April is showering the cozy gamer world with some exciting brand new releases. There are even a few familiar titles being released to new consoles. As we enter the springtime, it’s expected that things are going to be picking up rather quickly. In the gaming world and in our personal worlds, spring is a season of business. Don’t forget to take a breather from time to time and unwind with something like a cozy game. Perhaps one of these upcoming releases will turn out to be your new favorite way to relax.
If you’re interested in even more cozy gaming topics, check out my latest articles below.
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions
The release I’m absolutely most excited for this month is Spirit City: Lofi Sessions which is releasing April 8th. If you are a fan of the YouTube channel Lofi Girl, once known as Chilled Cow, then the art style of this game will be right up your alley. This is a gamified focus tool where you’ll be able to customize your own cozy study space and character. There are tools implemented within the game that allow you to keep track of your real-life tasks as you chill out with calming lofi music and soundscapes. Be on the lookout for Spirits as you play and collect them all! This game will be released on Steam only since it is targeted for practical study/work usage.
Alternate colors available to unlock for your Arachknit pal.
I wish this game had existed while I was in college as I am an avid Lofi Girl subscriber. The concept of gamifying a workflow session is ingenious and I’m definitely going to be using this to my advantage. Next month’s cozy game picks will ideally be written out with the help of Spirit City.
Botany Manor
Botany Manor is releasing on Steam on April 9th and is a botany lovers’ dream. You’ll be playing as Arabella Greene who is a retired botanist in the late 1800s working on publishing her latest research book. Explore her giant manor filled with gorgeous rooms and gardens waiting to be discovered. There’s a lot of clues to investigate including books, posters, Victorian contraptions, and other mysterious items that will lead you to discovering the background of your character and what her work means. As you practice growing rare flora specimen, you’ll be able to figure out the perfect conditions and slowly complete your research.
Research what makes the rare flora around your manor grow.
Sophia the Traveler
Sophia the Traveler will be releasing on April 11th on Steam and Nintendo Switch. This game is very similar to the books Where’s Waldo, except you’ll be picking out Sophia from the crowds of Venice, Italy. The developer created this game as somewhat of a simulation of what it is like to travel through Venice – what the people and scenery and experience would be like. In a picture book style, you’ll be able to explore 10 different scenes and discover many hidden Easter eggs. I feel like this type of game is perfect to practice patience and work out your brain while still having a fun time staying cozy. You’ll be able to relive your childhood of finding Wally but in a much more animated way.
Will you be able to spot Sophia amongst the Venice crowds?
Planet of Lana
Planet of Lana was released last year, but on April 16th it will be expanding its platforms and coming to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. It was previously available only on Xbox and Steam, so it’s nice to finally have it accessible on a portable console. Planet of Lana is about a young girl and her cat companion embarking on a rescue mission to rebalance the world as they know it. It’s not a game of war, but more so a beautiful planetary odyssey. You’ll be able to cooperate with your cute cat companion as you explore the dangerous terrain. This game is about bravery, teamwork, and perseverance. It’s a stunning reminder on how things can still be beautiful even in the midst of chaos.
Embark on a breathtaking journey with your cat companion.
The Collage Atlas
This might be the coolest game on the list as it was completely hand-drawn with a 0.03mm pen by one singular person. It took 4.5 years for it to be completed and initially released on Apple Arcade in 2020. Now, it’s coming to Steam on April 19th and is already a treasured release. It’s an inviting, dream-like story book structured game where you simply explore the hand-drawn world around you. The soundtrack is also produced singlehandedly by the creator of the game, John Evelyn. The entire game can be completed in 1.5-2 hours, but I feel like I would spend as much extra time as possible just taking all of the artwork in. This is easily one of the best examples of a true cozy game that has been released this year so far.
A 4.5 year long project completed with a 0.03mm pen.
