Haven Park

Ever played A short hike? It's the same kind of peacefull stroll. Just you and the park on island you are taking care of. Game's short. I wouldn't say for one evening but two is max what you can get out of it. Nothing's rushing you, recurces to build stuff in camps respown after some time. And even if you have truble finding something you can just trade some coins for what you need. Story is calming. That's all I can say without spoiling it. I really enjoyed it.

I would have foolishly ignoredPark Haven had it not been for a GOG giveaway (Thank you, GOG!) and never have known that I was missing out on a remarkably entertaining indie gem. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. It has the hall mark of what for me makes a great game, that "Oh, just a minute more, and then I'll stop" vibe. Periodically, I'd realize I was thirsty and needed to refill my teapot, but somehow I'd find another half hour had passed and I was again thinking aboput tea, but had yet to actually stop and get some. This went on for a couple of hours! I started off playing with the keyboard (there was no indication in the settings that it supported anything else) and found that some of the navigation was a bit tricky; later, it occurred to me to plug in a controller and sure enough, it worked--and made navigation a lot easier. The level design actively encourages exploration (which is, in itself, seemingly a major part of the game) and the puzzles are straightforward. The graphics are nice. I was particualrly impressed by the sound design: some environments have distinct (and appropriate) acoustic effects. All in all, it's a lovely little game.

I didn't expect a ton from this game, but I was quickly put right. The overall animation is very cute, all the visitors characters are well rounded and the story is just so very pleasing. I felt really invested in the story and cared so much more for the main character than I initially thought. I just had the best time completing this adorable game.

Explore as a baby chick, collect materials, build campuses where the animal characters gather, talk to the characters, they tell mini stories and mini quests, collect money from built shops, unlock skills and walk a lot, all in day-night cycle. In three hours I barely explored the bottom of the continent and built 4 campuses. The graphics of the world is very nice and the game is pacifist, for all ages.

It's a nice time waster and doesn't cost much. It's not a masterpiece but it's cute and has a minimal but charming story.