If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Despite its , Wholesome Direct 2024 is actually shaping up to be the most packed event of Summer Game Fest. The hour-long presentation featured more than 70 different games.
Some were brand-new announcements, some were previously known games that got a fresh trailer or release date, and a handful of titles even launched during the event. Now, 70 is a large number, so to help, I’ve curated the games that stood out to me the most. You can also watch the full presentation to soak in every detail.
Even better: many of the games have . Anyway, here are my picks, in no particular order. looks like a more interactive take on , only with frogs instead of cats and a beautiful painterly art style.
The goal is to not only build a sanctuary to raise those frogs in but also restore their wetland habitat. Best of all: it’s out today. This is what would happen if you mashed with .
The game is all about solving nonograms, which then create items (out of cheese, naturally) that you can use to decorate a cozy home. It also looks to be jam-packed with mouse puns. Calling fans.
looks like it has a similarly charming vibe, only with less farming and more business. Instead of building up a farmstead, you’re tasked with running a grocery store in a small town, which naturally means getting deeply involved in the community. A side-scrolling platformer that looks a bit like , if only it was coated in Japanese folklore and .