Cozy games feel like a dime a dozen these days, especially on platforms like theNintendo Switch. Naturally, cozy game fans don’t really mind, although it’s hard to imagine that their backlogs are sitting empty, especially with the likes ofDisney Dreamlight ValleyandStardew Valleyconstantly being updated and eating away at players' precious time. So, whenever a new cozy game rocks up, it can be easy to overlook it, especially if it’s slightly higher-priced than some indie alternatives.
However, 2024 is host to a truly unique cozy game that blends the warm, cicada-filled atmosphere of theBoku no Natsuyasumigames with the weird and wonderful world ofSpirited Away, making it aperfect game for Studio Ghibli fans.This cozy game is a must-play, especially as it’s a sequel to one of the greatest cozy games in existence, and serves as a great way for those who love Japan to do a spot of virtual tourism.
Shin Chan: Shiro & The Coal Town Is Out Now
It Is Available On PC & The Nintendo Switch
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Townis available right now for people to pick up on the Nintendo Switch and PC. It can be bought in a bundle with its predecessor, a game competing for the longest title ever,Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation - The Endless Seven-Day Journey, or separately for just $39.99. Of course, this puts it at a slight premium, butplayers are getting a rich experience much like the original game which reviewed well when it launchedand ended up becoming one of thebest cozy games on the Nintendo Switch.
It is not necessary to have played the first game in the series to playShiro and the Coal Town. While playing it will help introduce players to Shinnosuke and his family, they can largely be enjoyed as standalone adventures set in new locations with a mostly new cast of characters.
Unfortunately,it isn’t available on PlayStation or Xbox at launch, although it’s possible it will get ported at a later date. This was also the case withNatsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid, which also launched exclusively for PC and the Nintendo Switch when it came to the West, which has a similar vibe toShiro and the Coal Town. The first game in the series,Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation, is available on PlayStation, so there’s always a chance, although it’s undoubtedly a better experience on the handheld.
What Makes Shiro & The Coal Town Such A Great Life Sim
It Perfectly Blends Cozy Gameplay & Fun Minigames
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Townmakes for an incredibly cozy experience largely thanks to its gorgeous environmentsand lackadaisical vibes. As Shinnosuke, players can do pretty much whatever they want, whether that’s roaming the countryside planting vegetables, fishing, hanging out with friends, or heading into Coal Town and partaking in a fun trolley racing minigame. It follows a similar formula to Millennium Kitchen’sBoku no Natsuyasumiseries, in which players take control of a young boy enjoying his summer vacation in the Japanese countryside.
However, theSpirited Away-aspect ofShiro and the Coal Town- with Shinnosuke being whisked off to a magical town - helps make it stand out. There’s lots of fun to be had as well as a lot of simple relaxing by a river and doing a spot of fishing. The main highlight of this game is the hand-painted backgrounds and amazing sound design that truly immerse players in the Japanese countryside.Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Townis easily shaping up to be one of thebestNintendo Switchgames of 2024and a must-buy for cozy game enthusiasts.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to 2012’s Wii U console. The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to easily switch between playing on a TV to a handheld console. The first model was released in 2017, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is strictly a handheld console. In October 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded Switch console with an OLED screen.
