Tag: Casual

If you’re looking for a game that won’t take up too much time or brain space, come browse the Thumb Culture news pieces and reviews of the latest casual games.

Omega Crafter – PC Review
PC Reviews

Omega Crafter – PC Review

Get ready to chop trees, mine ore and… program robots to help you build your city in the middle of a wilderness?  Omega Crafter is the first Steam release by developer and producer Preferred Networks, which mixes elements of Minecraft, Portal Knights and other survival RPGs and teaches players the basics of programming. Program, build and explore a vast open world... Single player and multiplayer are available as you learn how to program your Grammies and fight bugs in an open world filled with different biomes, enemies and bosses. Omega Crafter is set to release on Steam on March 29th! Want to find some more games? Check out our PC reviews here. Gameplay With an interesting twist on the usual survival game genre, Omega Crafter launches you into a brand new world with the aim...
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator – PC Review
PC Reviews

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator – PC Review

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is the newest addition to the simulation genre. Developed by Simteract who pride themselves on premium simulation games, and published by Nacon. The game is an introduction to the highs and lows of being a taxi driver in the bustling city of Barcelona. Launched on the 7th of March 2024, this game is available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Realistic? This game revolves around, you guessed it, being a Taxi driver. You climb into the driver's seat of your car and the start of your business. Will you create a Taxi empire? Let me know below how you got on with the game! Gameplay As simple as the game may seem, it does have a lot to offer. You begin your journey with a driving test. In no way similar to those that we are used to, i...
Melatonin – PS5 Review
PlayStation Reviews

Melatonin – PS5 Review

When I type up a review for video games, I try to write with a level head. While I'll attempt objectivity, it's hard not to gush about Melatonin; it's just that good. This was one of those games that I’d heard of, and seen gameplay of, but regrettably overlooked until now. I don't intend to repeat that mistake and neither should anyone interested! Now sit back, relax and enjoy my review. Tired, in a good way A celestial gift lowered down from the skies and placed in our hands by developer and publisher Half Asleep, Melatonin finally graces us on PS5. Having previously released on PC and Switch in December 2022, it launched on PlayStation on March 12th 2024. What rhythm games do you love and why? Let us know in the comments below! Gameplay Here’s a comparison from my partner who play...
SUMMERHOUSE – PC Review
PC Reviews

SUMMERHOUSE – PC Review

Published by Future Friends Games, SUMMERHOUSE is the latest release from Friedemann Allmenröder. Previously having worked on titles such as ISLANDERS and Superflight, this is their first solo effort, and what a delightful game it is. Building Buildings For this review, the game was played via Steam and worked brilliantly, as it's not a demanding game. The fact that it costs just £3.99 makes it very accessible to gamers and a perfect gift to friends as a tiny gesture of appreciation. If you want to add more cozy games to your library, feel free to check out Mike's review of Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator. Gameplay The best way to describe SUMMERHOUSE is that it's exactly what it says on the tin, "A tiny building game about beautiful lived-in houses. No rules or restrictions, just pu...
Please, Touch the Artwork 2 – PC Review
PC Reviews

Please, Touch the Artwork 2 – PC Review

Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is a point-and-click puzzle game from Belgian solo game developer Thomas Waterzooi. He has been involved in past game projects such as Divinity Original Sin and Hitman. Made in only six months, the game follows on from its predecessor with graphical improvements throughout. The game released on 19th February 2024 on PC and mobile. Tactile Tactics and Painty Pointers The game revolves around paintings, namely paintings of iconic Belgian painter James Ensor whose works featured expressionism and surrealism. It is a way for us to interact with his paintings, giving a more comprehensive look at them and discovering his creative works.  Gameplay What better way to appreciate art than to be inside art. From the off, I noted the pointer has become a long sk...
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator – PC Review
PC Reviews

Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator – PC Review

Garden Life is a first-person narrative & life-sim where you manage the community garden of a small, sleepy village. While the garden grows you also contribute to the village and its residents and quickly find your place here. Thankfully for someone like me who doesn't have a green thumb, Garden Life was easy to get into. At its root, Garden Life is a narrative game but gardening is the main gameplay mechanic with tasks and quests. However, if that's not what you're looking for there is creative mode, a sandbox version of the game. Gardening here is a simplified version of the task similar to Stardew Valley or home improvement in House Flipper but still simulates realistic responsibilities and obstacles. The game is the latest release from developers Still Alive Games (Bus Simula...
3 MUST PLAY Steam Next Fest Demos – February 2024
Previews & Early Access

3 MUST PLAY Steam Next Fest Demos – February 2024

There were endless game demos in the Steam Next Fest all vying for your attention. After hours of scrolling, and even more hours playing, I've found three demos I think everyone, regardless of what games you usually play, should check out. Don't forget to wishlist the games you like. It really helps the developers get eyes on their game! Finally, don't forget to share your favourite Next Fest demos in the comments. Analysis Paralysis - AWAY! These three demos featured in February 2024's Steam Next Fest, are games that I believe transcend genre. Hauntii Hauntii is the one demo this Next Fest that I suggest to everyone. Developed by Moon Loop LLC and published by Firestoke Games; it is a thoughtful, exploration game with puzzle elements. The game will be launching on Xbox game pass upon ...
Disney Dreamlight Valley: A Rift in Time DLC – PC Review
PC Reviews

Disney Dreamlight Valley: A Rift in Time DLC – PC Review

The latest update Disney Dreamlight Valley (DDLV) welcomes Jack Skellington and the addition of a brand new paid expansion pack, A Rift in Time. Published by Gameloft, Disney Dreamlight Valley was first released in early access on September 6th, 2022 for most consoles and PCs. Since then, Gameloft has steadily released free updates every 3 - 6 months, including new characters, stories, quests, and more. The game officially came out of early access on December 5th, 2023. A Rift in Time is the latest addition and is the first paid update that is currently retailing for £24.99 on PC. It is important to note that this does require the base game which is £33.49. Disney Dreamlight Valley - Scrapping Free-To-Play Model Originally Disney Dreamlight Valley was marketed to be a Free-To-Play...
Thumb Culture Game Of The Year
News & Updates

Thumb Culture Game Of The Year

2023 is perhaps one of the best years for gaming we have had in quite some time. So much so that I imagine our 2024 list will be l packed with games we are still catching up on from 2023. So many great games it was extremely difficult for us here at Thumb Culture to pick just one that stood apart from the rest and take the top spot. With great difficulty, we managed it! So here it is, the prestigious Thumb Culture Game of the Year article! Thank you all, the readers so much for supporting Thumb Culture, here’s to another great year in gaming. Tom - Lil Gator Game I honestly expected spider man 2 to be my personal game of the year In a year with already lots of competition, but out from the shadows crept Alan wake 2. Chapter after chapter I felt my love for the game increasing and i...
Toy Trains VR Out Now!
News & Updates

Toy Trains VR Out Now!

Toy Trains VR has been released on January 16, 2024 on Steam, the Playstation Store, and the Meta App Lab. It is developed and published by Something Random. Trains Trains and Trainomobiles Something Random is a Polish VR development studio, made up of creators from the game SUPERHOT. Their aim as a studio is to create what they call "true VR games". To them this means blending high quality story, gameplay and graphics in a VR environment. They want to create innovative ways to use the medium of VR in the gaming space. The game wants to create a modernized but nostalgic experience of sitting on your living room floor on a lazy Sunday afternoon, getting lost in creating a beautiful interconnected world. There are some puzzle elements, but the main theme of the game is of relaxation...