featuring kitty clouds and wizards!
- Jan 4, 2023
A new mainline Fable game was announced by Microsoft back in 2020, when can we finally play it.
Finally! After many years of rumors Microsoft finally lifted the curtain and announced a brand new Fable Game, that was back in 2020.
During a Microsoft Xbox Game Showcase, the tech giant announced that a brand new Fable game will be coming to Xbox Series X ( The mostbrecent Xbox generation ) and Windows PC. Along with the announcement that fans have been waiting for so long and so many years of rumors and early concept art leaks, a first teaser has finally been released as well.
While the little trailer does not reveal much, it does however set the tone of the first new mainline Fable game since Fable 3, which released a whooping 13 years ago! Only Animal Crossing fans would know the patience it takes to wait so many years for a sequel to a game.
The next game in the franchise will simply be called Fable. Take a look at the stunning teaser below.
Fable Release Date rumors
Recent rumors from insiders point at a winter release of 2023, with more information about the game shared with fans during this years E3 gaming conferenc. I have been playing Fable inspired game Harvestella to make time go faster until the next Fable game!
More Fable like Games
Take a look at Kitaria Fables, an Animal Crossing and fable like adventure game you can play with a friend. Build your home, go adventuring, grow a garden and more!
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- Jan 4, 2023
Kitaria Fables lets you play as a cat as you help villagers and explore a beautifully crafted world.
Since a new mainline Fable games has been announced I have been wanting more cute adventure and RPG games. Kitaria Fables scratches that itch with its adorable characters and a beautifully crafted world.
In this title you jump into the role of a fully customizable kitten that may appear absolutely adorable but packs a bunch of powers that are needed to fulfill the many requests villagers may ask you to help them with.
You find yourself in a village where you can also own your very own home. Whenever you hang out at your house you can customize the look and feel of your cat-tastic character. But the fun awaits when you leave your four walls. Villagers of all kinds are populating the cozy village around you.
Talk to them and make friends, the more request you fulfill the more rewards you will gain from them. Some of the things the villagers need your assistance with may prompt you to leave the town and embark on an adventure in the mysterious world that surounds your home town.
Be the Cat you Want to Be and Customize your Look!
As you leave Paw Village and explore the surroundings you will gather loot from the environments as well as from some classic combat you can apply to defeat the enemies that await deep in the woods.
Tend to your farm
Sourced material can be used to upgrade and build tools to make your journey easier. Kitaria Fables also features a vide variety of farming. Whenever you may not feel like going on an adventure, rest assured there is plenty to do back home in Paw Village. Tend to your garden and grow as many crops as you like.
The farm will provide everything you need to make provisions and potions that you can take with you on your next adventure!
Kitaria Fables Release Date
Kitaria Fables is currently available on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, take a look at the adorable gameplay trailer below!
Fable and Animal Crossing inspired Game
Harvestella is an adorable Fable and Animal Crossing inspired game, mixing village life and open world exploration and choices together.
- Dec 28, 2022
Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island is Stardew Valley meets Animal Crossing with a hint of magic.
Be a pretty Princess and and get your green thumb going to grow a stunning garden, raise livestock and more. The magical island invites you to start exploring as the inhabitants heavily rely on you to find materials to keep the community thriving.
Everything you find on your journey serves a purpose, find seeds for your garden, materials to craft items and even food items for your animals. Of course there are also tons of customization options so you can freely design your little Princess character.
Aksy games says that there is plenty to do in the game, as you start the game you will meet the many villagers “ The residents of your magical island are depending on you to keep them thriving and content. Roam the island to collect ingredients and materials to craft the goods they need. Back on your farm, plant seeds to raise crops that will grow over time, and collect milk and eggs from your animals. Use the money and goodwill you earn from your hard work to decorate the island and make it your perfectly cute fantasy home. ‘
Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island Release Date
Aksys Games will bring Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island to Nintendo Switch in early 2023. There may not be a gameplay trailer yet, but Aksys Games shared some screenshots, take a look below!
Pretty Princess Party
For more pretty Princess fun, take a look at Pretty Princess Party an adorable game where you learn to become a princess.
- Dec 28, 2022
A brand new mainline Story of Seasons game is upon us and Marvelous just released a new gameplay trailer.
The next Game in the popular Story of Seasons franchise is called a Wonderful Life a remake of the immensely popular game Harvest Moon a Wonderful Life, and promises to go back to its roots with new enhancements to make a great game even better.
A Wonderful Life builds upon the strong foundation the previous game has already provided with a major new twist compared to most farming games.
Once you get married to your favorite villager, you can now raise a child with your loved one. As The developers stated once you have lived your life to the fullest, spent years farming, fishing, exploring the dig sites and making friends with the town folks then “ your child will be old enough to choose a career for themselves… Will they inherit the farm? Or will they find their calling somewhere else? Only time will tell. “
It truly feels like a new spin on farming games as most games in the genre don’t put s big focus on families in this way, only The Sims comes to my mind. I am very excited to see if it will be exactly like the original or if the developers have some surprises for us as Marvelous is known to improve certain features in their remakes.
Marvelous was also kind enough to share a new gameplay trailer with us, take a look below!
Story Of Seasons a Wonderful Life Release Date
The biggest question is, when can we finally play this game!? Not too much longer is the short answer, as the game will release in Japan on January 26th of 2023, while fans in America / Europe have to wait until the following summer.
More Story of Seasons fun!
if you can’t get enough of Story of Seasons, take a look at Doraemon Story of Seasons the Great Kingdom a beautifully looking game with rich farming and more!
- Dec 25, 2022
Shepherd’s Crossing is a Nintendo Switch exclusive farming sim with a loving focus on raising animals.
Shepherd’s Crossing is lesser known in the west since many of the games have only been released in Japan. The latest and newest installment of the popular farming sim has now been released in Japan.
Recent games were published on the Nintendo DS, Sony PSP and PlayStation 2 and have often been compared to Harvest Moon with excellent gameplay, adorable graphics and even cuter animals.
Shepherd’s Crossing English Release
The Switch version of Shepherd’s Crossing released on November 10th for Nintendo Switch and has already gotten fans excited with overwhelming positive feedback. While you can purchase the Japanese version on any Switch, the developers now announced an English translation with a release in early 2023.
Take a look at the adorable Sheperhd’s Crossing trailer below! It looks like a must play for any Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley fan!
Japanese Rural Life Game
Take a peak at this adorable life and farming sim game about Japanese Rural Life.
- Dec 24, 2022
Weather effects have been the most advanced in Animal Crossing New Horizons compared to previous games, yet it never rains or snows.
Weather has always been one of the most important yet most underrated features in any Animal Crossing game. The changing climate gives the game the immersion it needs.
When rain drops are falling from the sky, it creates this special cozy atmosphere within the village that you can only find in Animal Crossing games. You see your beloved villagers stroll across the island in tiny cute rain boots holding a cute umbrella they may just picked up from Nook’s Cranny, you can even hear their splashy footsteps as they walk through the wet grass.
Weather affects are the reason it is so fun to play the game in real time along with real life seasons. The color of leaves are changing just like they do in real life and weather gets colder and warmer and portraying that feeling in the game makes it just so much more fun and cozy to play.
Nintendo put a big focus on weather in New Horizons
I have played Animal Crossing New Horizons since the day it launched, actually a day before it officially launched and have since then put in a borderline unhealthy amount of hours into the game.
When the Nintendo gave us a good look at the game during its E3 presentation in 2019, Aya Kyogoku the director on the New Horizons ( and previous AC games ) revealed that there was a big focus on the weather patterns in New Horizons.
I was so excited to hear this announcement, as prior to the reveal I was hoping that Nintendo would take the weather effects a step further.
Animal Crossing New Horizons Thunderstorms and Blizzards are beautiful
Wind would brush through the trees and flowers, making them look like they are dancing, different rain patterns with thunderstorms and dark clouds mixed in within the sunny setting of a tropical island. I was truly excited to hear about all these immersive features that would bring my town to live even more.
No weather on many islands…
Now that I have played Animal Crossing New Horizons for so long I have noticed that these promised weather effects do occur but very seldomly. Every day I boot up my game I have either a clear blue sky or a blue sky with some tiny clouds and looking through various communities it is actually very hard to find footage of snow fall, rain fall or any of the even more rare weather patterns like thunderstorms.
I have had the privilege of seeing a thunderstorm one time during the entirety of my New Horizons life span. Of course I have also been witnessing a couple rain showers but they were light and lasted only about an hour before the sun came out again. This defeats the purpose of having a rainy day. Why is Nook’s Cranny selling dozens of different umbrellas when really I never need them? Able Sisters are selling rain coats and boots but I never get a reason to put them on.
I spent Halloween and the entire month of October with a clear blue sky even though I was hoping to get some spooky weather, fog, rain, wind… I would have taken anything but all I got was picture perfect summer weather.
While I enjoy a sunny day I feel that Nintendo has done a poor job bringing variation into our islands using the weather as a means. I would like to see weekly rain, windy days and thunderstorms. It is obvious Nintendo put a lot of effort making the weather feel great and fun – why not give us a bigger taste of it?
It shouldn’t be a rare occasion to have water fall from the sky when living on a tropical island. Especially now that we are entering the winter season, I have yet to see a snow flake fall from the sky and I am afraid that white Christmas may not be a thing on my island this year.
Please Nintendo – give us some more weather variation.
