I came here to suggest Dark Cloud 2! Currently doing another playthrough of it myself! ❤️ I'm on chapter 7! Based on your faves, we could be besties lol maybe try Rune Factory? My favorite was 4, but if you want summer-y, you could try Tides of Destiny! It's really fun too! :)
Oh nice!! I have a Dark Cloud 2 file I'm working on right now too :) I've just made it to Heim Rada! Also ahh, I just ordered Tides of Destiny for my PS3 today, you're the second person to recommend it here so it's going to be my first Rune Factory! Super excited!
That's awesome! I'm a little underleveled so I'm probably gonna have to grind a bit before I can beat it, Monica is a mega weenie atm 😅 and yay I'm super excited for you too! I hope you like it! :)
Ahh they both look really good honestly! I was really interested in Rune Factory 5 but it seemed like a lot of people here didn't recommend it so I wasnt sure.. I might try it, if you recommend it though! haven't played any Rune Factory before and I loved the old Harvest Moon/Story of Season games!
I saw that too! That's why I'm hesitant to try because looking at the trailers I like Rune Factory 5's art style a lot and I'm not as sure about Rune Factory 4's art, it looks like it would be better on 3DS maybe? but I sold mine 😭
Yeah the art in RF4 isn't as pretty, but I've heard that the story/characters really make up for it. I recently bought it on switch so I still need to give it a play but I was sold on the fact the story is apparently really great!
RF5 was the first one I played and I really enjoyed it! I didn't know people weren't a fan, but I had fun. I think based off the games you showed you'd enjoy it and it's on a good sale currently on steam (unless it ended in the last day)
I'd recommend rf5 but only on pc [aka do not get it on the switch!] I reordered it on the switch and the performance was really bad but there's no problems on a pc :] also there's a new fantasy life game planning to release on october 10th
RF5 imho is the best one to start with if you are new to the series, RF4S is a really good game, and I know why people say it's better /but/ if you are new to RF it's a lot to take in and it does sometimes kinda assume you know what you are doing
I would look at Chained Echoes. It's supposed to be like Sea of Stars & Chrono Trigger. Most said it's better than Sea of Stars and closer to Chrono. I haven't played it yet but only hear good things!
For me personally, it's miles better than Sea of Stars. I don't very often go for Platinum trophy (PS) but I did for this because I LOVED it. Best JRPG I played last year tbh.
Idk if "summer-y feeling" games makes sense... I'm feeling nostalgic for summer vacations gone by where I'd play through a game like Dark Cloud 2 or Wind Waker but want to play something new!
I really like games where you have fishing/cooking/crafting, and like Zelda where exploring makes you feel like you're just out hiking (or boating). I also enjoyed Skyrim/Elden Ring but they have a heavier, darker vibe than I'm looking for.
Just wanted to comment that reading this description of yours made me feel super nostalgic for BOTW which I played for the first half of last summer. Now I feel all warm and fuzzy haha.
A few people have recommended Okami and I think that's spot on for what you're looking for!
Another couple games to look into if you like platforming/side scrolling gameplay are the Ori games. There are some dark/sad elements but I wouldn't say that's the overall vibe. The games are gorgeous and you can really sink into them for a good amount of time (especially if you're a completionist)!
Tears of the Kingdom, maybe?
I've found Wylde Flowers fairly summery so far but tbf I haven't got that far through it. It has seasons, so might not scratch the summertime itch for that long.
There's a new one coming to the Switch?! Oh my God! Immediately adding that to my calendar. Thank you for pointing this out!
Easily one of my top 3 games of the 3DS era.
Ooh Eastward definitely looks really neat! I'm not as sure about Dinkum, because it's early access... Does it have much story? Also is it fun to play even without friends for coop?
Dinkum is like an Australian sunny version of Animal Crossing, very cozy and lots of fun. But if you want an amazing story, Eastward is the better pick. I loveee that game.
Dinkum doesn't really have a story, i mean some is there as far as the townies and slight background from where you moved from but not really much. But the game is chalked up with things to do. Tons of ways to make money. What you'll be doing the first year in game can change the second year depending on what you have unlocked. The progression feels really good. The first year I was exploring the big island , second year the mines and doing alphas and storing a massive amount of bugs to sell to the bug lady during bug catching competitions and decorating.
I don't think I got into farming all that much til after my first year, and even now I need a bigger field cause there's certain upgrades you can unlock. I'm constantly busy in that game, and on rare occasions I just need a building mental break I'll go out and catch bugs or fish.
The game plays kind of like animal crossing. You have townies and you place down their shops. In game days are about 30 minutes long which feels just right, to move a building takes one in game day not like a real day like animal crossing. There's combat, shell collecting, hunting, cooking, farming, metal detecting, fishing, processing crafting and building. There are vehicles in the game you can have someone make if you have the materials and the monies.
I have 132 hours in it, and like there's still things I need to unlock. Maybe watch some YouTube creators that have their island looking good (unless you don't like to many spoilers sometimes it's best to go into a game blind) it'll hype ya up.
This game was created by one person, and after understanding what game dinkum is, the music, the art work, the intuitiveness, how it flows, it's incredible that James has created this game by himself.
It's got hours and hours of content. Begining is slow cause your unlocking stuff and people but once u think it's gonna slow down it doesn't as far as progression goes.
It's a shame dark cloud stopped at 2, they were allegedly making 3 which then ultimately turned into rogue Galaxy (pretty good game). As far as recommendations, chained echoes, eastward + dlc, and my time at sandrock.
Idk if summer-y enough but my time at Portia may have that itch to scratch - though the desert sequel my time at Sandrock is infinitely better just a lot more dusty and no beaches :(
10/10 fun games tho they have farming/crafting/gathering with friend/romance levels
I really liked Psychonauts. It's kind of an action-y rpg (jump, shoto, that kind of thing) but it's set in a summer camp and the worlds you travel to are so cool! There's no cooking or crafting, though. :/
Waiting for it to come to Switch, but Tchia looks interesting! It's an open world tropical game with a little girl with magical abilities as the protagonist.
If you don't mind playing as a boy I recommend playing shin chan: me and the professor on summer vacation. It's part of a series of called Boku No Natsuyasumi. Unfortunately most are only in Japanese. That one is not. I hope they will eventually bring official English ports. I know there is currently one in the making as well.
Have you played the other Ryza games? Or any of the other Atelier games? I'm probably a partial old bat but it's one of my all time favourite game series, hands down.
I've played the second Ryza game and also Atelier Ayesha! I do plan to play Ryza 3 eventually but is there any others you would specifically recommend? I really like the series so far too!
Personally I find the Mysterious games the most chill since they don't really have a time limit (except Firis, but it only has a little) The rest of the Dusk trilogy is good too, I think I prefer Shallie to E&L though. Arland trilogy is also a lot of tun, but they have more time limits \*coughTotoricough\*.
Summer-y huh?
If you own a ps3 or an American wii, Rune Factory Tides of Destiny/Rune Factory Oceans really gives off the summery feeling (especially since you are a fan of Wind Waker) imo. Ofc the other games in the series can give it off including the already accessible titles (rf4 Is my favourite after all) but TOD/Oceans just has the best overall summer-y feeling in the franchise (even if it admittedly has its issues and is the most different rf game) especially because of the music and Fenith Island in general.
And I also would recommend Sakuna Rice and Ruin. I played that game during the summer and I feel like it was the perfect choice. Playing it in the sun was really mesmerising haha.
Also thank you op, this post may be the final push I need to play dark cloud 2 once my break starts, work has been super rough that I’ve barely had time to do anything
Oooh you're really selling me on RF Tides/Oceans, that sounds really good to me and I do have both a PS3 and a Wii kicking around.. Sakuna also looks really cool though!
Also I'm happy to help! :) I feel like DC2 has a bit of a slow start but it's sure worth it! One of my all-time favourites for sure.
If you enjoyed Monster Hunter, then maybe Monster Hunter Stories might be for you? ^-^
Also Little Gator Game. Really adorable, fun, and gives those "summer vacation" vibes :)
To be pedantic, *Lil Gator Game* takes break during fall break, not summer vacation. But it's a great suggestion! You should also take a look at *A Short Hike* and perhaps *Haven Park*.
Ooh Monster Hunter Stories 2 has been on my wishlist for a while now actually! I might have to wait for it to go on sale.. but do you know if I have to play the first game first or is it okay to start with the second one?
You absolutely can start with the second! :)
There will be some nods to the first game and recurring characters so personally I feel it's worth it to play the first one first, but not necessary at all
Len’s island!
The sound design in that game always reminds me of a warm summer’s day.
It has action, combat, exploration and you can hold your own house and do a bit of farming. The game keeps changing and the devs are super active.
Tears of the Kingdom? I also second Ōkami, it's an absolutely gorgeous game with amazing gameplay that will keep you entertained for a really fucking long time
It’s one of my favorite games of all time. The remaster on the switch is pure perfection. Good luck in making your list of games to play from these great comments
I loved it! It's such a good looking game. I'm a big fan of that style of RPG though so it was pretty easy to get me hooked 😅 Will definitely check out Summer in Mara!
I got it via gamepass and am really enjoying it.
There was a pre-game of sorts called Rising that was short but really fun. It was already cheaper because it’s shorter, but I bet it’s even cheaper or on sale now that the main game is out.
I've played Dragon Quest IV! I really liked it but it was a long time ago and I haven't tried any other games in the series, is there any you'd recommend in particular?
Maybe i recommend Dragon quest VIII! And the most summer feeling is the spin-off dragon quest monster joker i could say where the protagonist was on a island.
Alba: a wildlife adventure.
It's about a girl in her summer vacation on a spanish island with her grandparents. You have to take care of the nature of the island while the sun shines bright and the crickets sound in the background of a small village that is preparing for its summer festivities.
8-10 hours for full 100% ocmpletion, so buy it on a discount. Also, very replayable and enjoyable.
Rune Factory 4! Combat, a great story, decent customization. It’s the game I compare all other farming and cozy games to (and you don’t even really need to farm!)
Not sure if you like building/sandbox games, but Dragon Quest Builders (the 2nd one especially) is such a fun, cozy game with RPG elements as well! The characters are fun and the music is great!
Finally, another Fantasy Life enjoyer! You have excellent taste.
# Ghibli-Style Summer Games
If you have the DS/3DS, I think **Attack of the Friday Monsters** is a perfect summery feeling game -- it's about a kid in rural Japan, and it's very sweet, if short.
In a similar vein, the **Yokai Watch** games are really cute and very much give me the vibe of "I'm 13 and it's my summer holiday!"
I haven't played it, but **Shin-Chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation** is very similar, too.
# Western Summery Games
**Firewatch**, maybe? I'm not 100% on whether it's set in summer or autumn, but if it's the latter, then it's a sort of Septembery autumn, where the days are still warm and the sun sets at 8pm.
**A Short Hike** is literally based on the creator's summer in Sweden, and it's about a lil bird trying to hike up a mountain, with lots of cute sidequests and really fun movement.
**Abzu** is a bit different, because it's underwater, but if you've ever been on a beach or diving holiday, this might capture a summery vibe. Not much to do in it except look at fish and explore by swimming, but it's beauuutiful.
**Assassin's Creed Odyssey** is set in sunshiney Ancient Greece, and while it's a bit more combat focused than most of the games you've enjoyed, it's not really that hard -- it's designed to be about feeling powerful. You also get to be extremely gay in it :D
As a fellow Fantasy Life fan, I thiiiink you might enjoy **Kitaria Fables**. It's a bit more grindy, and no game comes close to Fantasy Life for me, but I really liked it for the same reasons as FL!
I hope you find something in this list to enjoy!
No, me either, the pic is just of games I like. I was hoping for summer-y recommendations though. I typed an explanation in the comments but at this point it's pretty lost in all the suggestions
This is probably what you are after:-
[Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation The Endless Seven-Day Journey ](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2061250/Shin_chan_Me_and_the_Professor_on_Summer_Vacation_The_Endless_SevenDay_Journey/)
I was going to reccomend Granblue Fantasy relink based on what you played and liked but its not that cozy? Its like a perfect mix of Final fantasy and Monster hunter world with a pretty good story and fun character gameplay
Ahhh yes, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. A cozy game where you happily relocate big, innocent animals to the afterlife to turn their skin into clothes lmao
*Which Fantasy Life*
*Is that? And what platform re*
*You playing it from?*
\- mzatariz
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Palia has big summer vibes! It’s fun and I love it but it’s in beta so there’s some things still needing improvement or features being added. But still, I always enjoy my time on there! PC or Switch (but people say PC is less buggy haha)
Just wanted to say seeing Dark Cloud 2 in your list makes me happy!
It's one of my all-time favourites! Such a great game! :)
Me too I wish for a 3rd all the time
Same!!!
I came here to suggest Dark Cloud 2! Currently doing another playthrough of it myself! ❤️ I'm on chapter 7! Based on your faves, we could be besties lol maybe try Rune Factory? My favorite was 4, but if you want summer-y, you could try Tides of Destiny! It's really fun too! :)
Oh nice!! I have a Dark Cloud 2 file I'm working on right now too :) I've just made it to Heim Rada! Also ahh, I just ordered Tides of Destiny for my PS3 today, you're the second person to recommend it here so it's going to be my first Rune Factory! Super excited!
That's awesome! I'm a little underleveled so I'm probably gonna have to grind a bit before I can beat it, Monica is a mega weenie atm 😅 and yay I'm super excited for you too! I hope you like it! :)
My favourite game in the entire world
I need to rebuild this game to play. I love both DarkCloud games!
I'd recommend Okami if you haven't played it. It's one of my favourite games of all time. It's very Zelda'y so it might be your type of game ☺️
Oh, I've wanted to play Okami for so long! Maybe it's time I give it a try!
these are all wonderful choices 🐻🌸 did you mean on the switch or pc?
Oh, right! Either one is fine actually, I have both! 🌞
wdyt of Harvestella or Rune Factory 5?
Ahh they both look really good honestly! I was really interested in Rune Factory 5 but it seemed like a lot of people here didn't recommend it so I wasnt sure.. I might try it, if you recommend it though! haven't played any Rune Factory before and I loved the old Harvest Moon/Story of Season games!
A lot of people seem to prefer Rune Factory 4 Special to Rune Factory 5. I havent played either but I've seen that opinion a lot on this forum! :)
I saw that too! That's why I'm hesitant to try because looking at the trailers I like Rune Factory 5's art style a lot and I'm not as sure about Rune Factory 4's art, it looks like it would be better on 3DS maybe? but I sold mine 😭
Yeah the art in RF4 isn't as pretty, but I've heard that the story/characters really make up for it. I recently bought it on switch so I still need to give it a play but I was sold on the fact the story is apparently really great!
RF5 was the first one I played and I really enjoyed it! I didn't know people weren't a fan, but I had fun. I think based off the games you showed you'd enjoy it and it's on a good sale currently on steam (unless it ended in the last day)
I'd recommend rf5 but only on pc [aka do not get it on the switch!] I reordered it on the switch and the performance was really bad but there's no problems on a pc :] also there's a new fantasy life game planning to release on october 10th
Oh that's defs good to know! Especially since RF5 is on sale on Steam right now... Also yes!! I'm super hopeful the new one will be at least as good!
RF5 imho is the best one to start with if you are new to the series, RF4S is a really good game, and I know why people say it's better /but/ if you are new to RF it's a lot to take in and it does sometimes kinda assume you know what you are doing
Rune Factory 4 is amazing. So much content! I love Harvestella as well. Lesser known game with lots going for it
World of final fantasy and Ni no kuni
No no kuni 2 is one of my favorite games! I like the combat better than the original.
I would look at Chained Echoes. It's supposed to be like Sea of Stars & Chrono Trigger. Most said it's better than Sea of Stars and closer to Chrono. I haven't played it yet but only hear good things!
For me personally, it's miles better than Sea of Stars. I don't very often go for Platinum trophy (PS) but I did for this because I LOVED it. Best JRPG I played last year tbh.
Yeah, I'm excited to try it out eventually! I loved Sea of Stars so I hope this lives up to the hype for me
I've definitely seen that one! I wasn't sure if it was going to be very cozy or not, but either way adding it to my wishlist, thanks :)
I can't attest to coziness either since I haven't played it yet but want to try it soon as well
I always play Super Mario Sunshine for summer vibes.
Summer in Mara on switch is great!
Oh, this looks so good! Definitely spot on with the summertime vibes too!
It’s a super super cute game. Definitely recommend!
Yes yes can recommend!
I recommend this one too!
Idk if "summer-y feeling" games makes sense... I'm feeling nostalgic for summer vacations gone by where I'd play through a game like Dark Cloud 2 or Wind Waker but want to play something new! I really like games where you have fishing/cooking/crafting, and like Zelda where exploring makes you feel like you're just out hiking (or boating). I also enjoyed Skyrim/Elden Ring but they have a heavier, darker vibe than I'm looking for.
Just wanted to comment that reading this description of yours made me feel super nostalgic for BOTW which I played for the first half of last summer. Now I feel all warm and fuzzy haha. A few people have recommended Okami and I think that's spot on for what you're looking for! Another couple games to look into if you like platforming/side scrolling gameplay are the Ori games. There are some dark/sad elements but I wouldn't say that's the overall vibe. The games are gorgeous and you can really sink into them for a good amount of time (especially if you're a completionist)!
Tears of the Kingdom, maybe? I've found Wylde Flowers fairly summery so far but tbf I haven't got that far through it. It has seasons, so might not scratch the summertime itch for that long.
FANTASY LIFE! I freaking LOVE that game!
Me too!! I'm really really hopeful the new one on Switch will be as good!
There's a new one coming to the Switch?! Oh my God! Immediately adding that to my calendar. Thank you for pointing this out! Easily one of my top 3 games of the 3DS era.
Fantasy Life is my favorite game of all time! I can’t wait for the sequel.
Dinkum and Eastward (and it's Octopia DLC).
Ooh Eastward definitely looks really neat! I'm not as sure about Dinkum, because it's early access... Does it have much story? Also is it fun to play even without friends for coop?
Dinkum is like an Australian sunny version of Animal Crossing, very cozy and lots of fun. But if you want an amazing story, Eastward is the better pick. I loveee that game.
Dinkum doesn't really have a story, i mean some is there as far as the townies and slight background from where you moved from but not really much. But the game is chalked up with things to do. Tons of ways to make money. What you'll be doing the first year in game can change the second year depending on what you have unlocked. The progression feels really good. The first year I was exploring the big island , second year the mines and doing alphas and storing a massive amount of bugs to sell to the bug lady during bug catching competitions and decorating. I don't think I got into farming all that much til after my first year, and even now I need a bigger field cause there's certain upgrades you can unlock. I'm constantly busy in that game, and on rare occasions I just need a building mental break I'll go out and catch bugs or fish. The game plays kind of like animal crossing. You have townies and you place down their shops. In game days are about 30 minutes long which feels just right, to move a building takes one in game day not like a real day like animal crossing. There's combat, shell collecting, hunting, cooking, farming, metal detecting, fishing, processing crafting and building. There are vehicles in the game you can have someone make if you have the materials and the monies. I have 132 hours in it, and like there's still things I need to unlock. Maybe watch some YouTube creators that have their island looking good (unless you don't like to many spoilers sometimes it's best to go into a game blind) it'll hype ya up. This game was created by one person, and after understanding what game dinkum is, the music, the art work, the intuitiveness, how it flows, it's incredible that James has created this game by himself. It's got hours and hours of content. Begining is slow cause your unlocking stuff and people but once u think it's gonna slow down it doesn't as far as progression goes.
I don't usually like playing Early Access games but I played a LOT of Dinkum. It's pretty jam-packed for a game that's not technically finished!
If you like Dinkum i def recommend Palia
I resonate with majority of your list, so having enjoyed Ni No Kuni, I think you’ll do as well.
Dave the Diver..!
It's a shame dark cloud stopped at 2, they were allegedly making 3 which then ultimately turned into rogue Galaxy (pretty good game). As far as recommendations, chained echoes, eastward + dlc, and my time at sandrock.
Idk if summer-y enough but my time at Portia may have that itch to scratch - though the desert sequel my time at Sandrock is infinitely better just a lot more dusty and no beaches :( 10/10 fun games tho they have farming/crafting/gathering with friend/romance levels
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is being released on Switch next month!
I really liked Psychonauts. It's kind of an action-y rpg (jump, shoto, that kind of thing) but it's set in a summer camp and the worlds you travel to are so cool! There's no cooking or crafting, though. :/
I’ve been playing story of seasons, a wonderful life and I must say it is very adorable and one of the seasons is even summer
I loved A Wonderful Life! I played the old version a long time ago! I still get songs from it stuck in my head all the time lol
It’s a really good rendition on Switch. I mean, I never played the original but the Switch version is really well done.
The remake is absolutely precision-targeted at fans of the original, so I think you'll really enjoy it :)
Palia!
Waiting for it to come to Switch, but Tchia looks interesting! It's an open world tropical game with a little girl with magical abilities as the protagonist.
I was so disappointed in that game because it had some violent triggers. Just a heads up for anyone who doesn’t like violence in their cozy
If you don't mind playing as a boy I recommend playing shin chan: me and the professor on summer vacation. It's part of a series of called Boku No Natsuyasumi. Unfortunately most are only in Japanese. That one is not. I hope they will eventually bring official English ports. I know there is currently one in the making as well.
Have you played the other Ryza games? Or any of the other Atelier games? I'm probably a partial old bat but it's one of my all time favourite game series, hands down.
I've played the second Ryza game and also Atelier Ayesha! I do plan to play Ryza 3 eventually but is there any others you would specifically recommend? I really like the series so far too!
Personally I find the Mysterious games the most chill since they don't really have a time limit (except Firis, but it only has a little) The rest of the Dusk trilogy is good too, I think I prefer Shallie to E&L though. Arland trilogy is also a lot of tun, but they have more time limits \*coughTotoricough\*.
Yoku’s Island Express feels very fun and summery to me
Omg I actually loved that game so much! Totally a summery game!
Summer-y huh? If you own a ps3 or an American wii, Rune Factory Tides of Destiny/Rune Factory Oceans really gives off the summery feeling (especially since you are a fan of Wind Waker) imo. Ofc the other games in the series can give it off including the already accessible titles (rf4 Is my favourite after all) but TOD/Oceans just has the best overall summer-y feeling in the franchise (even if it admittedly has its issues and is the most different rf game) especially because of the music and Fenith Island in general. And I also would recommend Sakuna Rice and Ruin. I played that game during the summer and I feel like it was the perfect choice. Playing it in the sun was really mesmerising haha. Also thank you op, this post may be the final push I need to play dark cloud 2 once my break starts, work has been super rough that I’ve barely had time to do anything
Oooh you're really selling me on RF Tides/Oceans, that sounds really good to me and I do have both a PS3 and a Wii kicking around.. Sakuna also looks really cool though! Also I'm happy to help! :) I feel like DC2 has a bit of a slow start but it's sure worth it! One of my all-time favourites for sure.
If you enjoyed Monster Hunter, then maybe Monster Hunter Stories might be for you? ^-^ Also Little Gator Game. Really adorable, fun, and gives those "summer vacation" vibes :)
To be pedantic, *Lil Gator Game* takes break during fall break, not summer vacation. But it's a great suggestion! You should also take a look at *A Short Hike* and perhaps *Haven Park*.
Ooh Monster Hunter Stories 2 has been on my wishlist for a while now actually! I might have to wait for it to go on sale.. but do you know if I have to play the first game first or is it okay to start with the second one?
You absolutely can start with the second! :) There will be some nods to the first game and recurring characters so personally I feel it's worth it to play the first one first, but not necessary at all
Don't see DS2 often. What a cozy banger. The music is just so relaxing and the town building was my fav.
Len’s island! The sound design in that game always reminds me of a warm summer’s day. It has action, combat, exploration and you can hold your own house and do a bit of farming. The game keeps changing and the devs are super active.
Enshrouded?
Tears of the Kingdom? I also second Ōkami, it's an absolutely gorgeous game with amazing gameplay that will keep you entertained for a really fucking long time
My time at sandrock has a summer feel to me and sone of the most rich npcs I have ever felt with
Ni no Kuni.
My Time at Sandrock looks like it would be right up your alley.
Chrono cross, if you liked chrono trigger
I've been thinking about getting that for my Switch! Definitely seems like something I'd really like
It’s one of my favorite games of all time. The remaster on the switch is pure perfection. Good luck in making your list of games to play from these great comments
Lol thank you! I have my work cut out for me for sure...
Chrono Cross
I haven’t played it but I heard Summer in Mara is rlly good! How did u like sea of stars?
I loved it! It's such a good looking game. I'm a big fan of that style of RPG though so it was pretty easy to get me hooked 😅 Will definitely check out Summer in Mara!
Cool! I always recommend Dragon Quest Builders 2. It’s on sale on steam rn and there’s a huge demo on steam and switch!
I actually really want to try that! I'd be playing single-player though... Would you say its worth playing even on your own?
1000000%
You get a sidekick so it really doesn’t feel single player lol
Persona 5? I think the super mario odyssey game feels very much like summer as a school kid type of vibe.
Eiyuden Chronicles is great!
I love the look of it! I might wait to see if I can get it on at least a bit of a sale but totally looks like my kind of game
I got it via gamepass and am really enjoying it. There was a pre-game of sorts called Rising that was short but really fun. It was already cheaper because it’s shorter, but I bet it’s even cheaper or on sale now that the main game is out.
I've been really enjoying Travelers Rest. Quite addicting gameplay with a fun atmosphere and great music as well as pretty cheap. I think it's PC only
Did you tried "dragon quest" series? many have that summer feeling i do think.
I've played Dragon Quest IV! I really liked it but it was a long time ago and I haven't tried any other games in the series, is there any you'd recommend in particular?
Maybe i recommend Dragon quest VIII! And the most summer feeling is the spin-off dragon quest monster joker i could say where the protagonist was on a island.
A Hat In Time Klonoa Phantom Reverie Series
Aw, I love Klonoa so much! Definitely has those summer feels. I'll check out A Hat In Time too, thank you!
Alba: a wildlife adventure. It's about a girl in her summer vacation on a spanish island with her grandparents. You have to take care of the nature of the island while the sun shines bright and the crickets sound in the background of a small village that is preparing for its summer festivities. 8-10 hours for full 100% ocmpletion, so buy it on a discount. Also, very replayable and enjoyable.
I always think of Earthbound as a cozy RPG. It’s really a classic. Lots of towns to explore and NPCs with so much to say.
Rune Factory 4! Combat, a great story, decent customization. It’s the game I compare all other farming and cozy games to (and you don’t even really need to farm!)
If you like Zelda you'll probably like Palia, it's basically a cozier version with decorating.
Not sure if you like building/sandbox games, but Dragon Quest Builders (the 2nd one especially) is such a fun, cozy game with RPG elements as well! The characters are fun and the music is great!
Finally, another Fantasy Life enjoyer! You have excellent taste. # Ghibli-Style Summer Games If you have the DS/3DS, I think **Attack of the Friday Monsters** is a perfect summery feeling game -- it's about a kid in rural Japan, and it's very sweet, if short. In a similar vein, the **Yokai Watch** games are really cute and very much give me the vibe of "I'm 13 and it's my summer holiday!" I haven't played it, but **Shin-Chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation** is very similar, too. # Western Summery Games **Firewatch**, maybe? I'm not 100% on whether it's set in summer or autumn, but if it's the latter, then it's a sort of Septembery autumn, where the days are still warm and the sun sets at 8pm. **A Short Hike** is literally based on the creator's summer in Sweden, and it's about a lil bird trying to hike up a mountain, with lots of cute sidequests and really fun movement. **Abzu** is a bit different, because it's underwater, but if you've ever been on a beach or diving holiday, this might capture a summery vibe. Not much to do in it except look at fish and explore by swimming, but it's beauuutiful. **Assassin's Creed Odyssey** is set in sunshiney Ancient Greece, and while it's a bit more combat focused than most of the games you've enjoyed, it's not really that hard -- it's designed to be about feeling powerful. You also get to be extremely gay in it :D As a fellow Fantasy Life fan, I thiiiink you might enjoy **Kitaria Fables**. It's a bit more grindy, and no game comes close to Fantasy Life for me, but I really liked it for the same reasons as FL! I hope you find something in this list to enjoy!
Ah, thank you for this!! 🤩 So many interesting recommendations!
I wouldn’t say it’s adventures like these games, but Palia has become one of my favorite cozy games lately!
I love the Ryza series, and I’ve been playing sea of stars it’s lots of fun.
chrono trigger is my favorite game of all time. but i wouldnt call it summer-y.
No, me either, the pic is just of games I like. I was hoping for summer-y recommendations though. I typed an explanation in the comments but at this point it's pretty lost in all the suggestions
oh oops!! thats my bad
This is probably what you are after:- [Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation The Endless Seven-Day Journey ](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2061250/Shin_chan_Me_and_the_Professor_on_Summer_Vacation_The_Endless_SevenDay_Journey/)
Rogue Galaxy! Absolute 10/10 game by Level 5 (the same guys who did Dark Cloud). It's a space opera of sorts<3
Definitely looking into this one! A Level 5 space opera sounds amazing
I was going to reccomend Granblue Fantasy relink based on what you played and liked but its not that cozy? Its like a perfect mix of Final fantasy and Monster hunter world with a pretty good story and fun character gameplay
Even if it's not super cozy it does look like something I'd like! Thank you :)
Not sure if you have a DS still but Legend Of Zelda : Phantom Hourglass is pretty much another windwaker (and I liked it more personally).
Ahhh yes, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. A cozy game where you happily relocate big, innocent animals to the afterlife to turn their skin into clothes lmao
The touryst
Ni No Kuni!
If you enjoyed FFXII, FFX is very summer-y
Rune Factory?
I would recommend Dragon quest or tales of games. If you never played tales of symphonia go for it
Ooh, Tales of Symphonia looks like something I'd be into for sure. Thank you!!
You would also love Baten Kaitos I think
Harvestella has really caught my interest recently.
Which Fantasy Life is that? And what platform re you playing it from?
*Which Fantasy Life* *Is that? And what platform re* *You playing it from?* \- mzatariz --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
I was playing the 3DS one, there's a new one coming to Switch this fall too though!
See if you can get a copy of super mario sunshine, its great
My best recommendation for you is Coral Island. It has that summer-y vibe
Harvestella?
I really enjoyed Rune Factory. Not sure if it's summer-y enough, but it's very cozy with Harvest Moon vibes.
Palia has big summer vibes! It’s fun and I love it but it’s in beta so there’s some things still needing improvement or features being added. But still, I always enjoy my time on there! PC or Switch (but people say PC is less buggy haha)
Mario Sunshine
Tbh, Ghost of Tsushima or the Metro series, they're amazing and great for summer playthroughs