Hi, I'm Bee! I'm a freelance writer and editor who loves to decompress with cozy and low-stress games. I figured the best way to get to know me (and kick off my blog) is with a quick little game rec blog so I can show off the games that live in my head rent-free. Let's jump in!
The Sims Franchise
The most popular game(s) on the list, for sure, the Sims franchise is a game that I will always love despite all of its shortcomings and little issues. I started playing the Sims after getting a free download code of the Sims 2: The Ultimate Collection way back when I had a big-backed PC (that eventually blue-screened. r.i.p. to all my original stories and fanfic from 6th grade 😔). Anyway, I've been absolutely obsessed ever since! I can spend hours downloading custom content, hours in CAS, hours building, and even more hours in gameplay. It's not unheard of for me to slip into 12-hour Sims trances where I may even forget to go to the bathroom if not for the voice in my head reminding me to "Go Piss, Girl."I can't really claim one game or another to be my fave because they all have their merits! In an ideal world, I could have a supercomputer that can run a souped-up version of the Sims that is the Sims 2's lore and detail, the Sims 3's open world, and the Sims 4's graphic. I have never played the o.g. Sims, so I can't really speak on that haha.
Aloners Redux
The original Aloners is a very special visual novel that was among the first I played after a very long gap of non-gaming. Before Aloners, and before the break, I'd only played games I found on DeviantArt, like those by Pacthesis or the iconic Jenna Moonlight series. Aloners, the o.g., is literally burned into my brain and it has been ever since I first played it in 2014. It was such an impactful game for me despite the bleakness of being among the last alive after sleeping through a literal apocalypse. Yep.The PC (player character) sleeps through an apocalypse and then stumbles upon the home of a man who assumes he is the last man standing. It's a super simple game, unlike the other visual novels on this list, but I really found myself falling in love with the characters and their relationship. Even with two characters 90% of the time, things never felt empty. I was so excited when the redux came out in 2018, featuring new background art and an extra chapter (!!), that I didn't hesitate to buy it and relive the story of Trash and his girl once again.
Oathbreaker Season 1 and Season 2
The Oathbreaker saga is a pair of massive games that took me forever to finish with just one route, but it was well worth it! If it didn't take so long, I might have been tempted to go back and play with all the love interests because I loved the characters and the overall intrigue so much. I'm very happy with my decision to romance Argandea, though. In Oathbreaker, you play as the titular character—a veteran Warlock who finds herself in a political conspiracy when she is appointed a new king's Court Mage, but there's so much more under the surface.The colorful cast of characters, the rich world-building and story-telling, and the mind-working puzzles make this game one that I will always remember. Plus, the clear growth in art style and storytelling between seasons really make it all feel so warm. You can tell it was a labor of love! Oathbreaker 2 also comes in a NSFW version that I have not played, but I'm sure it's great 🤭
Our Life B&E; Our Life N&F
The Our Life series is another labor of love and they're the most lovely and cozy games I've ever played in my entire life. Beginnings & Always is the first game in the installment, completed and then bolstered by paid DLC content that lets you live in the peaceful seaside town of Sunset Bird. You get to design your own character (gender, sexuality, and more included!) and grow from childhood to adulthood with the boy next door, Cove. You also get to grow up with a ton of other people that really end up feeling like your real family and friends as you go through the course of each "Step" (what creator GBPatch uses to refer to each life stage). Like Aloners, I didn't hesitate to buy the extra content so I could keep spending my days laughing, crying, and squeeing in Sunset Bird.The next installment, Now & Forever, is still in progress, but it's got so much going for it already! I CANNOT wait until the full game is out! The character customization is leveled up; there are some characters from B&A that carry over; and you get to grow up with two lovable neighbors this time! While B&E is set over a series of summers, N&F is set during the fall, which creates an entirely new cozy and nostalgic atmosphere that's just as addictive. I truly want to leave the real world and live in Golden Grove to spend my days with Qiu and Tamarack and everyone else that I can't wait to meet when the game is released!
Emberfate: Tempest of Elements
Last, but most certainly not least, is Emberfate! This is the most recent visual novel I've played during a 12-hour road trip, and it is completely insane! (In a good way!) It's a highly interactive game based around a popular MMORPG game where the PC is the leader of a raiding guild. "Take charge of your own fate, and shape the future of those around you. In Emberfate, everyone is dealing with something, and your choices and support could make all the difference" the game's description says. And that barely scratches the surface of how immersive the game is. You get to go on raids, interact in a chat, send private messages, and even video chat. Of course, it's not actually you. But, you forget all about that when you get sucked into the virtual world of Emberfate.And that's it! Those are my all-time favorite games and I hope they helped you get some idea of who I am and what you can expect to find on this blog. I have a lot of other games I've played and games that I am looking forward to (heart eyes @ Paralives), so stick around!
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