Cozy Grove is one of the best relaxing games that I've come across in a while. From the music to the beautiful art style and concepts, this game is worth every single penny.

Pros:
This game is very similar to Animal Crossing in that you end up stranded on an island, taking care of and providing for the individuals who happen to reside there. However, this comparison falls short in quite a few ways (negative and positive). Unlike Animal Crossing, there is a story component that really draws you in to the game. You're helping restless spirits from a wide range of personalities and backgrounds come to terms with their death/past.
Talking about the NPCs, they're all wonderful if a bit cold in the beginning. Some of their quests are a bit tedious (especially the postal runs), but the dialogue and "heart events" make up for it. There's a lot of diversity in personal struggles that these characters go through, such as: relationship/family issues; memory loss; as well as discussions of the effects of disability/being a disabled individual in society. Overall, the concept of being a Spirit Scout is very wholesome and fulfilling.

Cons:
Like I mentioned, a lot of the quests are repetitive and tedious, especially given the overcrowded nature of the island's layout. There's a lot of things that you can't move (trees, monuments, etc), which can be frustrating when you're trying to decorate and/or any of the resources. Despite being one of it's marketing points, it doesn't really have as much custom-ability as you'd think (for those who really care), which can grate on the nerves of those who like to keep things organized/a certain theme in areas.

Obviously, I can live with these cons and the potential cons of only being able to do a few tasks a day/having to wait multiple days to get items. This aspect of waiting really helps create a mellow environment in which you're able to just spend an hour or two each day going through a little to-do list, unlike the "sand-boxy, spend hours playing at a time," nature of Animal Crossing.
Despite all of these comparisons, Cozy Grove is a game that will likely become a well known name like SV and ACNH given it's originality and the talent that went into making it. Overall, Cozy Grove is a lovely game that will quickly become a part of your down-time routine.

Mad Father is an amazing indie, RPG horror game- similar to other classics like the Crooked Man, Ao Oni, and Ib. This game holds a special place in my heart, as I can remember those good old days when I would watch Markiplier and other creators delve into this game. I still have the old fanart that I made for this game back in 2013-14.
Before I go too far into this review, TW for the game: child abuse, torture, unethical medical practices, body horror, gore, and similar themes.

With those memories in mind, Mad Father was obviously one of the first games that I typed in the steam search engine when I created my account. I wasn't deterred by the price (especially since I got it on sale/in a bundle of other classics), and I loved the new style that came with the Remastered option. I loved the new details and the art has always been sweet, even with the gore and monsters.

---CON: During my first play-through, I decided to play the remastered version and ended up coming to a game ending bug during one of the puzzle sequences. Specifically speaking, the bug occurred during the portion of the game where you have to subdue a dog in the lower levels of the dungeons. The Aya portrait puzzle glitched out and I couldn't progress through the game. I was a little annoyed with this, but I was willing to replay the original version and was able to completely finish the game.

Keeping this review relatively spoil-free, we follow the Mad Scientist's daughter Aya as she wakes up one night to find her home cursed by the spirit of her mother. Throughout this journey to bring peace back to the home and to save her last living parent, Aya must come to terms with the cruel nature of her father and face some hard-hitting truths.

If I'm remembering correctly, I believe there are 4 different endings that depend upon a few key choices in the end. I won't say all of the endings are equal in how satisfying they are, but they are all interesting in their own way- especially the bad endings and special ending (collecting all of the gems), in which the player sees the Father's plans come to fruition. The special ending is also packed with lore from the Devs other game- Misao, another classic indie horror RPG.

Pros: Some of my favorite aspects of this game besides the nostalgic style, would have to be the side quests from the ghosts of her father's victims. I love how Aya helps them lay to peace and give them a final moment of kindness in a world that was filled with pain and torture- it's very endearing all while acting as effective character building for Aya. The cut scenes are wonderful and I also love the wide variety of jumpscares; from the tiniest environment change to the large scale chasing sequences.

Overall, Mad Father is a indie horror game that I believe has stood strong over the years. It's a wonderful game that I believe many gamers, casual and avid horror fans alike, should give a try.