Wholesome indie games to make you feel a little bit warm and fuzzy. š„° Inspired by Wholesome Games.
“Aa story-rich action-adventure game about childhood escapism. Take command of a magical swarm of curious creatures to battle precarious wildlife and supernatural foes, construct and craft new pathways, and discover the secrets of a forgotten world.
“A unique and sequestered world rich with centuries full of lore. Woods, caves, coastline, ancient shrines… The Deep Woods is full of puzzles to be solved and secrets waiting to be uncovered.”
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One
Release: May 20, 2021
“Sometimes life is hectic. Sometimes we just need to take a breather and relax in a happy little world filled with bunnies. This is the core vision of Bunhouse ā a game you can play solo or with your friends to relax and be happy. There is nothing to kill, no one to be better than, just some plants that need watering and a greenhouse full of possibility.”
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021
“A handcrafted puzzle adventure game made entirely out of paper.Ā Along with atmospheric music made by Floex, it creates a mysterious and unique paper world, shrouded in shadow and light.
“Papetura tells a story about lonely paper creature Pape, trapped in a flowery prison.Ā One day Pape escapes and finds little Tura, a magical being that heāll take care of.Ā Together they will have to face dark and flaming monsters which will try to burn down their beloved paper world.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: May 7, 2021
“A comedy game where you play as a mean cloud determined to ruin everybody’s day. Play across a wide range of levels while unlocking new abilities and mechanics that get progressively more ridiculous.
“Travel across the world, inventing new ways of causing chaos and mayhem. Turn the perfectly dry and sunny wedding day into a wet one, unleash thunder and lightning upon the cities, bring pandemonium to supermarket shoppers, destroy farmerās crops, sneak around military bases and rain down meteors on dinosaurs! Yes, not even the dinosaurs are safe!”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release: April 15, 2021
“Moonglow Bay is set along the Eastern Canadian coastline during the 1980s and offers players a diverse and emotionally charged story, complemented by a relaxing, slice-of-life fishing RPG.
“You play as a rookie angler, struggling to fulfil your partnerās final wish by keeping a business afloat in the face of impending bankruptcy. Whether playing solo or with a friend in drop-in-drop-out local co-op, youāll need to cook your catch of the day, then sell a variety of recipes to upgrade your shop, gear, and fishing boat.”
Platforms: Windows, Xbox Series X
Release: 2021
“A cute, co-operative postal puzzler starring Jeff and Debra, two small kiwi birds working in a whimsical post office. They must jump, flap, peck and butt-slam their way across an interactive landscape of levers, bells and buttons to get those messages delivered on time!”
They carry paper stuck to their bums and it is the best. :)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021
“A cute and creepy adventure game within a magical storybook. You play as both the reader of the book and its main character, Luka. Explore the town to find word charms. Use your charms to change the course of fate!
“Luka is just trying to grow up as the world falls down. Something’s afoot in Beacon Pines and he and his friends are the only ones taking notice. Sneak out late, investigate creepy labs, throw some pigs, uncover the truth, and maybe survive the summer.”
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch (possibly PS4 & Xbox)
Release: late 2021
“A game about playing with koi ponds. Explore an infinite number of procedurally generated koi patterns by crossbreeding your fish, and discover new mutations as you go along. Store the best koi as collectible trading cards, and let the koi book guide you towards new undiscovered mutations.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Release: February 26, 2021
“A game about a brother and sister, living alone in the outskirts of society, on a journey through imaginary and surreal landscapes.Ā Distracted in their play, the children lose their way and begin the journey back home. On their way they encounter magical and magnificent creatures such as a horned beast, a giant stork, magical seaweed, friendly frogs or travelling goblins. They will need to overcome fears, solve puzzles and stick together to find their way home.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021
“Traverse a harmonious hand painted forest in this first person hike. āļøThe trees guide you with gentle whispers, as you explore a philosophical story.”
I received a key to play an early version of this and if you would like to take a walk through the forest while the trees gently talk you through a short 30 to 40 minute story, then this is your jam. Definitely an experience to help your mind breathe.
Platforms: Windows (possibly consoles to come)
Release: January 14, 2021