Cozy games at first appear to be very basic. Many play them for a relaxing time. But what you don’t see is the surprise elements they have. These are the elements that turn everything around. You think you’re playing that peaceful farming game. Then in comes the monsters. Or a mystery to solve. This list presents 10 cozy games which have an unexpected layer to them.
1. Stardew Valley: Not Just Farming
Stardew Valley is a game which presents a picture of tranquil farming. You plant crops and raise animals. But that’s not all. In the caves you’ll face dangerous monsters. A dark quest at the community center which uncovers strange magic. Some villagers have secret pasts. As you play the game it transforms into an RPG adventure.
2. Animal Crossing: The Dark Secrets
Animal Crossing is a charming and easy going game. You design your home and interact with animals. But some aspects are off. The museum has strange fossil exhibits. Also certain villagers say creepily scary lines. At night the island changes. It is casual gaming with a slight gothic touch.
3. A Short Hike: More Than Relaxation
This game which is a journey up a mountain is relaxing. We see a very peaceful world. As you play through it though you find secret areas out of the way. Some paths present strange interactions. The ending has great depth. It’s short in play time but what it lacks in length it makes up for in emotional impact and surprise.
4. Spiritfarer: The Emotional Journey
In Spiritfarer you take on the role of a boat manager. You build and you travel. But it is of the soul which you are tending. Each spirit that you guide in to the after has a story. The game will have you in tears. Cozy in style but very sad at its core. Very few sim games pack this punch.
5. Night in the Woods: Small Town Mystery
In a setting of a cat that has dropped out of college you play in a town which at first seems normal. But strange things begin to happen. The art style is cute but the story takes a dark turn. This narrative adventure takes you to places you did not see coming.
6. Cozy Grove: Ghost Island
Cozy Grove is like Animal Crossing but instead of helping out at the various businesses you are there to assist the bear spirits with their day to day tasks. Also it is revealed that these bears are in fact dead. The island which is the setting changes daily. The stories which play out are very much so on the sad side. It is a casual game which deals with themes of loss and memory.
7. Graveyard Keeper: Macabre Management
This game is a take on Stardew Valley but in a grim setting. Very quickly it deviates from the norm. You’re doing autopsies, meeting a talking skull. The quests have dark humor. It’s a strategy game on death themed elements in a very cozy presentation.
8. Don't Starve Together: Cute Survival Horror
The art is that of a children’s book. But this is a very tough multi player game. You live or you die. Night brings out the deadly shadows. The seasons try to do you in. Many players are not prepared for this challenge.
9. Slime Rancher: Adorable Exploration
You go around the remote planet and you collect cute slimes. The colors are very bright. The music is happy. But the world has secrets. Some areas are very lonely. Notes play a larger role in the story. The adventure is hidden right under the surface.
10. Untitled Goose Game: Chaotic Fun
In a role as a pesky goose you go about your business. May seem out of the ordinary. But in fact there is strategy at play. Some challenges are puzzles. In the multi player mode expect chaos. Simple rules for the base play create great depth.
Why These Twists Work
These games draw you in with easy play which is the front door. Then they slip in the back door with their true design. The contrast is what makes the twists work. You let your guard down before the surprise attack. This mix is what keeps players engaged longer.
Finding More Surprise Games
Look past what casual games present at first. Pay close attention to reviews. Some indie games have their best features within the game which aren’t known go out of your way to find them. Try out games that are tagged “cozy” or “adventure”. May not see the best part of a game until you.
Conclusion
Many have what at first appear to be simple concepts but in fact present secrets. In this list of 10 we see games which at first are very approachable but which also have a lot more to them. They put together elements of the relaxing with that of the RPG, adventure and action. Give them a try if you are into surprises. In the world of games always expect the unexpected.
FAQs
1. What makes a game "cozy"?
Cozy games are a great way to relax. They have low key gameplay which is very calming. Also many of them include cute graphics. Great for winding down and de-stressing.
2. Are these games good for beginners?
Yes. They begin easy. As complexity grows out of the blue for some play types which are new to the scene basic elements are what they first will learn.
3. Do I need friends to play these?
Most are single player games. Some like Don’t Star which I think of Don’t Starve Together do better with multiple players. Of course we have a mix of both.
4. Why do developers hide twists?
Surprise elements make games stand out. Players into the discovery of game layers which in turn puts casual players into the action.
5. Which game has the biggest twist?
Opinions are out there that do and don’t support. Many report on how Spiritfarer hit them the most. At the same time some prefer Night in the Woods. Try out a few to decide which is your cup of tea.
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