April Grove casts you as a rookie forester in a serene, enchanted forest. Your task is to chop trees, gather logs, and uncover the secrets of a woodland community. This retro-inspired game blends life sim, exploration, and light RPG elements in a Game Boy Advance-style pixel-art world. With no enemies, timers, or pressure, it’s all about setting your own pace.

In this game, you’ll trade logs for gold, which you can spend on upgrades like better axes, necklaces, or food buffs that tweak your playstyle. Each swing earns XP, leveling your woodcutting skill to tackle bigger trees and unlock new forest areas. You can also choose a male or female character, customize your gear, and interact with animals for varied outcomes.

Here’s what Steam reviews are saying:

The post April Grove Just Released on Steam, You’re Missing a Lot on This 3 € Gem first appeared on IndieGames.

I have to admit, Projected Dreams surprised me in a good way. I never imagined a game where we would use shadow wall projections to solve puzzles; it truly feels like stepping into a childhood memory. You join Senka, a young girl, in recreating shadow puppet silhouettes using toys and household objects. This unravels a bittersweet, wordless family story that spans 50 years. It’s a cozy, wholesome, and stress-free nostalgic experience, though it does have its flaws.

Projected Dreams offers many interesting puzzles

The core gameplay revolves around dragging toys, mugs, boxes and many other objects from shelves onto a table, positioning them in front of a light source to cast shadows that match a silhouette in Senka’s photo album. You will rotate, stack, and sometimes resize objects using mouse, keyboard or controller inputs. The puzzles start simple, such as aligning a single toy to form a rabbit but grow complex with mechanics like dual light sources, “ghost” objects (invisible in shadows), and sticky items that glue pieces together.

Despite some interesting ideas, the game’s physics-based elements are a bit clumsy. Changing the sides of an object you’re holding feels really weird, and it’s slightly frustrating to use arrows for alignment while rotation has a separate button. It’s not terrible, but takes time to get used to. However, the puzzles themselves were super interesting and became more engaging as the game progressed.

My biggest positive is the hint system, accessible on the back of each photo. Some hints did spoil solutions by clearly showing which objects to use. While you’ll rarely need them, there will be times you do get stuck, struggling to find the right solution because some projections look truly weird and it’s hard to tell which objects are needed.

“The game’s physics-based elements are a bit clumsy.”

Environments change as you progress

The game unfolds in an ever-evolving room that mirrors Senka’s life stages (child, teen, and adult). You will also explore the environment to find collectible objects like cassette tapes, which unlock musical snippets, or trinkets that decorate the photo album. However, searching for specific items can be frustrating, as some are hard to spot in cluttered rooms, and the absence of a clear inventory system means you’ll be repeatedly scanning shelves.

Each chapter of the book tells you if you missed any secrets and how many stars you earned; there are three stars per level, which nicely encourages you to get all three instead of just one. Overall, the experience was pleasant and cozy. It didn’t waste your time, and these types of games are approachable to everyone. It was fun to try and find multiple ways to beat a level.

Another great aspect of the game is its graphics, filled with 90s nostalgia, using a soft, colorful palette of pastels. The 2D illustrations in the photo album tell the story with “funny graphics and special adornments”, balancing humor and touching moments. Animations are minimal but effective, and the entire game has a charming cartoonish feel.

“Each chapter of the book tells you if you missed any secrets and how many stars you earned.”

A short experience, but one you’ll finish feeling satisfied with

While Projected Dreams seems easy at first, some puzzles will definitely test your brain. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful, reflective puzzle experience. The game stands out for its effective use of nostalgia, and despite occasional hiccups in physics and controls, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys this genre. In fact, it’s a short experience, likely taking around 3-4 hours to complete, but it’s still a very worthy buy.

Review copy provided by the publisher

4.2

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Forget The Sims and Inzoi for a moment; Small Spaces offers a different kind of creative gameplay. Jokes aside, while it’s not as advanced for structural building, it provides a charming and cozy interior design experience. You’ll fill pre-made spaces and rooms, selecting furniture, decorations, and layouts to optimize limited areas. The game looks amazing, and you unlock more items as you play. Early Access currently includes three room styles, ranging from industrial to Japanese, along with a shop to acquire new items.

Simple building process

When I mention “progress,” it means completing client requests for each of the nine apartments. These are loose objectives, like adding a workspace or a cozy reading nook. Clients might also ask for specific items, such as a sofa, a TV, or even a painting collection, to earn stars that you use in shops. The biggest plus is that there’s a huge catalog of furniture and decor, ranging from beds and sofas to plants, kitchen utensils, and sewing accessories.

Items are placed using a simple drag-and-drop interface, with options to rotate, paint, and adjust them for tight spaces. A “snap-to-grid” system ensures precise placement, and a one-click painting tool handles walls, floors, and surfaces. The game emphasizes modular design, letting you create clever solutions like loft beds or foldable tables to maximize functionality. You can even fit objects inside each other, such as an oven in a cabinet or a stove on top of it.

You can personalize spaces further with indirect lighting, plants, or wall art, creating unique layouts like open-plan kitchens. My biggest complaint, however, is that while redesigning apartments with different styles adds replayability, the lack of a sandbox mode at Early Access launch limits freeform creativity. You can’t truly make your own small spaces and homes from scratch, essentially forcing you to complete the game before fully enjoying all unlocked items.

“There’s a huge catalog of furniture and decor, ranging from beds and sofas to plants.”

Cozy and relaxing, though it has some bugs

Small Spaces does have its share of bugs. For instance, I got stuck in a doorway when switching from top-down to first-person view, and opening doors felt clumsy. Another bug I encountered involved items getting stuck, making them impossible to properly select and delete. Beyond the bugs, some players might find their PC struggling with the game’s graphics as the 3D-rendered apartments are richly detailed, with realistic wood grains, fabric patterns, and metallic finishes.

While highly advanced and realistic, there’s also some visual clutter, such as odd lighting on flat surfaces. The UI also feels clumsy; when you delete an item, you’re not returned to the menu of clicked objects, forcing you to re-click and scroll, which is a bit annoying. Finally, there’s a day and night cycle, but I couldn’t find a way to change it automatically.

Let’s be honest, the progression system feels sparse; you can unlock everything rather quickly, in about two hours, without much effort. While there’s no story, the Early Access version shows great potential for future additions, from a larger catalog of objects to even modding possibilities, which might allow players to add their own creations.

“While highly advanced and realistic, there’s also some visual clutter.”

Worth it if you’re fan of cozy games

If you’re not into cozy games or want more than just decorating, this game isn’t for you. Its gameplay is purely relaxing and engaging, offering a satisfying creative experience for those who enjoy spatial design. In the end, Small Spaces is totally worth it and fun to experiment with. It could truly become a proper hidden gem if it fulfills all its Early Access plans.

Review copy provided by the publisher

4.2

The post Small Spaces – Cozy and relaxing interior builder first appeared on IndieGames.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a cozy life sim by Sunblink and Sanrio, released in 2023 on Apple Arcade and January 2025 on Switch and PC, with PS4/PS5 versions planned. You crash-land on a deserted island, joining Hello Kitty and over 40 Sanrio characters to restore Big Adventures Park. Gameplay blends Animal Crossing-style exploration, crafting, and decorating with 3D platforming and puzzle-solving. You will also be able to befriend characters like Kuromi and My Melody through quests, cook dishes, customize avatars, and uncover island mysteries.

Spilled!

Spilled! is a cozy, hour-long indie game by solo developer Lente, released March 26, 2025, on PC via Steam. You pilot a small boat to clean ocean waste, like oil spills and litter, across eight biomes. In the game you earn coins to upgrade your boat’s scoop, tank, or speed, and rescue 16 animals. With a 95% positive Steam rating and a donation to Whale and Dolphin Conservation per sale, it’s a heartfelt eco-friendly adventure.

Doloc Town

Doloc Town is a cozy pixel-art farming sim by RedSaw Games Studio, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Launched in Early Access on Steam on May 8, 2025, you build a farm, plant crops, craft tools, and explore a vibrant wasteland with valleys, wetlands, and ruins. You will be able to engage in bullet-hell combat with a drone companion, interact with quirky townsfolk, and uncover hidden stories – it blends Stardew Valley charm with Terraria-style platforming.

Wanderstop

Wanderstop is a narrative-driven cozy game by Ivy Road, released March 11, 2025, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. You play as Alta, a burnt-out warrior running a magical tea shop in a forest, guided by the cheerful Boro. In the game you will grow ingredients, brew unique teas, and chat with customers like Gerald and Nana, whose stories unfold over 12-15 hours across five chapters. While tea-making and gardening are relaxing, the game’s focus is Alta’s emotional journey through burnout and self-discovery.

Ithya: Magic Studies

Ithya: Magic Studies is a cozy background app by Blue Turtle, released May 7, 2025, on PC via Steam. Set in the magical city of Oltak, you play as Ithya, a wandering mage, customizing a study room and exploring hand-drawn scenes like forests and ancient cities. With lo-fi and fantasy playlists, ambient sounds, and productivity tools like task lists and a Pomodoro timer, it’s perfect for focused study or creative work.

Urban Jungle

Urban Jungle is a cozy simulation game by Kylyk Games, released March 21, 2025, on PC via Steam. You transform small apartments into lush, green havens by strategically placing plants, with puzzle-like elements to maximize coziness. No watering or upkeep is needed, just find the perfect spot for each plant. The game follows Ayta Borisova’s life, weaving a heartfelt story through environmental storytelling across 3-4 hours of gameplay.

Locomoto

Locomoto is a cozy life-sim adventure by Green Tile Digital and Amplifier Studios, released April 8, 2025, on PC via Steam, with a Switch version planned. You play as a customizable animal conductor, managing a train in a unique world. You will be able to craft furniture, serve passengers, and explore 25+ stations to save Barrenpyre from environmental collapse.

Kabuto Park

Kabuto Park is a cozy, bite-sized bug-catching game by Doot and Zakku, released May 28, 2025, on PC via Steam. You play as Hana, a girl on summer vacation, catching over 40 bug species like beetles and butterflies in a charming, hand-drawn world. You will be able to train your bugs, level them up with candies, and compete in card-based sumo-style battles to win the Summer Beetle Battles Championship.

Trash Goblin

Trash Goblin is a cozy shopkeeping sim by Spilt Milk Studios, launched in Early Access on Steam in November 2024, with a full release on May 28, 2025. You play as a goblin in a fantasy world, uncovering, cleaning, and upcycling trinkets to sell to quirky customers. With no time pressure or fail states, you manage a shop, upgrade tools, and customize your space.

Small Spaces

Small Spaces is a cozy interior design sim by Niklas Tomkowitz, released in Early Access on Steam on May 27, 2025. You will transform small apartments, from Tokyo flats to New York lofts, using hundreds of furniture pieces and materials. With no timers or penalties, you creatively arrange modular kitchens and decor in a relaxing, top-down or first-person view.

Honorable Cozy Mentions

The post Top 10 Best Cozy Games of 2025 (So Far) first appeared on IndieGames.

In Hozy, your task is to transform rundown rooms into inviting sanctuaries. Equipped with cleaning and decorating tools, you’ll scrub dirty floors, apply fresh coats of paint, and adjust lighting to create the perfect ambiance. Each space, from dusty attics to neglected parlors, feels like a canvas awaiting your touch.

Intuitive controls let you tweak warmth, brightness, and camera angles effortlessly, ensuring a stress-free experience. “It’s about slowing down and finding beauty in the details,” the developers shared on Steam, and the game’s immersive atmosphere delivers that in abundance. Think House Flipper meets Unpacking, but with a softer, more whimsical touch.

The post Cozy renovation game Hozy was announced with first trailer at tinyBuild Connect first appeared on IndieGames.

Your main job is to chop wood, meet the friendly locals, and explore a world brimming with personality. The game’s retro pixel-art style, combined with a soothing, original soundtrack, creates a genuinely peaceful vibe that’s just perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re upgrading your skills or just wandering off to pet a squirrel, the game truly lets you set your own pace.

Additionally, you can customize your journey with enchanted necklaces, powerful upgrades for axes, or even special foods that tweak your experience. Play as a guy or a girl, and make the adventure entirely your own. Oh, and those forest animals? Some might love a pat, but others might give you the cold shoulder.

The post Inspired by classic SNES games, cozy adventure April Grove arrives this Summer first appeared on IndieGames.

In Mystopia, you take on the role of a world-builder, tasked with making adorable creatures called Monis happy by fulfilling their wishes. These tiny pals have very specific tastes, some want their blocks close together, others prefer space, and a few are just plain fussy about their neighbors. By meeting their demands, you’ll unlock new blocks and expand your tiny universes, spreading joy one cozy island at a time.

The game offers three modes: there’s the new Saga Mode, which gives you 2–3 hours of goal-oriented gameplay; a chill Normal Mode for endless tinkering; and a Creative Mode where you can build whatever you want without any rules. The revamped visuals, which you can see in the new trailer, give the game a inviting glow, while the Monis’ personalities keep things lively.

The post Cozy Sandbox Game Mystopia Launches on Steam Next Week first appeared on IndieGames.

The thing that really makes Roulette Hero stand out is how it handles your team instead of using cards. You put together a team of animals on a cube-like circle, and each one has its own special skills. When you spin the wheel, only one animal gets to use its ability at that moment. The real strategy comes from setting up combos, if you line up your animals just right, you can trigger these game-changing moves, like a chain attack that hits harder or buffs that make your whole team stronger.

Unique concept that relies on luck

Battles are turn-based, and you’ll be going up against mechanical beasts that get stronger as you go through the random levels. Each beast has its own way of attacking, but because you’re relying on spinning that wheel to activate your animals, there’s definitely a luck factor involved. Sometimes, even if you have a good plan, the wheel just might not land on the right animal, which can be a bit frustrating. Also, if you’re expecting a really deep deckbuilding system like in some other games, this isn’t quite that.

I played a test version of the game on Steam, and while it had a tutorial, I found it a bit confusing trying to figure out how those animal combos worked. There also seemed to be some balance issues with how strong different things were. Plus, the playtest didn’t really do a great job of explaining stickers, you can apparently slap over 100 different power-ups on your animals or the wheel to make them stronger or add cool effects, but it wasn’t super clear how all that worked.

When you finish a run in Roulette Hero, you lose your current team, which is typical for a roguelike. But you do unlock new animals, stickers, or even different layouts for your roulette wheel that you can use in future runs. However, the levels themselves don’t change up that much visually, and there aren’t really different paths to take, so the runs can feel a bit repetitive, and honestly, it feels like luck plays a pretty big role.

Some of the bosses I faced were also really tough, and the game didn’t really give me a good idea of why I was losing, what my other stats were, or what exactly was happening with all the combos my animal companions were doing. But even with those issues, I have to say, the game was genuinely fun to mess around with. It has a cute, hand-drawn cartoon art style that’s colorful and whimsical, which is a nice contrast to the strategic stuff you’re trying to do. It definitely offers something different, and if they can iron out some of the problems, Roulette Hero has a real shot at being a truly unique and enjoyable game.

The post [PREVIEW] Roulette Hero – Autobattler spojen s igrama na sreću i kartama first appeared on IndieGames.

Cash Cleaner Simulator is seriously addictive, and I might even say it’s one of the best simulators I’ve played in a while. It’s so chill and cozy, and the gameplay just sucks you in. Things progress at steady pace, and you wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve found myself squinting at the screen trying to figure out if the money’s fake or not. You play as Mr. Fresh, who’s a small-time crook stuck with the job of literally cleaning dirty money for the criminal underworld. We’re talking cash covered in mud or ink. And you’re stuck in this mysterious room, trying to scrub your way out of a $1 million debt.

It’s a singleplayer, first-person sim where you’re cleaning, sorting, and shipping cash for some shady clients. You get your assignments through a smartphone, upgrade your cleaning gadgets, and slowly piece together a light story about why you’re being held captive. Although the gameplay loop can get repetitive with similar tasks, and sometimes it’s not super clear what you’re supposed to be doing, Cash Cleaner Simulator is still a very engaging game.

Addictive gameplay that gets repetitive later

Money falls from a hole in the ceiling, often in damaged or dirty boxes. You collect it, clean and sort it based on the client’s needs, then pack it into different bags, backpacks, boxes, or even mattresses. Some jobs are easy, like cleaning $5,000 in a backpack. Others are way more involved, like getting 100 clean $100 bills all banded up in a suitcase, and you have to check for things like dirt, blood, ink, or even fake bills. You get tools to help, like washing machines, dryers, cash counters, and UV lights to spot the fakes.

When they say “cleaning,” they really mean it. Muddy or bloody bills? Toss them in a washing machine for 15–30 seconds per load. Wet cash? Into the dryer. Then comes the fun part: counting all that money. You can do it by hand, which takes forever (my personal favourite), or use various machines. In most cases, after sorting, you often have extra cash to stash in a giant piggy bank.

Cash Cleaner Simulator also got this physics thing going on, which can be pretty chaotic. If a box tips over, all that cash goes flying everywhere, which can be kind of satisfying to watch but also super annoying when you have to pick it all up. The most satisfying part of the game is how fast everything feels. Tying up bills and wrapping them in protective foil is a great touch that never feels like a chore. To keep things interesting, the game throws in special challenges, like trying to avoid dye packs that you need to dispose of in locked bags or dealing with gold bars and ancient artifacts mixed in with the cash.

“When they say ‘cleaning’, they really mean it.”

Tackle money-cleaning jobs at your own pace

To get better at your weird money-cleaning job, you earn two kinds of in-game cash: cryptocurrency and something called Respect. You can use these to buy better tools from the “DarkMarket”. There’s huge amount of tools you can go through so you’ll always find something interesting to experiment with. You can also blow your earnings on silly cosmetic stuff, like radios to listen to or just random pallets to decorate your mysterious room.

The story in the game is pretty low-key. You mostly get it through text messages from your handler, Betty Opps, and other characters. Story is important if you wish to progress. So, what keeps you coming back to cleaning all that dirty money? Well, the jobs you get are different each time, plus there are little side missions to do and achievements to unlock. Sadly there’s no multiplayer, but you can just imagine how fun it would be to clean cash with a friend.

As mentioned earlier, Cash Cleaner Simulator offers a cozy vibe, letting you tackle money-cleaning jobs at your own pace. However, the 18-hour grind to see everything feels overly long, and the gameplay could use more open, free-form elements. Once you’ve completed all tasks and bought every tool upgrade, there’s little reason to replay alone, which may disappoint some players. A longer-term progression system would boost replayability. Still, fans of slower-paced games might enjoy the extended journey.

“Offers a cozy vibe, letting you tackle money-cleaning jobs at your own pace.”

It has some flaws

One of the most annoying things about this game is trying to find marked bills in those huge stacks. The fact that you can’t even just fan out a stack of money to quickly glance through it is just frustrating. It’s not too bad when you’re dealing with small amounts of cash, but when you get to the late game with massive piles, it just sucks the life out of you.

Additionally, if you’re looking for any automation, you’re in the wrong place as you need to do everything yourself. The story missions are fun at first, but they get longer and more of a hassle as you progress. The weird thing is, for most of the story missions, you can actually just send any kind of bill, even the marked or fake ones, so you don’t have to sort them. But if you do, you get way better rewards. Cash Cleaner Simulator as desperately needs some sort of sorting system, as it eventually turns into a weird organization simulator: where do you put the sorted bills? What do you do with the marked ones? Do you separate them by how much they’re worth? Does your money storage look nice?

The graphics on the other hand have this simple, low-poly style, with some spray-painted graffiti and kind of odd, AI-looking icons on your phone, which gives it this young and rebellious feel. But the real eye-catcher is all the money. Even the tools get a bit of style, there’s a fancy DLC that gives your washing machine a gold finish, which is pretty ridiculous. The game also has a day and night cycle, which mostly affects when you need to use your UV light to check for marked bills. Just a heads-up: trying to spot those marked bills during the daytime in the game can be a real pain.

“If you’re looking for any automation, you’re in the wrong place.”

Might not be for everyone

Cash Cleaner Simulator is a budget-friendly indie game with a cozy charm that hooks you early with its engaging money-cleaning loop. While the controls can feel clunky at first and the gameplay may be too relaxed for some, its potential for future content updates, like multiplayer, makes it worth trying. However, the longer you play, the more repetitive it becomes. Despite this, its unique vibe might keep you intrigued, even if it’s not for everyone.

It has a brilliant, unique concept, who thought cleaning money could be a game? Casual sim fans will love its cozy gameplay and charming graphics. However, those wanting a polished experience may prefer waiting for updates to address clunky controls and repetitive gameplay, as future content like multiplayer could improve its appeal.

Review copy provided by the publisher

4

The post Cash Cleaner Simulator – Operi novac, otplati dug first appeared on IndieGames.

Detective Dotson pleasantly surprises with its unique blend of point-and-click puzzles and a 60-minute animated movie, all set within the rarely explored and beautifully realized Indian culture. Playing as Dotson, a Bollywood actor turned detective in the Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata-inspired Dotcity, you delve into the mystery of his father’s death. The game’s vibrant 2D art in dynamic 3D settings also create a rich cultural tapestry and a loving tribute to Indian folklore. Despite its short playtime and some repetitive elements, Detective Dotson offers an engaging and likely satisfying adventure.

Beyond its core detective work, Detective Dotson features light platforming, allowing you to jump across buildings and areas, with a parachute for safe landings. The narrative unfolds through four interconnected main cases, driven by exploration, clue-gathering, and engaging evidence board puzzles. While mini-games and a clever disguise system offer welcome variety, the fundamental gameplay loop and navigating the environment proves perhaps too effortless.

Exploration is decent, but gameplay gets repetitive

Building on Detective Dotson’s exploration focus, the side-scrolling world features a continuous, interconnected map of Dotcity’s bustling streets, temples, and apartments. You engage with colorful NPCs such as shopkeepers, gangsters, and aunties through dialogue trees, trading items or information to advance the four main cases, with icons above NPCs’ heads indicating needed objects. While the nonlinear exploration lets you roam Dotcity freely, the small map (about 10 screens) and lack of a fast-travel system make backtracking feel tedious.

The four main cases center on evidence boards where you connect clues, like notes and pictures linking suspects, to solve mysteries. Masala Games describes this as solving “sentences with missing nouns,” which feels satisfying when clues align but frustrating when the game doesn’t clearly indicate if you’ve gathered enough evidence. Just as the later cases begin to deliver on the promise of greater complexity and a deeper exploration of Dotson’s father’s death, the game unexpectedly cuts off after the third case, resulting in a cliffhanger that feels like an unfulfilled narrative thread.

Following the clue-driven cases in Detective Dotson, the Bollywood-inspired disguise system adds a playful twist, letting Dotson wear costumes like Sadhu robes to “read minds” or Karishma’s attire to blend into kitty parties, unlocking new dialogue or areas. Lively NPC conversations, filled with humorous chats about AI startups or bribery rates, bring Dotcity to life, but their lack of depth limits any proper character development. Additionally, a unique mechanic lets you throw objects like trash or rocks to distract dogs, throw them at other humans to make them angry, disable cameras, or earn coins by littering responsibly.

“The four main cases center on evidence boards where you connect clues.”

Enjoyable mini games

The inclusion of mini-games in Detective Dotson adds welcome breaks and opportunities to earn currency for items or trades, with addictive hidden object puzzles offering simple, replayable timed challenges. Culturally rich additions like engaging street cricket (though potentially difficult for non-fans), Bollywood dance-offs (styled after Guitar Hero with a desi flair), and wedding baraat challenges are particularly noteworthy, sometimes even linking directly to the narrative by unlocking clues. However, this initial charm, much like the core gameplay loop and dialogue, eventually succumbs to repetition.

Before diving into Detective Dotson’s cases and mini-games, you’re encouraged to watch Detective Dotson: The Movie, a 60-minute animated prequel (free on YouTube and bundled with the game) that explores Dotson’s backstory, his father’s murder, and the shady Tupka Corporation. Created in Unreal Engine 5, the film combines 2D characters with photorealistic 3D environments, delivering a darker, more serious tone than the game’s comedic vibe and shallow NPC dialogue.

It introduces key characters like Journalist Jotson and traces Dotson’s reluctant journey to becoming a detective. However, the film’s absence from the game client, slow start, and rushed second half can feel uneven, much like the game’s abrupt narrative ending. Skipping it may leave you confused, as the game assumes familiarity, but you can still jump into the gameplay without too much trouble.

“Where’s my Biryani?”

Detective Dotson is worth trying if you’re a fan of cozy detective games

Detective Dotson vividly brings its “mishmash of different cities” to life with landmarks reminiscent of India’s wonders, such as Taj Mahal-esque temples, and authentic everyday details like movie posters and bustling street vendors. However, this immersive atmosphere is undermined by immersion-breaking bugs, including disappearing NPCs, vehicles clipping through Dotson, and UI glitches, compounded by clunky platforming animations.

In conclusion, Detective Dotson marks a promising and heartfelt indie debut from Masala Games, successfully capturing the chaotic charm of modern India through its cozy mystery gameplay and visually striking 2D-3D art style. Its authentically realized Dotcity setting, engaging mini-games, and Bollywood-infused narrative, enriched by the animated prequel, position it as a noteworthy addition to the adventure genre, particularly appealing to fans of titles like Venba. However, the abrupt cliffhanger, repetitive mechanics, and technical glitches ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these drawbacks, its budget-friendly price point makes Detective Dotson a worthwhile consideration for enthusiasts of cozy mysteries seeking a unique cultural experience.

“Great pick for cozy fans.”

Review copy provided by the publisher

3.5

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