Five addictive loops to keep you busy for hours.
Or, in my case, days.
I’m an easy target for addictive loops. “Just one more day!” I say, as I continue to play eleventhirty more days and forget that hunger and thirst are basic human needs. But who needs bodily functions when you can have dopamine from games instead? Not this girl. *click*
Tiny Bookshop
Loved (and reviewed) the demo so much, I was wholeheartedly planning on buying it for myself on release day - and I would have, had my husband not beat me to the punch and gifted me the game as soon as it released. (Yes, I know, he’s fantastic, don’t tell him I said that.)
Tiny Bookshop fills the book-shaped void in my Steam library with a gorgeous, cosy and chill bookstore simulator that seamlessly interweaves real books with fictional ones, relying on your irl book experience to give your sales a little boost.
This cosy, hand-drawn management game that feels more like a relaxing storybook than a fast-paced sim. Its art style, gentle pacing, and immersive way of presenting information make it both charming and intuitive. Rather than rushing through days or juggling tasks, the game encourages players to slow down, sip a hot drink, and enjoy the simple rhythm of running a little bookshop, one day at a time.
The core loop is straightforward but satisfying: stocking books, visiting lively locations, and interacting with customers. Browsing through your bookshelf and recommending real-world titles to your customers to satisfy their specific requests. Decorative items add light strategy with buffs and debuffs, while small details like petting animals and subtle inclusivity make the experience feel extra special. Overall, it’s a slow, cosy, and heartwarming take on the bookshop fantasy.
Can't get enough of this lovely game, and if you like cosy management games and/or books, you'll love it too!
Raccoin
Raccoin is my literal DREAM GAME.
I have been obsessed with coin dozers since I was a toddler, I have my own tabletop machine at home, and combined with the roguelike gameplay I love so much, this game is absolutely PERFECT.
I am going to buy it instantly on release day and it will be all I talk about to people from now until then. I’m not even sorry.
The concept is simple: throw in a coin, hope that physics are on your side, coins fall off, you get points. Throw in special coins for more points. Get chips and keychains (powerups) for special effects and more points. Unlock prizes for even more points. Score enough points to complete the round, go to the shop, buy upgrades. Watch as your rabbit-shaped coins hop around the machine, or as coin trees grow from combining a seed coin and a water coin. And this is just the playtest, the full game will have a LOT more of this randomness.
It is a simple yet super addictive game that I simply can’t get enough of. Can’t recommend it enough!
Goblin Sushi
The Goblin Sushi demo is even more addictive than I expected!
This game strikes the right balance between time pressure and cosy crafting, looping through serving customers, paying rent on time and unlocking bonuses or more recipes.
The full version will undoubtedly have more variation (in terms of recipes as well as bonuses), though this is a solid demo I’m sure will grow into a solid game.
Anyone want another plate of poop? No? Just me? Okay then.
Flick Shot Rogues
Flick Shot Rogues is… hard to explain.
It feels sort of like, if air hockey and old-school Flippos had a love child that was genetically enhanced to also be a Beyblade on a pool table?
With roguelike mechanics and every run being different, your goal is to defeat enemies, dealing damage in various ways depending on which character you have selected. You collect powerups and more characters as you go.
It sounds simple but is insanely addictive. Flick your characters towards enemies, bouncing off walls and other obstacles to land trick shots you didn’t think you’d pull off but did anyway.
And most importantly: collect doubloons like the scurvy pirate you are.
Enter The Gungeon
I’m ashamed that it took me this long to check out Enter The Gungeon, but I’m finally here.
Holy shit. This game is SO GOOD?! I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. Usually roguelike bullet hell type games are too flashy for me, but this one delivers. Tons of weapons and powerups to discover, various builds to choose from, funny enemies, challenging boss fights - Enter The Gungeon has it all.
