Rediscovering the Joy of Gaming: My Switch Journey + Cozy Games I’ve Been Loving

One of the best things I’ve done for myself right now has been getting myself the switch. Growing up, I loved spending my time playing computer games. As I grew, I switched to playing games on my phone, until my love for games faded away. The thing is, our phones are a really crowded and loud place, and in my opinion, the touch screen aspect takes away a part of the fun of gaming. So I stopped. Deciding to get a switch this summer, reminded me of how gaming used to feel for me. I remembered the types of games I liked, and what I used to play. I love the feeling of putting my phone away, and just cozying up with a game winding down my day, just as I would with a good book. Here are some of the games I’ve been playing so far!

Wytchwood

Wytchwood is a 2D cozy crafting game inspired by gothic fairytales. You play as an old witch who gets assigned to retrieve twelve evil souls to fulfill a contract by the end of the game.

I found this game during the summertime when I first got into gaming, and I immediately felt like it was the kind of game I wanted to save for the cozy months ahead. When October came around I decided to get it and dive head first into the game. The first thing that stood out to me was the art style. As dark as the storyline sounds, it’s artwork really brought a lightness to the game, combining creepy and cozy in a balanced way.

The game is entirely designed to suit your pace, unlocking lands at your own time, running around from one place to another collecting ingredients from goblin snot to pixie dust to elf shoes to craft your potions, enchantments and cursed items. A couple of months ago I spoke about a game called Cozy Grove, I felt like Wytchwood was very similar, but just on a larger scale, and it didn’t have the daily limit that Cozy Grove does.

I’d recommend this game to first of all, anyone who really likes the cozy kind of creepy vibes. Second, to those who don’t really want a high energy game, if you want to really slow down have a chill evening, brain is off with a  cup of pumpkin spice latte on hand, this one is for you. The only downside of the game is that, I felt like it takes too long to arrive to the places I’m going to. Especially towards the end of the game as the recipes of spells get more complicated, I found myself getting so impatient, I just wanted to craft the potion as fast as possible. Then again, that is a personal preference and probably an attention span thing, so it doesn’t really matter if you are the type of person who enjoys a slow paced game.

Super Mario Odyssey

This 3D Mario game held my attention from beginning to end! Initially, I decided to get this game because I was traveling, and was looking for a game that did not need internet connection. So while I was doing my very beginner gamer research on tiktok and youtube, I noticed Super Mario Odyssey recommended so many times! Even though I was not entirely convinced, the whole no internet thing was a priority to me at the time, so I went ahead and got it.

Why was I not entirely convinced? It’s been ages since I’ve played any Mario game and even though I loved the Mario Kart as a kid, this was entirely different. I had no idea what to expect, and no idea how I’d feel about it as an adult! I was very pleasantly surprised to say I loved every minute of it! Easily one of the top games for me.

In this game, you play as Mario with your new sidekick/hat called Cappy, on an adventure to rescue Tiara, Cappy’s sister (who is also Princess Peach’s tiara) who has been kidnapped by Bowser along with Princess Peach! Throughout the game you’ll be collecting moons to unlock other worlds, as well as encounter boss fights. Until you’re face to face with the boss himself, Bowser! Even at the end of the game there will still be a lot more in store for you as there are 880 moons! Which is what I faced at the end of the game, even after the end credits and everything, I realized I still have moons to collect, so right now I can play it in a more cozy way, with no fights ahead of me!

Disney Dreamlight Valley

This charming life-simulator game invites you on a magical journey, capturing the enchanting spirit of Disney like never before. Make friends with the characters, and unlock new levels as you restore the land back to it’s magical state lifting the curse one quest at a time! I feel like I can’t really give a full review on it especially since I did not finish the game myself. However to me, Disney Dreamlight Valley was the game I always turned to, to relax when one of the other games I was playing at the time felt like too much in the moment. It was definitely there for me when I needed it, and that’s why I can’t hate the game. However I do feel like there is a lot more room for it to grow in the future, something about it was off I’m not really sure how to explain it ir pit it into words. I think the art style felt a little outdated to me, I don’t know how to put it exactly, maybe if you’ve okayed the game you’ll know what I’m talking about. The only reason I didn’t fly through the game was because of that, I still play it from time to time, and it still gives me comfy Disney vibes as I play it, so this isn’t a bad review, but I’m really sad to admit it’s definitely not a top game for me especially since I had high hopes for it.

Lost in Play

The 2D point and click game that will make you feel like that inner 8 year old watching cartoon network early in the morning eating a bowl of coco pops. You play as siblings who get lost in an adventure of the imagination and must work together to get back home.

This game is simple and easy. You’ll come across quirky characters, mini games, and puzzles that get your mind thinking. There were times where I found myself stuck, but thankfully there is a hint button. Which I definitely used to my advantage while playing this game. I absolutely fell in love with the art style, and the way it was designed as an early 2000’s cartoon. Especially since times have changed and cartoons aren’t quite the same as they used to be. What made it even more unique to me was the way the chapters were called episodes. Although the entire game is pretty shirt, it is definitely a must play that will leave behind a charming and nostalgic feeling in your heart.