7 Must Play Cutest Games for a Fun Escape
Looking for a dose of cuteness in your gaming routine? Whether you’re a fan of platformers, life simulations, or simply love all things adorable, this curated list has something for everyone. From the charming adventures of A Hat in Time to the relaxing cat-filled world of Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector, and the whimsical life of managing a magical cat cafe in Calico, these games are sure to delight and captivate. Dive into these delightful titles with this article and let the cuteness overload brighten your day.
Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector (2014)
Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is a simple yet addictive mobile game developed by Hit-Point, first released in 2014. Sometimes, all you need to create a global sensation is an endless supply of cute cats. This game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and universal love for cats. It became a global hit despite initially being available only in Japanese, proving that the power of cute cats can transcend language barriers. In Neko Atsume, your main tasks involve buying food, toys, and furniture to attract a variety of cats, each with its own personality. You place these toys and food in your virtual backyard and watch as adorable cats show up to play, leaving you with the joy of snapping pictures of them. As you interact with these virtual cats, they leave behind "niboshi" (dried sardines), which you can use to buy more items. You can also remodel your yard with different themes, like Zen or Modern, adding a bit of personal touch to your virtual cat heaven. The game offers a delightful experience that doesn’t require much time or effort but provides a lot of joy. If you are a cat lover, this is a must-try for you.
- Neko Atsume Official Website: http://www.nekoatsume.com/en/
- Download on iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/neko-atsume-kittycollector/id923917775
- Download on Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.hit_point.nekoatsume&hl=en_US&gl=US
A Hat in Time (2017)
A Hat in Time is a charming platformer developed by Gears for Breakfast, a Danish game studio, and published by Humble Bundle in 2017. The game features Hat Kid, a young alien girl on a mission to return home by collecting key items called "Time Pieces" that drive the game’s story and mechanics. Players get to navigate through vibrant, open-world environments, jumping across platforms, avoiding obstacles, and hunting down collectibles.
Initially, you might think it's similar to Mario Odyssey, where you collect moons for your spaceship. However, A Hat in Time actually came first. What sets it apart is Hat Kid herself, who is easily one of the most endearing protagonists in gaming. The soundtrack is a standout, especially during boss battles like the one with Snatcher, which might just make you want to dance along. Snatcher, by the way, is a fan-favorite character brought to life by excellent voice acting. The game’s world is equally captivating, filled with memorable, cutesy moments, and if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can spend time riding around on a Roomba. With five expansive worlds (plus DLCs), the game offers plenty to explore, including a surprise horror-themed level. Moreover, the bosses are challenging, and the overall experience is just so adorable and enjoyable.
- A Hat in Time Official Website: https://hatintime.com/
- Buy on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/253230/A_Hat_in_Time/
- Gears for Breakfast Twitter: https://twitter.com/HatInTime
Calico (2020)
Calico is a life simulation game developed by Peachy Keen Games and published by Whitethorn Games and Maple Whispering. Released in 2020, the game invites you to manage a cat café on a magical island. It’s a non-violent, relaxing game filled with whimsical characters and simple tasks. After a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2019, the game made its way to PCs and consoles, bringing its charm to a wider audience.
If you’re a fan of games like Diner Dash or Animal Crossing, you’ll find this game to be a delightful experience. You can fill your café with a variety of animals, not just cats, but also birds, dogs, horses, and even foxes! The game features an adorable cooking mechanic, customizable characters and café, and a set of whimsical potions that add fun and unpredictability to the gameplay. Despite its short main quest and some graphical glitches, Calico is a joy to play, especially for those who love cats, cozy environments, and light-hearted simulations.
- Calico Official Website: https://calicogame.com/
- Buy on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1067680/Calico/
Lemon Cake (2021)
Lemon Cake is a delightful time-management bakery simulator developed and published by Cozy Bee Games. The game invites you to restore a run-down bakery and turn it into a thriving business by growing fresh ingredients, baking pastries, and serving eager customers. When you first step into the bakery, it’s far from ideal. As the game progresses, you'll have the opportunity to repair, furnish, and decorate each room to your liking. Part of the charm lies in the farm-to-table experience. You can gather honey from your beehive, raise cows for fresh milk, and adopt chickens to collect eggs. In the kitchen, you’ll mix these ingredients to create a wide range of baked goods, from pastries and candies to frozen desserts. Speed is of the essence in this game; you’ll need to serve customers quickly and keep your display case stocked to maximize profits. To keep impatient customers from leaving, you can serve them coffee or even build an adorable cat café to brighten their day.
The Lemon Cake game might remind you of Diner Dash, where the primary goal is to serve customers before they lose patience. However, unlike the fast-paced, frantic atmosphere of Diner Dash, it offers a more relaxed experience. There’s no harsh penalty for failing to serve a customer, making the game less stressful and more about enjoying the process of baking and serving. What sets Lemon Cake apart is its blend of time management with a calm, cozy atmosphere, coupled with an emphasis on customization. You have a variety of options for recipes, shop upgrades, and personalizing your character and bakery, which adds to the game’s charm. If you’re a fan of time management or cooking games, Lemon Cake is definitely worth a try.
- Lemon Cake Official Website: https://cozybeegames.com/lemoncake
- Buy Lemon Cake on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1236010/Lemon_Cake/
Ooblets (2022)
Ooblets is a quirky life simulation game developed by Glumberland, first released in early access in 2020, and fully launched in 2022. Available on Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, the game combines farming, town life, and creature collection elements in a colorful and offbeat world. Players get to manage a farm, grow and train their Ooblets (cute, plant-like creatures), explore various lands, and engage in dance-offs rather than traditional combat.
In this game, you arrive in Badgetown, a seaside town where you start with a basic farm and gradually unlock more shops and buildings by completing quests and making friends with the townspeople. You can join one of four clubs, each with its unique style and preferred Ooblets. These Ooblets can help with farming and other tasks, or participate in card-based dance battles, where you can win new Ooblet seeds and level up your creatures. The game is a refreshing take on life simulation, replacing combat with dance battles and offering a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.
- Ooblets Official Website: https://ooblets.com/
- Buy Ooblets on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/593150/Ooblets/
Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island (2023)
Developed by Nippon Columbia and published by Aksys Games, Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island is a simulation game that initially resembles Animal Crossing: New Horizons but takes a different approach to gameplay. The game’s visuals are the cutest, and the character of the cute princess is to die for. In this game, you play as a princess who arrives on Carrot Isle, a deserted island once known for its delicious Princess Cake. The players’ task is to rebuild the island using a magical bracelet, gathering materials and currency (Lumina and
Carrot) to craft furniture, tools, and even animals that aid in your quest.
The game is relatively short, with a maximum duration of 4-5 hours to complete. However, it has tons of side missions, crafting, and house-building to keep you entertained. While the storyline is rather simple, it's fun to play a cute princess and dress her up to make her even more adorable. The addition of islands and villagers also adds depth to the experience. While the combat element is lacking and could be improved, the game excels in its unique charm and character. Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and adorable gaming experience.
- Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island Official Website: https://www.nippon1.co.jp/
- Buy Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2059130/Pretty_Princess_Magical_Garden_Island/
These games each offer something unique, whether it’s charming platforming, cozy simulations, or innovative fashion gameplay, making them worth exploring for fans of cute and creative gaming experiences. Don’t forget to try them out when you can and let us know your experience.
Happy Reading! Make sure to check out our other articles for more interesting topics.