Release Year: 2023
Reading Year: SP2025
Developer/Publisher: Bellular Studios/Fellow Travelers & Surprise Attack Games
Time to Beat: 16 Hours

Thoughts: To be honest, this was an obligatory “It’s a Humble Bundle throw-in, give it a try and probably drop after a few hours” pick. Instead, I spent double the average playtime completing the game. I had no context for the game going in, I didn’t even know the genre or narrative hook. I played fairly naively, focusing on the story and enjoying the light management sim mechanics – I’m learning how well management sims work with my brain as of late.

Release Year: 2023
Reading Year: WI2023
Developer/Publisher: Visai Games
Time to Beat: 1 Hours

Thoughts: This game received a lot of critical praise in 2023. The closest I can come to understanding why that would be is the Green Book effect. The writing feels timid and the story safe. I appreciated the perspective of the mother as that is rare in any medium, but wish they had leaned into more complex dialogue. You can’t say that it’s too short for that, look at What Remains of Edith Finch or really any AnnaPurna game. The recipe book conceptually is a powerful and grounding object in the game, but it doesn’t pan out that way. I wish there was more heart and introspection from the act of reading and cooking.

Release Year: 2017
Reading Year: WI2023
Developer/Publisher: Giant Sparrow/Anapurna
Time to Beat: 2 Hours

Thoughts: I wrapped up What Remains of Edith Finch at 11:19PM on New Year’s Eve 2023. Perhaps a teary goodbye is exactly what I needed to finish off this year.