Cuddly Forest Friends (2023)

I absolutely adored Cuddly Forest Friends. While clearly aimed at a much younger crowd, it’s so wholesome, so feel-good, that I think it’s got a very broad appeal, especially if you’re in the mood for something that’s just… cute, gentle, and sweet. With an adorable art style, cheerful music, and silly minigames, Cuddly Forest Friends is just a fun game all around. I honestly don’t think there’s an age limit on this game; give it a try if you just want something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

If you are looking for some relaxing gameplay, Cuddly Forest Friends has got what it's needed, both for children and adults.

It isn’t a bad game by any means, and once you get past the tutorial growing pains, it’s a cute game that kids and animal lovers wanting a game to go “aw” to will definitely enjoy, but I definitely feel the pacing could have been smoothed out just a little bit to make this a more easygoing experience.

While more hardened gamers will likely want to steer clear this mix of pet sim elements and mini games is a more casual treat

Cuddly Forest Friends, with its interaction with Gesshizu is great for younger children. The little drawings next to the choices you need to make will help with playing it even if reading is challenging. For adults, I feel there’s too little actual influence you have on the gameplay, and the daily game loop quickly became repetitive. The developers did a good job of giving the critters personalities; I did have my favourites, like the Capybara and the Porcupine. I couldn’t help but smile at them, sulking when they lost a mini-game. They remind me of the Tamagotchi I had many years ago, though the Gesshizu are much more accommodating in that they don’t actually die!