Paula Moore

“RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on Nintendo Switch faithfully recreates a legendary series that still holds up as one of the best management sims ever made. However, the lack of touch controls and some performance issues prevent it from fully utilising the platform’s potential. For fans of the series, it’s a nostalgic must-play. For newcomers, it offers a fun, though occasionally clunky, introduction to theme park management.”

“NAIAD is a refreshing escape into nature that gently reminds us of our connection to the natural world around us. Developer HiWarp should be very proud of their achievement in developing such a gorgeous game. NAIAD’s calm gameplay, stunning visuals, and heartfelt message make it a brilliant title for anyone seeking a calm, wholesome experience. Whether on PC or Steam Deck, NAIAD flows seamlessly, inviting players to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the journey”

“Polygon Treehouse has delivered another gem, Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, which is a delight from start to finish. It combines a heartfelt narrative, accessible gameplay, and a beautifully crafted world to create a truly memorable adventure. Whether you’re here for the mythology, the humour, or the cosy vibes, you’ll find plenty to love in Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island.”

“I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival delivers exactly what it promises: a relaxing, creative take on the survival genre, once you pass that daily starvation, struggle at the beginning of the game. Its blend of base building, farming, automation, and quirky characters offers a refreshing change of pace from more stressful post-apocalyptic games. While its difficulty curve might not satisfy hardcore survival enthusiasts, it’s perfect for players who want to unwind and enjoy the process of building a life at the end of the world.”

“Whether you’re a fan of puzzlers or Lofi music or in need of a dose of cuteness and relaxation, 6-Sided Stories is well worth your time. It’s a simple, heartwarming adventure that leaves you with a smile and maybe a newfound love for charming, low-pressure puzzles. Highly recommended!”

“Potionomics: Masterwork Edition combines creative mechanics with an engaging story. It’s a game that rewards thoughtful strategy, whether you’re perfecting a potion recipe, negotiating with a tough customer, or deciding which relationships to cultivate. The new features in the Masterwork Edition, like voice acting and Endless Mode, enhance an already great game, making this the definitive version.”

“Despite its early bugs and minor frustrations, Amber Isle delivers a charming, cosy simulation with a lot of heart. It’s easy to get swept up running your prehistoric shop and watching the island come back to life with a cast of dinosaurs that are cute and full of character. Though it still has some rough edges, Amber Isle manages to offer an experience that improves the more time you spend with it. With recent and future patches to smooth out the bugs, it has the potential to be a go-to game for anyone looking for a relaxing yet engaging simulation.”

“Amelia’s Garden is a lovely escape into a world of quiet creativity and relaxation. Its combination of puzzle-solving, gardening, and small social elements makes for a gentle experience that’s easy to love. With its nice setting, art, and intuitive gameplay, this is the perfect game for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the chaos of everyday life.”

“Necro Story is a twisted RPG that balances dark magic with humour and heart. Its witty dialogue and strategic combat combine to create an experience that sets it apart from other creature-collection RPGs. For players looking for a creature-collection RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Necro Story is a good choice. Its blend of strategy, humour, and quirky charm makes it a unique addition to the genre.”

“Train Yard Builder is a relaxing simulation game that celebrates the joy of building and creativity. With its range of customisation options, missions, and open-ended sandbox mode, it offers something for both dedicated railway enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby. If you have always wanted to get into model railways but couldn’t afford the kit, then Train Yard Builder might be a good replacement for you. While the game might not push technical boundaries, its charm lies in the satisfaction of crafting something detailed and personal. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own model train diorama, Train Yard Builder is well worth your time.”

“If you’re seeking a game that’s more about calm creativity than completing objectives, then look no further, as Tiny Glade is an absolute delight. It’s a tranquil, lovely experience that invites you to take your time and enjoy the simple act of building. With its gridless building mechanics, tiny details, and ever-so-cosy atmosphere, Tiny Glade stands out as a truly relaxing escape.”

“Gourdlets is a perfect game for anyone looking to unwind and tap into their creative side. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the freedom it offers to players. If you’re in the mood for a stress-free, feel-good game that allows you to create and relax at your own pace, Gourdlets is definitely worth your time. Whether you are playing it in full screen or letting the gourdlets keep you company in idle mode, this game is all about the feel-good vibes”

“Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a lovely hidden object game that offers a blend of relaxation and challenge. Its beautifully drawn scenes, calming music, and engaging gameplay make it fun to play. If you have played the previous games in the series, you will most likely enjoy Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery and feel right at home, as the gameplay is similar to the previous one.”

“Dros is a fun and enjoyable game. I had a blast with the gameplay and puzzled my way to the exits. It is a timeless tale of two characters joining forces and discovering their similarities, and it is well executed. The combination of stealthy manoeuvres as you play as Dros and then the brute force of the Captain, all paired with great presentation, makes this game a memorable and enjoyable experience.”

“Crab God is a fun and engaging underwater strategy game that offers a nice blend of strategic depth and ecological management, and the crablings are so cute. While there are occasional difficulty spikes and some repetitive tasks that some players might not enjoy, the overall experience is pretty rewarding. Crab God not only entertains but also educates, and knowing that while you play the game, you are making a positive impact on the real-world environment is a great feeling.”

“If you like games with a lot of collecting, community events and busy work, then Everafter Falls will be the game for you; it’s a heartwarming escape into a world where simplicity and friendship reign supreme. The blend of farming, fishing, and fighting, coupled with innovative mechanics like card-eating and supportive drones and your handy pet, creates a refreshing and engaging gameplay experience. Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, Everafter Falls is a charming village and a place you’ll want to return to time and time again.”

“Trappist is playable as it is, and the developer is continuing to update the game and has plans for more colonisable planets and research. But I can’t help thinking that it should have been released on Early Access first while the dev improves the game through the EA phases. It has the promise of developing into a great game; Trappist has not quite reached that stage just yet, so I’d hold off on buying it for a while until it has had further development; instead, add it to your wishlist.”

“Baladins is a delightfully enjoyable game. Though I don’t think every gamer will enjoy all the backtracking and the rewinding of time, the storyline is fun. If you like turn-based roleplaying games that you can play with your friends, then give Baladins a try.”

“Imagine Earth is an enjoyable sci-fi strategy to play on the Switch. It also has a pretty simple economic system that is not too complex to get to grips with. Plus, the game offers high replay value, as you can try out the scenarios using different strategies, so there is lots of replayability for your cash. I can see myself returning often to play Imagine Earth on my Switch. If sci-fi strategy games are your thing, Imagine Earth is a game to consider purchasing and adding to your game library.”

“I don’t love The Lullaby of Life, but I do like it, and I did get quite attached to Bombo while playing the game. I enjoyed the music and how the game looks. But at times, it certainly was not as relaxing as the blurb on the Steam page would lead you to believe. However, if you have high dexterity and are quick off the mark when pressing the right buttons to send out the soundwaves, then The Lullaby of Life might be for you.”