As Cozy As Cozy Gets

I’m not someone who typically likes playing demos. I’m always worried that I’ll try one out and it won’t represent the final product, and suddenly, a “bad demo” has killed any excitement I’ve had for an upcoming release. Thankfully, the demo for Leafy Corner couldn’t be further from a “bad demo” if it tried. Like having soup when you’re sick, being covered in clothes after they’ve come straight from the dryer, or those videos where a butterfly lands on a puppy’s nose, Leafy Corner is the definition of a cozy game that’s perfect for anyone looking to relax after a long day.

What’s great about a game like Leafy Corner is that you can imagine a dozen little cozy businesses all lined up looking to find their way. From the cozy thrift store to the cozy bakery, they all have a story to tell, but for Leafy Corner, the story it’s looking to tell is one of someone starting up their own plant shop. Getting started is simple. Create your character, place down some furniture, choose a pot, and plant a seed. As long as you make sure your plant’s watered, before you know it, you’ll have your first customer ready to give you your first dollar.

And what’s great about a game like Leafy Corner is that it understands that it’s a cozy game and really tries to live in that genre. Yes, customers come in with requests for specific plants, and sure, I could go out of my way to make sure I have every kind of plant imaginable, but maybe I don’t want to do that. Maybe I just want to grow Aloe Vera and run a tiny niche plant shop that’s determined to keep everyone’s skin safe from the sun. Sure, I’ll miss out on being able to do all of the tasks the game has for me to complete, and I won’t be able to upgrade my shop or unlock more items, but I’ll be satisfied with what I’ve made. And the more cozy games I play, the more I realize that this is what’s most important. Of course, developers should do everything they can to incentivize me to experience as much of the game as possible, but if all I want to do is set up a tiny table in the middle of my shop with four simple plants while I decorate the rest of the business with items that aren’t for sale, who cares as long as I’m having a good time?

It goes without saying that if you’re the type of person who decided to check this article out, then Leafy Corner is a game that belongs on your radar. The game is scheduled to release on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and Steam on July 30. Don’t forget to wishlist the game so you too can run your own personal Aloe Vera shop… or whatever you’re into.