Recent reviews by cactuspulp

This is one of the most pleasant gaming experiences I have had in a very long time. If you're like me and you find yourself taking a long time in games because you love exploring every nook and cranny, this game is for you. Not a lot is worse than your gameplay immersion being interrupted because you have to look up guides to make sure you're not locking yourself out from going back to different areas later. This game does a fantastic job of giving the player the slightest bit of railroading while leaving 95% of the game and choices to the player leading oneself to make the most out of their own experience. I have never had my play-style feel so validated because it felt like every moment I explored, I was 'rewarded' in some capacity (e.g., collectible, new area, new music, new npcs, extra dialogue, etc).

Other things of note that I think are great about this game, but don't feel the need to emphasize as you should experience it for yourself:
- NPCs being memorable
- dialogue is funny, short, but great at getting information and/or instructions across
- holy SCHNIKES this game's music is fantastic (like Stardew Valley and AC: New Horizon soundtracks had a baby)
- unique art style that also was easier for the dev to work with (v cool)
- really cute and relatable character motivations
- fishing !!
- an open-world map that is not so large that after an hourish, you probably have a decent cognitive map of the place
- as short- or medium-length as you want it to be
- actually feels relaxing as practically
- close to nothing (except a few things, but you can always easily try again) are time sensitive

Buy this game. Play this game. So worth the time and money. I liked getting every achievement, but it is not necessary by any means. I honestly feel guilty for buying it on sale because I got such a fantastic experience out of it.

P.S. After playing, check out the dev's talk at GDC (Game Developers Conference) about his process and just some really neat problem-solving quirks he implemented in this game.