The Good Life

Whatever problem I have with this game can be found in a lot of other reviews, so let's focus on the positives: Despite its shortcomings, after 30+ hours this game somehow makeup for all of that and as the credit rolls, I- an avid lover of cozy life sim/RPGs like the Story of Seasons series, Rune Factory and Stardew Valley- have to begrudgingly admit that this game is one of the most fun and unique cozy life sim I have ever played. The dev created a vibrant, charming English countryside with some quirky, edgy creative spices. I love that I can go into the pubs and order English food/drinks, and learn to cook all of them after a while.. I love that I can challenge the local vicar to a drinking game. I love that there's a homeless violinist who talks with his violin. I love running around the country roads with the open sky all around me. Things I hate, hate, HATE and WANT TO BURN IN A FIRE: -I almost refunded the game solely because of how annoying the protagonist and some side characters was. The writing trope of repeating a catchphrase for comedic effect is one that I hope Japanese game devs never go back to again. I feel like I was playing Pokemon Sword & Shield again, havin…

The Good Life is one of the strangest and most charming life simulation games released in recent years, blending photography mechanics, open-world exploration, murder mystery storytelling, and supernatural transformations into an experience that constantly shifts between cozy rural adventure and bizarre psychological mystery. Created by Hidetaka “Swery” Suehiro, the game carries the same eccentric personality found in his earlier projects, delivering a world filled with awkward humor, memorable characters, surreal twists, and unconventional design choices. It is a game that often feels rough and chaotic, yet its overwhelming personality and creativity make it difficult to forget once the journey begins. The story follows Naomi Hayward, a struggling New York photographer drowning in debt who travels to the rural English town of Rainy Woods after receiving a mysterious assignment. The village is advertised as “the happiest town in the world,” but Naomi quickly discovers that the peaceful countryside hides deeply unusual secrets beneath its welcoming atmosphere. What initially appears to be a quirky investigative story gradually evolves into something far stranger involving murder my…

Lovely quirky game.

I played the demo then went straight into the game (because I bought it). Don't do that lol. I had to start over and absolutely LOVE this game!!! It's not linear and allows you to pick and choose what to do next. There are a few "urgent quests" that require you to complete them immediately and often with a timer, but otherwise, it's whenever. You do have to keep your stats up and have a time progression and have to watch the moon cycles, etc., but it is NOT complicated!! I quit so many games because they're just too complex, and this one is the perfect balance! The graphics are great. The storyline and gameplay creative (such as following scents as a dog and climbing as a cat, etc.). The VO's are very well done. The MC is fare from likeable, but not enough to turn me away. I especially like the photo part, going around looking for the right shot. That was what originally drew me to it. Online help is sparse (walkthrough, fan wiki, etc.) but enough to help when needed, as this apparently didn't get the reviews I personally think it deserves.

Another game from Swery that I've loved. I've played it long ago on gamepass and now I've finished it on steam. Fun but requires knowledge for smooth play - not long after start you get 3 questlines you can do in any order but the recommended order is basically a must otherwise you don't get fast enough the qol unlocks. Also some tricks you just discover as you play, like killing small animals(for example hunting birds) while a cat feeds you etc. Right know the game had few bugs I've encountered but once the game got stuck after a cutscene and I had to reload save. Another con is that garden accessories and most clothes are very grindy to get.

It's a fun game, alot of the game is chill but it's also the first game where I managed to rage quit. I will definitely try again. Developer an option to save and quit would be nice and to skip or continue with the "challenge"  e.g the chicken or the alien cat. Pretty sure it's a skill issue. I rage quit so no I did ot complete the game at this point.