The cozy genre is no trifle: games like Stardew Valley hold a certain power over players. Perhaps the repetitive nature of their gameplay has a soothing effect, or their undeniably positive vibes simply invigorate the spirit. Whatever the root cause, Stardew Valley, Unpacking, Animal Crossing, and the like can be wildly addicting and endearing, leaving many players spellbound.
These sorts of games, known colloquially as cozy games, are part of an ever-growing genre. Sure, one could argue that the likes of Harvest Moon on the SNES kickstarted cozy conventions, which would be true, but the laidback, low-stakes experiences of today are markedly different from what was on offer in the 90s. Indeed, several games have jumped rope with this genre's tropes, with indie darlings like Cult of the Lamb showing how cozy clichés can serve as a mere facade for evocative themes. A brand-new game called Whisper of the House is trying to do something similar, leveraging good, old-fashioned cozy vibes while channeling the power of darkness and horror.
Whisper of the House Has Stardew's Small-Town Charm, Unpacking's Gameplay, and Dark Secrets
Whisper of the House Combines Cozy Commonalities and Eerie Storytelling
A cursory glance at Whisper of the House doesn't reveal it to be anything too subversive: it has the colorful pixel art aesthetic of its contemporaries, a bubbly overall tone, and gameplay designed around menial tasks and customization. Indeed, the game appears to follow the cozy template to a tee, springing forth as a safe, comfortable haven for the bored and beleaguered. But Whisper of the House has some important surprises in store.
A quick glimpse at the game's cinematic trailer reveals that everything is not quite what it seems. The bog-standard, charming promo footage is interrupted at various intervals with confronting, accusatory messaging, referencing some dark secret. It's clear that Whisper Town, the game's setting, is not an average, sleepy small town like Stardew Valley's Pelican Town: transformative revelations are waiting to be uncovered, and strange, inexplicable phenomena are becoming increasingly commonplace. Players are encouraged to delve into Whisper of the House's hidden depths via these creepy intrigues, which promise to add depth and flavor to the typical cozy gaming experience.
Whisper of the House Might Be Spooky, but It's Also a Classic Cozy Game
Make no mistake: Whisper of the House's cozy conventions aren't just a front. In fact, the game could very well appeal to non-horror fans with a fondness for the likes of Unpacking, since its gameplay aligns with such titles. The premise of Whisper of the House sets players up to be a housekeeper, keeping homes clean and organized via faux-3D decorating segments, which form the brunt of the game's interactive elements. Players can also customize their in-game abodes, and the game's personalization options are nothing to sneeze at:
- Over 1,800 pieces of furniture
- 10 unique home layouts
- Color customization
- Interactive furnishings and decor
But unlike Unpacking, which never allows the user to stretch their legs and walk away from the titular household chore, Whisper of the House features a great deal of on-foot exploration, and even some social simulation mechanics. Players can make their way through Whisper Town at their own pace, unfold NPC side stories, and uncover all manner of secrets, Easter eggs, and more. In this way, Whisper of the House can be compared to Stardew Valley, as well as other, more traditional, cozy gaming experiences.
Whatever genre Whisper of the House slots into, it's clear that it's worth a look for cozy and horror enthusiasts alike. It has a rather unique selling point, and is already picking up traction with audiences, currently sitting at an average rating of 98% Very Positive on Steam.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- February 26, 2016
- ESRB
- E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Developer(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
- ConcernedApe
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
- Cross Save
- cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-4 Players
- How Long To Beat
- 53 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- No
- File Size Xbox Series
- 1 GB (November 2023)
