Hey cozy game lovers! I’m officially one of you now, and I had you in mind while exploring PAX WEST this August. The convention was buzzing with excitement, especially with big names like Nintendo making a return—proof that the gaming industry is bouncing back from a rough start in 2024 and the quiet 2023. I dove into the indie scene, drawn to that cozy category, and picked out my top favorites for COZY BEST OF SHOW. Keep reading to see if you agree with my picks!
First place goes to the currently FREE Doronko Wanko on Steam. Recently showcased at the Tokyo Game Show as part of the indie game lineup, this Japanese title by Sui Daku is known for its quirky and humorous style. In the demo, you play as a dog named Wanko who goes on a chaotic spree when his owner falls asleep at the kitchen table. The title “Doronko Wanko” roughly translates to “Muddy Dog,” and that’s accurate.
The sheer joy of spreading red sauce all over the white living room, shaking my muddy Pomeranian butt on the couch, and equipping my shark head hat reward from destroying the library was incredibly satisfying. The game features creative level design and engaging gameplay mechanics, making it perfect for lounging on the couch with a blanket and enjoying the rewards of your antics, including adorable loot boxes and paw prints. There were moments when I felt a bit lost about where to go next or how to accomplish certain tasks, but regardless of that, this gem of a game remained highly enjoyable. Give it a try—it’s FREE!
Taking second place for me was Infinity Nikki. With a huge, elegant, and impressive booth, I was even more excited to get my hands on some gameplay. As a self-admitted newbie to the fifth installment in this already successful fan-favorite series, my opinion is fresh, without many established expectations. So, let’s catch up on some of the history for those unfamiliar.
The Nikki series by PaperGames started as a dress-up 2D/mobile format game that focused primarily on fashion, dressing up characters, and participating in various in-game challenges related to style. Each game in the series allowed players to collect outfits and engage in story-driven adventures, emphasizing creativity and visual customization. Infinity Nikki continues to emphasize character customization and fashion, allowing players to collect outfits and change the appearance of their characters. I only had a short time to play the demo, and I could have spent hours just exploring the outfits. I’m eagerly waiting to see if they ever make real clothes from this game because I’m drooling over the variety and style options.
Infinity Nikki marks the franchise’s expansion into a fully 3D, open-world action-adventure, adding exploration, combat, and puzzle elements. Let’s be real: when you hire veteran game designer Kentaro Tominaga, who worked on the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—an open-world masterpiece—then you have big plans for the future. And you can immediately feel it when playing. The game was clearly designed to take full advantage of clothing in a seamless integration of style and movement. It’s really its own character. There’s a very satisfying “floatiness” to the character animation, with changes occurring based on the dress’s special powers.
But let’s back up. The combat system options are based on what Nikki is wearing, with clothing unlocking different moves. You can upgrade your wardrobe along the way, and if you’re into herbalism, you can harvest flowers, plants, and more to assist in your crafting. At times, you can step out of the regular world to participate in puzzles that gave me some flashbacks to Zelda’s “move the ball into the hole” shrines from the past. These puzzles add a nice variety to the exploration, and the look and feel change dramatically in each area. Sometimes I had to use creative environmental assists to reach high-reward areas or fight baddies to access special items. Combat isn’t the main focus here, so the game still feels cozy, but it’s worth noting if you’re looking for a completely stress-free experience.
Don’t worry—your adorable companion Momo returns in this one too, offering tips and his quirky sense of humor. Plus, he wears outfits and hats, so there’s that. I had a great time playing and even won a prize at the booth (my first one ever) with some awesome swag!
Taking third place was A Corgi’s Cozy Hike. This charming game features adorable corgi butts, countless screenshot-worthy moments, and a serene adventure through a nature-filled landscape. Players guide a lovable corgi on a peaceful journey that emphasizes exploration, relaxation, and straightforward gameplay—perfect for those seeking a low-stress, heartwarming escape.
The game offers a hint of Spyro in its task countdowns, collection mechanics, and whimsical aesthetic which the devs at Scalisco mentioned. Players can unlock various corgi superpowers, gather cute accessories, enjoy platforming, solve puzzles, fend off mischievous animals (like cats), and interact with the diverse world around them. While some find the experience meditative, I personally felt a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of activities, the lively movement of other animals, and the quest to find every hidden item. Despite this, it undeniably offers a safe, carefree world to explore.
An honorable mention goes to the game Rooster, coming out next year. It’s a point and click based puzzle adventure celebrating Chinese culture with adorably awkward animals. The hand-drawn graphics are a visual treat, exuding an artful nostalgia that feels like flipping through an ancient scroll—if that scroll were filled with quirky farm denizens. The game features a rich story of redemption and family, where cooking, finding hidden objects, and paper crafting lead Rooster on a path from being a rude dude to a reformed demigod who appreciates family. It’s a great time sink, relaxing and fun. And also, a chronomancing rooster. As we rep flightless birds here at Technical Fowl we couldn’t not give them a shoutout.
And there you have it—my top 3 cozy game picks from PAX WEST! Each of these games brought something unique to the table, whether it was heartwarming charm, delightful gameplay, or just the perfect dose of relaxation. I hope this list helps you discover your next favorite cozy game. Did any of these games catch your eye? Let me know your thoughts and if you have any cozy game recommendations of your own!
