Four cosy games from Switzerland

Anyone looking for innovative game ideas will quickly find what they are looking for in the bustling indie scene. In contrast to the blockbuster titles from large corporations, indie games are characterised by their diversity of themes, willingness to experiment and many creative approaches – even in Switzerland.

«Many people are surprised to learn that we have such a diverse game development scene here,» confirms Roger Sieber, editor-in-chief at Games.ch. «The Swiss community comprises over 100 studios and individuals. This year, gamers have been able to enjoy many great local titles that have also caused quite a stir internationally. So we can certainly be proud of the local scene.»

These games are as diverse as their creators. We present four so-called cosy games for the whole family – games that are neither stressful nor aggressive, but rather have a calming effect.

stove

In the middle of the night, a car alarm wakes a boy up. When he goes to investigate, he discovers a frightened calicorn – a huge fantasy furry animal with twisted horns – in a dark backyard. It needs help, because while searching for something to eat, it stuck its snout in a bucket and now can't get it out on its own.

After the rescue, the players' task is to tame this creature and drive it into the wild with other specimens, which must first be found. The boy guides the Calicorns with a stick and short whistles. Again and again, they encounter obstacles and puzzles along the way, which the players must solve. Enemies can also make life difficult for the trek.

«Herdling is a calm, relaxing and opulently designed game. The stunningly beautiful landscape images and atmospheric music underscore the high artistic quality of Zurich-based Okomotive Studio. This is a game that is sure to appeal to adults as well, and is great for playing together with children.

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Okomotive, approx. £25, ages 12 and up

Projected Dreams

In Asia, shadow play is a centuries-old tradition. Even today, many children in this country find it fascinating when two hands suddenly create a wing-flapping eagle on the wall. Now, Flawberry Studio in Zurich has cleverly transformed the principle of shadow casting into a gentle puzzle game.

Wrapped up in a nostalgic family story, a shadow is cast on the wall in an old attic. The players must now find the object that matches the outline shown. It sounds simple at first, but it's not.

Firstly, the required objects must first be found in cupboards and drawers. Secondly, combinations of several toys are often necessary. And thirdly, it is important to place them all as precisely as possible and, if necessary, to turn and tilt them in every conceivable direction. This requires good spatial awareness. As a reward, players receive stars, more souvenir photos and audio cassettes.

«Fortunately, Projected Dreams does away with time pressure and other stress-inducing elements, instead unfolding a rather calming effect.

PC, Flawberry Studio, approx. £15, ages 8 and up

Guardian of Nature

The guardians of nature watch over forests, meadows and floodplains. They have excellent knowledge of ecology and take decisive action as soon as danger threatens. Thus, the tree of life, with its roots reaching into the deepest depths, can only be saved if the players take on the role of one of these guardians of nature.

These little guys not only look cute, but can also change their body size at will – depending on what the situation requires. Along the way, players collect various items that they can use later in the adventure. Nothing is explained, but symbols make it clear what to do next.

In this blend of adventure and natural history, children vividly experience how closely nature is interconnected through extensive fungal networks. And they fill their natural history book along the way. The lovingly hand-drawn game from Zurich-based Inlusio Studio, with its numerous puzzles, sharpens our awareness of our responsibility towards nature.

PC, Inlusio, approx. £6, ages 8 and up

Henry Halfhead

Henry Halfhead, the hero of the game of the same name, consists of only half a head. This is the clever idea behind a surprising game concept. Precisely because the protagonist has neither hands nor feet, he must find other ways to solve the puzzles and tasks at hand.

To do this, he glides towards various objects in different rooms, slips into them and takes on their respective properties. Henry can transform himself into a scribbling red pen, a baby monitor, a paper aeroplane, a toaster and much more. This is reminiscent, not only visually, of the Spanish comic series «Clever & Smart», in which one of the clumsy agents can slip into any disguise.

The game does not impose any specific requirements, giving players the astonishing freedom of exploratory play. There are no limits to the desire for transformation; everything can and should be tried out. In this way, players accompany Henry from the cradle through school to working life. They are accompanied by a laconic narrator. The innovative principle of Lululu Entertainment from Zurich is convincing.

PC, Switch, PS5, Lululu Entertainment, approx. £14, ages 8 and up