Oct 18, 2022Indie Highlight
With Halloween fast approaching, I felt it appropriate to share Beacon Pines with all of you. It’s a cute and creepy adventure game set inside a mysterious book. As Hiding Spot Games puts it, “it’s Winnie-the-Pooh meets Twin Peaks”.
You’ll play as both the reader and Luka, the main character of the story. There is something weird happening at the local warehouse, but no one except Luka and his friends seems to take notice. Sneak out of the house late at night, meet new friends, and explore town to solve the mysteries of Beacon Pines.
While you adventure and investigate the mysteries of Beacon Pines, you’ll encounter special golden charms. Each charm has a single word engraved on it, and you’ll use these words to fill in the blanks of parts of the story. You may even drastically change the events of the story, depending on which words you use.
As the reader of the book, you’ll use the Chronicle to navigate the turning points of the story where words are missing. The Chronicle is an interactive story tree that grows as you progress in the story. Experiencing one piece of the story will unlock new charms for other parts of the story. So, you’ll spend your time bouncing around from story part to story part to get the whole picture of Beacon Pines.
Beacon Pines is out now on Nintendo Switch, Steam, Itch.io, and Xbox.
Check out our previous article on other Halloween games you could play to get in the spooky (but cute!) mood.
Sep 1, 2020Feature
Autumn is nearly here, which means we can expect to see warm drinks, cold weather, and leaves beginning to fall from trees. However, leaves aren’t the only thing to drop over the next two months. Much more exciting than the dropping of leaves, is the dropping of these five wholesome games onto the Nintendo Switch in September and October.
Released digitally on Nintendo Switch back in June of 2018, a physical version of Pode will release on September 4th. Pode is a beautiful indie puzzle-adventure game that is inspired by Norwegian art and nature. The game features a rock called Bulder, and a falling star named Glo. The two characters work together in order to solve ancient puzzles. The digital version is already available from the Nintendo eShop for $24.99USD.
My Universe – School Teacher is an upcoming life simulation game developed by Magic Pockets. In the game, you will play as a teacher and must educate a classroom of children with different abilities. In an attempt to become the best school in the city, you must manage daily tasks and successfully complete a myriad of mini-games. The game will release on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows and MacOS. My Universe – School Teacher will be released on the 15th October 2020. The physical version of the game can be pre-purchased on Amazon for right here.
My Universe – Fashion Boutique is an upcoming life simulation game developed by Black Sheep Studio. In the game, you must launch and successfully manage your own fashion store. In an attempt to build your brand, you must give personalized advice to customers, design your own clothing collection via mini-games, and arrange your shop in a way that attracts customers. The game will release on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows and MacOS. My Universe – Fashion Boutique will be released worldwide on the 27th October 2020.
Instant Chef Party an upcoming cooking simulation game that will be published by Merge Games. In the game, you must cook your way to the top of a hilarious cooking-themed television show. In order to do this, you must participate in a variety of mini-games (that involve food and cooking) with up to four other players. The game will release exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Instant Chef Party will be released on the 27th October 2020, and will cost $34.99USD in the United States.
– Pick from two different mouth-watering boards upon starting the game.
– Pick your avatar from six different wannabe-chefs (Maï, Luc, Giovanni, Sidney, Pedro & Sarah).
– Roll unusual dices in an attempt to (hopefully) move forward!
– Compete with up to four friends in a multitude of different mini-games.
– Spice up your gameplay with the game’s Chance Cards, Co-Op mode, and One Versus All mode.
– Finish first and become star of the show by being the fastest and most skillful cook.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is an upcoming enhanced version of real-time strategy game, Pikmin 3. The game (which will be published by Nintendo), will release worldwide on the 30th October. This Nintendo Switch remake will contain all of the DLC featured in the original WiiU game, as well as some exciting new content. Players can either play on their own, or with one other in Co-Op mode. Pikmin 3 Deluxe will release both digitally and physically. The physical version of the game can be purchased from Amazon for $59.96USD.
Aug 27, 2020Indie Highlight
Ova Magica is a super cute farming indie game that is currently in development. This captivating life sim has farming, crafting, resourcing, fishing, bug catching and even a bit of creature collection with turn based battles. Its basically all the best genres wrapped in one endlessly charming package!
Recently, the developer has been hard at work getting the word out about her unique and wonderful title. This included creating an in-depth new trailer to give a close look at how the game is coming along. Not only that, it appears that Claudia (our solo developer) has also signed on with Top Hat Studios to publish her game.
It appears certainly appears that things are going quite smoothly for the development of Ova Magica, which is super awesome considering how amazing the game looks already. Ova Magica will be releasing on PC and consoles (including Nintendo Switch) in 2022.
There is plenty more information on the new Ova Magica Steam page, but you can also check out the games official website. And be sure to follow the developer on Twitter.
For more great indie farming games currently in the works, check out my coverage of Witchbrook.
Aug 22, 2020Indie Highlight
We’ve all imagined what life would be like if we lived in a world full of actual magic. How wondrous and amazing each day could be with the unexpected waiting around every corner. Well, Lawmage Academy gives you a taste of that life, but with just a touch more, and is actually being developed by a real lawyer.
In Lawmage Academy, you live in a world that is protected by magical lawyers called Lawmages. They defend the community from some of the more malevolent magical forces that roam the land. They are the only thing standing between the peace we know, and the everything plummeting into ultimate darkness.
Sounds exciting, right! Well, you don’t just come a powerful lawmage over night. The only way to become a full fledged protector is by doing your best at the Lawmage Academy. This is where you will learn everything you need to become everything the world needs!
Over the years, we’ve all become quite accustomed to the magical repertoire of the average witch or wizard. You must first hone your knowledge of spell casting, above all else. This will be accomplished by reding the books of the magicians that came before you, as well as attending class and paying close attention to your studies.
Then comes the more intricate task of potion making. You must gather all the ingredients necessary from the breathtaking lands that surround the academy. Be careful, though, as there are baddies lurking about. Baddies that you may have to dispose of in some Final Fantasy style turn-based battle. You will be able to use the potions that you craft to aid you in battle; either by slowing or poising your enemy, or healing or resurrecting your allies.
You will also be able to meet some really cool and interesting people along the way. Feel free to befriend them, that way you may assist, and get some assistance, on this epic and intricate journey. Who knows, a friend may even be able to help you find some secret rooms in the academy, possibly leading to all kinds of powerful and helpful goodies.
Lawmage Academy is currently set to release on PC sometime in 2022.
For more information on Lawmage Academy, you visit the games official page on Steam (don’t forget to wishlist while there). You can also follow the game on Twitter.
For more great indie games to look forward to, check out my coverage of Dragon Acres.
Aug 17, 2020Indie Highlight
Seeing as how we got an in depth look at Summer in Mara at the last Indie World Showcase, I have high hopes that this airing will bring news of even more absolutely wonderful Indies coming to the Nintendo Switch. The Switch already has a pretty expansive list of great indie games to peruse, from epic life sims like Stardew Valley, down to quirky party games like Moving Out.
While not everyone is in to the whole indie scene, I certainly find that there are some real amazing works of art being shared by the indie community. Where would we be without all those innovative minds taking the risks that some of the big studios refuse to take, resulting in some of the best games in human history.
For those that don’t totally dig Indies, there is other news with this Indie World Showcase. This Indie World Showcase was once again predicted, giving the hope that the predictions of an upcoming Nintendo Direct may be a reality. (deja vu much)
Jul 18, 2020Feature
Garden Story is an upcoming social sim adventure RPG. With an emphasis on helping the residents of a broken island, this game is undoubtedly wholesome. The game is being developed by Picogram and published by Rose City Games and VIZ Media.
The planned release window for the game is currently Spring 2020, although no official date has been given. The game will be released for Microsoft Windows, MacOS and Macintosh operating systems. An official price is yet to be announced.
Players assume the role of Concord, who is a recently appointed village guardian. However, you will definitely be kept on your toes. Whether it be neighbours requiring assistance, or the sudden appearance of a strange rot that has seeped into the foundations of the once thriving island, Concord has his work cut out. Fortunately, he is not alone.
If you help friends with their problems, they’ll help you with yours. Care for the environment, explore new regions, solve puzzles, make new friends, and ultimately, help restore the grove to its former glory.
You can visit the game’s website here. Alternatively, you can check out their Twitter account here.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an upcoming social simulation game where you play as a human character living on a deserted island amongst anthropomorphic animals. Players can shop, socialise with the animals, and participate in activites such as fishing, catching bugs, gardening and decorating. Nintendo are both the developers and publishers of the game. Therefore it’s understandable that the game will only be released on Nintendo Switch. The game is set to release on March 20th 2020, and will retail for $59.99
Tom Nook is ‘switching’ things up with a new business venture. This business venture is his exclusive Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package. Naturally, the Tanuki isn’t offering this for free. When you have landed on the island, you also find yourself landed with debt (yet again) by the tiresome tanuki.
Like in previous games of the franchise, players can participate in activities such as gardening, fishing, decorating, and interacting with a variety of NPCs (both old and new), etc. However, the game will also offer some new features. Examples include, collecting resources, crafting furniture and tools, new ways to interact with trees and flowers, more diversity in skin tones, outdoor stair, more multiplayer options, the handy ability to pole vault rivers etc.
Then of course there’s the tiny details that Animal Crossing fans quickly picked up on. These include, shirts with sleeves for villagers, overally realistic kneecaps for players’ characters, toe beans, and even shoelaces..
Mineko’s Night Market is an upcoming cat-themed crafting adventure game that celebrates Japanese culture. The game is essentially about friendship, choices, and of course, cats. The indie game is being developed by Meowza Games, and being published by Humble Bundle. The game will be released on a multitude of different platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Macintosh operating systems.The exact release date for the game is yet to be determined. However, the game’s official Steam page says that the game will be release in 2020. Fingers (and paws) crossed! ?
Playing as Mineko, a girl who has moved to a superstitious fishing town inundated with cats, you will uncover secrets whilst assisting Mineko in becoming a successful young entrepreneur. This can be done by completing tasks, undertaking quests and gathering resources in preparation for the weekly night market.
Players can craft a variety of odd items, toys, and trinkets, which can then be sold to townsfolk (who are now your customers) at Mineko’s night market stall. After you’ve finished selling your items, you can explore the Night Market yourself, where you can play mini-games, eat unusual foods, and purchase collectibles.
The game allows you to explore distant lands by unlocking different types of transport (which include buses, bullet trains and cat carts). Each land offers new people to meet and unique things to do, dependent on the time of day and season.
There are 16 uniquely themed markets every year which all feature a stage event that you can partake in. Examples of events include Taiko drumming, karaoke competitions, sumo suit wrestling, and more!
The better you perform at the market, the bigger and better the market will become, which may well attract new townsfolk and even celebrity guests!
For more information regarding the game, check out this interview with one of the lead creators of the game here. You can also visit the game’s website here.
To bag some awesome game merchandise, click here.
Ooblets is now out on Xbox One and PC – more info right here.
Ooblets is an upcoming indie game that combines features of popular game franchises such as Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon and Pokemon. Initially, the game was going to be published by Double Fine. Ooblets will now however be developed and self-published by the game’s two main devs, who created a tiny game studio called Glumberland in order to do this.
According to the game’s latest Devlog, Ooblets will release this year, although no definitive date has been specified. It has also been confirmed that the game will release on PC and Xbox One. The price of the game has not yet been revealed.
Ooblets is essentially a game where players have to balance farm life, town life, and the unexpected pressure of having to deal with numerous different Ooblets. On the plus side, you get the experience of helping to grow and train your ooblets, explore strange lands, and have dance-offs!
Lots of awesome Ooblets merchandise can be grabbed here.
For more information about Ooblets, you can visit the Ooblets website here where developers regularly post updates in their devlogs. You can also follow Ooblets on Twitter and Facebook.
Rolling Hills is a life sim game where players run their own sushi restaurant in a town filled with anthropomorphic animals. The game is being both developed and published by Catch & Release, LLC. No definitive release date has been given, but developers are pushing for a 2020 release. It willl initially only be released on PC via Steam, but there is the possibility of the game being released on other consoles also.
Rolling Hills is a life sim game where you get given your very own sushi restauraunt in a small village. This restaurant has been offered for free by inhabitants of the village. The only catch is that you help to rebuild their town. Players will have their work cut out. When not occupied with the sushi shop, you also need to rebuild the town as promised and improve the lives of your neighbours. On the plus side, you’ll make friends along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll also attract some new villagers.
Make your restaurant successful by collecting different recipes and buying ingredients. You can then use your profits to profit the town. Watch your town improve and better the lives of townsfolk, customers and yourself through the actions you make.
You can follow the progress of Rolling hills on Twitter here.
Hokko Life is an upcoming cute and cozy village life simulation game. The game is being both developed and published by indie game developer Robert Tatnell. Hokko life will be released for PC via Steam at some point this year. The cost of the game is not yet known.
Hokko Life begins with your player stepping off of a train. Having taken over your very own (albeit a little dusty and old) workshop, you are free to craft and create to your heart’s content.
The quiet village which you now call home needs your expertise. Help tocreate an endearing town for those who live there. Armed with paint and tools, design, build and decorate new homes for your new friends.
Players are able to craft materials and combine them however they wish. This allows you to create new and amazing furniture and items for the town. By collecting flowers and mixing paints, you can then use them to design wallpapers, flooring and even clothing.
With plenty of choice, you could design a bright flowery wallpaper set, or instead opt to create an urban-industrial furniture collection. Whatever your taste, with a workshop at hand, you have complete freedom when designing a town for the villagers.
Click here to check out an exclusive interview with the game’s solo developer.
You can visit the game’s website here.
Developed by Peachy Keen Games and published by Whitethorn Digital. Calico is a magical, relaxed and family-friendly simulation game where players are given an opportunity to run their very own cat cafe. The game is expected to be released on Steam at some point during Summer 2020. The game will most likely release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and MacOS shortly afterwards.
Calico came about due to the game developer’s obsession with cats, magical girls and fluffy animals. However, wanting to create a game that would appeal to everyone, she also included creatures such as lizards, birds, deer, raccoons, dogs, turtles, red pandas, foxes, etc.
She then shares about how she wanted to publish a game that would make players feel ‘soft, happy, cuddly and cozy’. If that wasn’t wholesome enough, she has said in an interview that she just wanted to create a game where the only goal is to have the best time possble.
However, simply running the cat cafe is not the only things that players can do. The game also incorporates enjoyable aspects from other popular gaming franchises such as Animal Crossing. Similarities between Calico and Animal Crossing include the simulation aspects of both games, and the ability to place furnitire and decorations in your buildings. A perk about Calico however, is that the animals will not leave, the shop never closes, and crops never die.
Little Witch in The Woods is an upcoming life simulation RPG. The game is currently in development by Sunny Side Up Games. No official release date has been given, but the developers are aiming for fall of 2020. They plan to release the game on Steam, and are hoping to release the game on Nintendo Switch and PS4.
Little Witch in the Woods is an adorable fantasy RPG. You play as a super cute witch named Ellie. Close to graduating from witch school and becoming true witch, Ellie must experience the life of a witch as an apprentice. This involves moving to a new town and living in a witch’s house in a forest. Upon arriving to the town however, she is inevitably disappointed to find the in a state of disrepair, and a town which is virtually empty.
As the school is grading how well Ellie completes various tasks, she must explore the mysterious and magical region to gather the ingredients necessary for her potions. These potions can be used in other ways in the game too. Many of the ingredients can be acquired from obliging plants and creatures. The more rare ingredients can be obtained in the nearby village, where a curious bunch of NPC’s reside. By helping them out, they will reward you with ingredients, and some useful items as well.
Additionally, lending these characters a hand improves your relationship with them, and allows you to upgrade the small village. The game’s NPC’s, each with their own stories can sometimes move in or out of the village. It is possible to date these NPC’s, but they may not be human..
Check out an interview with the game’s developers here. You can follow the developers on Twitter here.
For more witch-y games, check out these ones.
You can also check out these upcoming magic school games and add them to your calendar.
Alchemic Cutie is a wholesome pixel-art-stylised RPG set on a colourful Island named Wimba, where you players can tame wild jellies. The game is in development by Vakio and Viridian Software, and will be published by CIRCLE Entertainment this summer. Alchemic Cutie will be released on itch.io. and Steam. A price has not yet been announced.
Set on Wimba island, players get to tame slime-like creatures called Jellies. There are over 4,000 visual styles for jellies, each with unique traits and statistics. Players will have to meet the needs of their Jellies, which inlcude hunger, energy and happiness. Raise the perfect jelly companions and you may be in with a chance of claiming the top prize in one of the game’s eight competitions. In order to improve your jelly’s abilities, you can use alchemy in order to create special items with various powerful affects or to change items into something more rare and powerful. When you’re all jellied out, you can explore the island and uncover its secrets. In the village you can chat with its inhabitants and choose whether to form friends, or if you’re so inclined, rivals.
If you would like to receive updates regarding the gaem, or share your modding creations after the game’s release, you can do so by signing up to the game’s ‘Cutie Club’ here.
Peaceful Days is a farming RPG simulation game reminiscent of Harvest Moon games. The indie game is being developed by Nhat Nguyen and published by Nhat Nguyen and Huiyin Studio. According to the game’s Steam page, Peaceful days is set to release for Microsoft Windows on August 31st 2020. It is currently priced at £7.19.
Heavily inspired by the Harvest Moon series, Peaceful Days is a farming simulation set in the attractive Aurora Town, which is located by the sea. Living up to its title, the game appears to be peaceful and wholesome. Players have the freedom of character customisation and farm customisation too! Players can build friendships with the town’s inhabitants, become an important addition to the small seaside town, and participate in a variety of interesting festivals. Additionally you are able to build your very own farm from scratch. In your spare time, you are free to discover fish that you have not yet caught, spend time in the mine to discover ores necessary to upgrade your tools, play minigames, solve puzzles plus more.
As of February 3rd, an early access version of Peaceful Days became available on Steam.
Jun 27, 2020Animal Crossing
It is likely painfully obvious that MyPotatoGames adores Animal Crossing. Additionally, as a website that provides wholesome video game news, it seemed imperative to create the following article. An article that is a crossover between Animal Crossing: New Horizons and various games which get a thumbs up from MPG.
It is true that we have featured some video game design ID codes in previous articles. However, this crossover article features a huge variety of some seriously cool video game-themed Animal Crossing: New Horizons designs that you can use in the game.
Getting the custom designs app on your NookPhone will allow you to create your own designs and to scan QR codes created by others into your game. However, in regards to clothing with QR codes, you will only be able to place tiles, or wear designs as tank tops. However, you can use Nook Miles to purchase the Pro Design upgrade. The upgrade can be purchased from the Nook Stop terminal at Residents Services for a reasonable 800 Nook Miles.
This will allow you to create different items of clothing as ‘Pro Designs’. There are various types of clothing you can then choose from. Examples include balloon-hem dresses, hoodies, sweaters, coats and more. You can also scan QR codes of Pro Designs from New Leaf.
However, to do this, you need to unlock the Able Sisters clothing shop on your island. In New Horizons, the Able Sisters don’t just sell clothing. The prickly pair have a curious kiosk located at the back of their store. Here, you can save and share designs made in Animal Crossing: New Horizons via Creator ID codes, or Individual Design ID codes.
Providing you have a Switch Online Membership, (and have purchased the Pro Design upgrade), you can use this feature. And despite the game being just a few months old, there are already an astounding number of awesome fanmade designs via the kiosk’s portal. Here are just a few of the best gaming-themed ones:
And as the top potato of MyPotatoGames, Henry naturally had to have his very own t shirt as well 😆🥔
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out some awesome Pop Culture Design ID codes for New Horizons here.
May 17, 2020Indie Highlight
Hokko Life is desribed as a ‘cosy, creativity filled community sim game’. The game is being developed by Robert Tatnell who runs his own indie game dev company, Wonderscope. Initially Wonderscope intended to both develop and publish Hokko Life. However, this is an understandably big feat for one person. Therefore in April 2020, it was revealed that Wonderscope had ‘teamed’ up with Team 17, who will now publish the game. Team 17 are notorious for publishing games such as My Time at Portia, Overcooked, and Yooka-Laylee. Hokko Life will hopefully release for PC via Steam at some point this year. The price of the game is not yet known.
Hokko Life begins with your player stepping off of a train. Having taken over your very own (albeit a little dusty and old) workshop, you are free to craft and create to your heart’s content.
The quiet village which you now call home needs your design expertise. Help create an endearing town for its inhabitants. Armed with paint and tools, you can design, build and decorate new homes for your new furry friends.
Players can craft materials and combine them how they wish. This allows you to create a variety of cool new furniture and items for the town. By collecting flowers and mixing paints, you can use them to design wallpapers, flooring and even clothing!
Given plenty of design choices, you could design a bright flowery wallpaper set, or instead create an urban-industrial furniture collection. Whatever your taste, with a workshop at hand, you have complete freedom in designing a beautiful town for the townsfolk.
The latest Devlog from the creator of Hokko Life appeared on Steam on May 6th BST. In it, featured some exciting little updates about the game’s progress.
Now working with Team 17, Wonderscope have stated that ‘epic updates to Hokko Life’ have apparently already been made! The ones mentioned in the Devlog include:
In April, Robert started work on allowing players to edit the design of objects in the world, by simply interacting with them. Until that point, players had to return all the way to their workshop in order to edit a design. They would also need that object in their backpack to do this. (Sound familiar to Animal Crossing: New Horizons crafting and customization peeves? 😂). Now, however, if players spot something that they want to edit, they can do so from anywhere in the world.
Robert says in the Devlog that he will continue to think of ways to make the game more convenient and fun to play. He wishes to remove anything that might be a hassle to players in order to improve their gaming exprience. (Take notes, Nintendo 😂).
Another small change could possibly be the ability to evolve your players avatar. The information about this is in a recent Hokko Life Patreon post from May 15th. However the post is only accessible to the game’s Patreon supporters (which is totally fair btw!). If you are a supporter of the game on Patreon though, and know what this post is about, feel free to enlighten us! We’re curious!
You can check out an exclusive interview with the game’s solo developer, Robert Tatnell here.
And to get a more in-depth insight into the game, you should check out this article here.
You can visit the game’s website for info here and visit their Steam page and read their Devlogs here. Additionally, you can follow them on Twitter, and/or join their Discord server here.