I adore a cozy game more than anything. If it’s visually appealing and has a repetitive control format I will finish it in two days. In recent years, every time I ask for a game recommendation or look for something new, I am always hit with a wall.
A never-ending list of farm sims, all similar in format and gameplay. I was searching for something, anything new that gave that same cozy feel. Then I found Gris.
Gris is a platforming puzzle game developed by Nomada studio which was released in 2018. You follow and play as Gris, a young girl working through the themes of grief. The game deals with it delicately and leaves a warm feeling once completed, never leaving the player overwhelmed with its topic.
Some of the best features are the visuals which arguably make the game. Gris starts out completely grey with plain backgrounds and simple platforms. As puzzles are complete, more colors are ‘unlocked’ or added, slowly making the game’s visuals more complex and beautiful.
As you unlock each color, the entire setting changes as well. This is linked to the stages of grief, with each color representing a different stage and emotion that Gris must deal with.
The game has no real fear for failure, and the puzzles are overall not too challenging. The further you get into the game, the puzzles become a bit tricky but luckily Gris develops throughout the game too.
As she grows and works through her life, she gains more abilities all linked through her dress. Some of these help out with the puzzles, so the frustration never gets out of hand. Some involve her cloak working as an extra block, or gaining the ability to swim.
Overall the game is visually stunning and with all the cozy feels, but none of the lackluster plot. The theme of grief gives you such a connection while playing.
If you’re in the market for something cozy but over farming, I’d check out Gris. The developers are also working on a new game to keep an eye out for if you end up loving Gris as much as I do.
