Even though 2023 has been an exciting schedule of new releases, I still find myself playing a lot of 2021 and 2022 releases (I’m looking at you, eShop sales and Game Pass). Unlike my top six favorite cozy games of 2023, you’re going to find a tad more variety in genres in this list (but still cozy nonetheless). Additionally, as a new owner of an Xbox Series S, I find myself navigating toward new genres and expanding my horizons. You’re going to get a feel of that today when we go through the random assortment of my favorite backlog games that I have played this year!
Cheers to My Favorite Backlog Games From the Last Few Years
To the Game That Made Me Laugh: Trombone Champ
Trombone Champ is a wacky and delightful rhythm game where you “honk, blow, and toot” your trombone. There are over 50 classic songs to play, and 50 unique Tromboner Cards to collect. As you play, your goal is to earn points to collect “turds” and “toots,” to get new players, trombone colors, and sounds.
Trombone Champ released in 2022 on PC and Mac but released in 2023 on Nintendo Switch. This is one of the few Nintendo Switch games that actually utilize the IR camera on the Joy-Con. Not only that, but the Switch version offers local multiplayer, which could make for a zany party game. It’s just so silly and perfect for when you’re feeling down. Trombone Champ is a great title for rhythm game lovers and I’d recommend it for someone who is interested in the genre!
Warning! Gameplay may make you giggle out loud.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac
To the Game That Had Me Hooked From the Beginning: Potion Permit
I recently mentioned my love for Potion Permit in our 16 Best Cozy Video Games piece last month. This game had me addicted for a week, and I still look back on my playthrough fondly. Despite being a stereotypical cozy game, Potion Permit has its own unique mechanics that make it stand apart from others.
In this open-ended RPG, you play as a big-city chemist who visits a small town to help heal the mayor’s ill daughter. However, the townspeople are not yet ready to accept you in their presence due to a previous disaster with another chemist. Throughout the game, you must work to gain their trust, and successfully treat patients and complete quests to help out these civilians.
My favorite part of Potion Permit is exploring the map in search of materials to collect to create healing potions. When brewing potions, you play a cute Tetris-like mini-game in which you need to piece together the right type and amount of materials. The game is very wholesome and has the right amount of challenge. I’d happily recommend Potion Permit to anyone who loves farming sims like Coral Island, Stardew Valley, or Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Platforms: PlayStation 4/ 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Amazon Luna
To the Game I Played the Most On This List: Powerwash Simulator
Powerwash Simulator is perfect to zone out to or play handheld while you’re watching TV (it also makes great ASMR). While this game was initially released last year, Powerwash Simulator got additional attention in 2023 when it received Spongebob DLC, Back to the Future DLC, and even a VR release on Meta Quest.
The gameplay is simple: you lead your own power-washing business and take on jobs to earn money to invest back into your business. As you progress, you can upgrade your power washer and supplies to make your next jobs easier. Each new job tends to get harder and harder, with more detail throughout each course. While working, you could be cleaning a mini golf course, a house, a fire truck, a playground, and so much more. You also receive the craziest text messages on your work phone that showcase the unhinged clientele you have!
Powerwash Simulator may just be a simple management simulation game, BUT I dare you to play it if you’re feeling anxious and see just how much calmer you feel. I’d consider Powerwash Simulator to be a “non-traditional cozy game,” and I’d recommend it if you’re a fan of House Flipper or even The Sims franchise.
P.S. If you’ve tried this one on VR, comment down below as I’m curious how it is!
Platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Meta Quest 2/3/Pro
To the Game That Wowed Me: Eastward
Eastward, published by Chucklefish (the same publisher as my favorite game, Stardew Valley), is a charming pixel-art role-playing game. You play as John and Sam, a miner and his adopted daughter, who live in the underground town of Potrock Isle. Together, you guide them to explore the land above, take down enemies, and solve puzzles. You can tell the game is inspired by The Legend of Zelda with its eccentric puzzles and Breath of the Wild-esque cooking mechanics.
Eastward is very story-heavy, but it’s also oh-so wholesome, quirky, and unexpected. Initially, I was attracted to the game’s ‘90s Japanese animation-inspired art style, and it doesn’t disappoint. Now, I find myself loving the two protagonists and cherishing the unique bond they have. Also, I’ve never had so much fun performing combat with a frying pan!
Like many Eastward fans, I am eagerly awaiting the Octopia DLC that releases on January 31, 2024. In the Octopia expansion, John and Sam will run their own farm and make friends with new NPCs. From what I hear, it doesn’t follow the main storyline and plays more like its own standalone game. With DLC on the way, one could only hope an Eastward sequel is in the works!
Platforms: Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac
To the Game That Brought Me Out of My Comfort Zone: Gotham Knights
While Gotham Knights is probably my least favorite of the list, I still want to mention it. Being new to the action RPG genre, I feel like a bit of a noob during my playthrough, but am slowly getting the hang of the game. Despite that, I enjoy roaming about and exploring the open world of Gotham at night. It has a chill/rainy aesthetic that can be such a vibe when you play on a cozy evening. However, I wish that the open world was more interactive, as it’d be nice to maybe go inside a store, or even talk with a citizen.
The game takes place in the city of Gotham after the death of Bruce Wayne, AKA Batman. You play as a member of Batman’s extended superhero family, solving crimes and collecting clues as to why Batman was killed. I’m currently playing as Batgirl, working through side quests and missions that aid in taking down the freaks and mob bosses that wander the streets of Gotham.
At about 10 hours in, the game is all right (it scored a 67 on Metacritic) and I am not sure if I will play through it all or not. However, I like that the game has various difficulty levels and that learning new moves and upgrading your gear is relatively simple. Even if you just want to grapple onto skyscrapers or ride your bat-cycle around Gotham’s five boroughs, Gotham Knights is a great game to chill out to.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Backlog Games I Plan To Tackle in 2024
While the list may periodically update throughout the year, here are some titles I own and plan to play and complete in 2024.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: Arguably one of the greatest games of 2023, Tears of the Kingdom is high up on my backlog (only after I finish Breath of the Wild).
- The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles: With the Nintendo Switch port of the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy releasing in January, this will be my way of hyping myself up for this classic courtroom drama.
- Spiritfarer: Dubbed the ultimate cozy game by many, I have previously played the demo and enjoyed the game’s heart-tugging story and colorful 2D art style (pictured above).
The video game backlog is always growing! I joined David, Amanda, and Zack on Episode 3 of the Punished Podcast to discuss how we handle this ever-growing list. I’m looking forward to playing these games and more in 2024!
