Forager

One genre of game that has seen itself not only have a resurgence but grow to become a genre often topping the gaming wish list is wholesome games. These are titles that do away with the guts, gore and violence of conventional FPS blockbusters and swaps this for serene environments and relaxing gameplay. So, we think there is no better way to describe Forager.

This game seems like you took wholesome titles Minecraft, Stardew Valley and Fez, put them in a blender and poured out a delicious concoction that is Forager. This game takes place on over 40 small islands you can build, where resource management and crafting are key to your success.

Building in Pixel Paradise

The game begins on one 7×7 plot of land where the player is told nothing more than to build a furnace. The game immediately sets the precedent that you will not have your hand held throughout this adventure and this works to an extent but provides stumbling blocks as time goes on. The independence and puzzle solving that this encourages is great but the sheer lack of a tutorial can be a jumping off point for impatient players.

The main goal for the player from here is to build items to make money, expand to new islands and explore the five biomes that these new islands will offer. The clever side of this decision was to make these islands dependant on each other for you to progress. Certain items will only be accessible through each area. Encouraging crafting, exploring and creative thinking.

Grind grind grind

The gameplay loop includes crafting as a core concept, though the title also asks you to be adept at the very rudimentary combat, do fetch quests for NPC’s to acquire desirable items that will aid your progression. Though what sets this apart from Stardew Valley or Minecraft for example, is the dungeons that involve puzzle solving and boss battles within. There are only 4 of these in the whole game which is regrettable as they provide some of the best moments, however, when they do come about they are excellent.

What will irritate those who don’t like grinding is the relentless amount of it you’ll have to do in the interlude to get new islands. Due to the puzzle-solving and critical thinking aspects being so well carried out, it makes the grinding and mindless gathering of resources seem like a menial task in the grand scale of things. Making you long for the moments where your brain would carry you through.

Pixel Perfect

The art style is sublime in its presentation. Through a style that environmentally looks like Fez with aspects of Stardew Valley, it culminates to give a unique mesh which is fresh and vibrant. Animations are simple but effective and the chirpy but not obnoxious soundtrack is the perfect complement to the cute and colourful style.

Laidback island life

Pros

• Lovely pixel art style
• Boss battles and puzzles are a nice touch
• Interesting island progression system

Cons

• Excessive grinding
• Doesn’t do enough to stand out from the pack
• Initially inaccessible to new players