With autumn here and in full swing, it’s only natural to want to take in the beauty of the season: revel in the changing colors of the leaves and cozy energy that seems to permeate the autumnal months. These five games truly hone in on that cozy feeling.
1. NIGHT IN THE WOODS (2017)
Night in the Woods is a gorgeous casual adventure game following Mae Borowski, a recent college dropout who returns to her quaint hometown of Possum Springs only to find that it has changed dramatically since her departure. As she navigates her mental illness, the jarring changes of the town and the rekindling of her old friendships, Mae begins to realize there is something much more sinister afoot in her seemingly innocent town.
An exploration of grief, mental illness, class disparity and the fate of small-town America in an increasingly changing world, Night in the Woods is the perfect game to explore this fall. With beautiful visuals, a focus on the interpersonal relationships of Mae and her interactions with the eccentric townspeople, and an overarching mystery to solve, Night in the Woods is an instant fall classic.
2. WITCHY LIFE STORY (2022)
Witchy Life Story is a recent release that instantly found its way into people’s hearts with its gorgeous art style and intriguing narrative. The youngest member of a magical family, you play as a young witch sent off to the local village of Flora to help them prepare for the upcoming harvest festival in two weeks — and to prove yourself as a capable witch.
Witchy Life Story is a standout autumn release and is the perfect game to play casually alongside a warm drink and a delicious treat. With multiple friendship and romance options, a fun gardening and crafting system, and stunning customization options for your character, this game is a must-play this autumn for the perfect relaxing, wholesome experience.
3. THE SPIRIT AND THE MOUSE (2022)
Following a small mouse named Lila in the breathtaking town of Sainte-et-Claire, you as the player help guide Lila through the streets of the town and the numerous puzzle as you attempt to bring light back into the lives of the people living there. The Spirit and the Mouse is an exquisite, heartfelt puzzle adventure game that reminds us all that even small actions can have a tremendous impact.
With no timer and no combat, The Spirit and the Mouse focuses wholeheartedly on the impact Lila has on the troubled townspeopleand the mischievous Kibblin spirits she must befriend. It’s a cozy game to take your time and play through and truly revel in the game’s equally wondrous visuals and narrative.
4. LEMON CAKE (2021)
Lemon Cake is a single-player baking game where you’re tasked with the restoration of an abandoned bakery with the help of an adorable, friendly ghost. A cozy management simulator, the player is tasked with growing fresh ingredients, baking delicious pastries, managing the pricing and the menu, and satisfying the growing customer base.
It’s a delightful, casual game that anyone can enjoy. Lemon Cake has a wide range of unique pastries to discover and bake, cute customization options, and an easy-going energy that makes the game incredibly straightforward to get into.
5. WHEN THE PAST WAS AROUND (2020)
When The Past Was Around is a poignant point-and-click puzzle game exploring grief and loss. However, the game is hardly dismal or dreary. The player follows a young woman named Eda who seems to have lost the love of her life. As you guide her through dreamy scenery evoking the past and the present, the player experiences love, loss, and the difficult process of moving on.
A brief but impactful game, When The Past Was Around is an engaging and charming game with impeccable art and sound design that masterfully uses quintessentially autumn scenery throughout. It’s the perfect bittersweet game for the autumn season.
Download one of these games and celebrate of the autumn season and its many splendors.