Cosy games are where it’s at. Don’t get me wrong, I love/hate myself a good competitive game of League of Legends as much as the next masochist but sometimes what you really need is a break from the self-inflicted torture and instead cuddle up with some blankets, some hot chocolate with little marshmallows and a good cosy game.
Over the last few years, there has been a definite increase in impossibly cute-looking life simulators. From Animal Crossing to Stardew Valley, there are no shortages of simple, sweet, mind-numbingly relaxing titles. Yet, there is no other game that feels quite like Little Witch In The Woods, which is why this Early Access title was fast on its way to becoming my latest game addiction.
If you want the short and straightforward hook that first drew me, here goes: Little Witch In The Woods is what you’d get if you take the gameplay of Stardew Valley but give it a magical/witchy theme. I mean, come on? Who doesn’t want that?
In Little Witch In The Woods, players control a young witch in training named Ellie. After a series of missteps happen early in the game, Ellie finds herself living in a forest and caring for those who dwell there. You’re also accompanied by Virgil, Ellie’s sentient witch hat, who never shies away from pointing out her many, many missteps along the way.
As mentioned above, Little Witch In The Woods is an Early Access title with a full release aimed for 2023, which promises to bring more story chapters and an actual ending.
Now, here’s the thing: what I’ve played of Little Witch In The Woods has left me somewhat wanting. Please don’t get me wrong; there is a lot of fun to be had in completing the absolute plethora of side-quests the game constantly throws your way, but at the end of the day, that’s all there is to it, side-quests. I’m no stranger to side-quests; in fact, side-quests might be one of my favourite things to do in most games; however, when faced with ONLY side-quests, I’d like them to feel a little bit more fulfilling.
During my hours spent within Little Witch In The Woods, I’ve sent letters, cleared weeds, and even upgraded my home. Although none of these tasks ever felt meaningful enough to be considered anything more than filler and as good as the middle of an Oreo is, sometimes you’re just craving the cookie.
