The allure of farming and life sim games lies in the tranquility they offer. The prospect of leading a simple, uninterrupted existence in a serene location, where one can nurture crops, raise livestock, and gradually establish oneself as a self-sustaining agricultural powerhouse, holds a certain charm. Ooblets, however, takes this concept to new levels by introducing fresh ideas and a distinctive approach to a typically predictable formula. Despite its shortcomings in certain areas, the game deserves recognition for its innovation and uniqueness.
As the game begins, you are introduced to your character who has just made the exciting move to Badgetown. The sense of adventure fills the air as you leave behind the mundane life on a backwater island, where Ooblets were nowhere to be found. The anticipation builds as you eagerly explore your new surroundings, meeting the friendly residents of Badgetown and getting to know the charismatic Mayor Tinstle. As you settle into your new farm life, a world of possibilities unfolds before you, and you can't help but feel a sense of excitement for the journey that awaits.
When I first started playing Ooblets, I was taken aback by the level of complexity and overwhelming nature of the game. Unlike other farming games that gently guide you through the process, Ooblets throws you right into the deep end. There are no freebie seeds or easy ways to make money in the beginning. Instead, you are left to your own devices, forced to figure out how to survive and thrive in this new world. It's a daunting challenge, but one that ultimately adds to the excitement and sense of accomplishment as you navigate your way through the game.
In the quaint little town of Badgetown, money, or “Gummies” as the locals call it, is a precious commodity that is incredibly difficult to come by during the early hours of the day. The cost of seeds, furniture, clothing, and even basic necessities like food is exorbitant, leaving your character feeling overwhelmed by the sheer expense of everything. To make matters worse, your character's energy bar is disappointingly small, making it impossible to accomplish a substantial amount of work in a single day. Unlike the idyllic and relaxed farming life in Stardew Valley, making a living in Ooblets feels like an insurmountable challenge.
As Mayor Tinstle began assigning me various tasks, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed and stressed. One of the first tasks was to gather complete delivery orders at Plenny's, which sounded simple enough. However, it quickly became apparent that Clothlets, a crucial ingredient, were incredibly rare and difficult to come by. Another task involved repairing the printing press for Arah, but I lacked the energy to break all the rocks on my farmland to obtain the necessary Nurnies. As the tasks continued to pile up, my stress levels skyrocketed. It wasn't until I took a step back and realized that I needed to take things at my own pace that I began to find some relief.
What sets Ooblets apart is its ability to alleviate the initial overwhelming experience with its charming and calming atmosphere. Despite the challenging first few hours, the game manages to soothe the player's nerves and encourage them to relax. The delightful cotton candy aesthetic of Badgetown and the surrounding regions is absolutely captivating. As I aimlessly wandered through the town square, desperately searching for the elusive Clothlet, a resident kindly advised me to slow down and embrace the concept of taking life one day at a time. This gentle reminder was a refreshing and much-needed reassurance, allowing me to appreciate the game's enchanting world even more.
Ooblets adopts a refreshing approach by not imposing a strict timeline on players. Initially, the game may seem overwhelming with a plethora of tasks and activities to engage in. However, once players embrace the notion that rushing through anything in Badgetown is futile, the experience becomes significantly more enjoyable. It became apparent to me that I needed to adopt the laid-back lifestyle of Badgetown's inhabitants. For instance, Taffy can be found joyfully dancing in the town square, while others simply sit around, exuding beauty. This tranquil pace of life is reflected in the residents' approach, and it is a valuable lesson for players to embrace the same mindset.
As your farm flourishes and expands, so does the size of your Ooblet party. These charming and lovable creatures, reminiscent of Pokemon, can be acquired through engaging in exhilarating dance-offs. This is where the game's RPG-like elements truly shine. As you explore the town, you will stumble upon various Ooblets meandering about. Should you choose to engage in a dance battle and emerge victorious, you will be rewarded with a seed. By planting this seed on your farm, you can witness the magic unfold as a new Ooblet sprouts forth, ready to join your ever-growing team.
The dance battles in Ooblets are a delightful blend of quirkiness and strategy. While the game itself is filled with unique and eccentric elements, the dance-offs take it to another level. In order to win, both teams must reach a specific point threshold. Each turn, players draw random cards that can help them gain points, steal points from their opponent, or apply various buffs and debuffs.
Although combat is not the main focus of the game, I found myself eagerly anticipating these dance-offs every day. It was always enjoyable trying to strategize the best way to increase my score multiplier and win the battles efficiently. Additionally, the catchy music and the sight of opposing Ooblets literally farting out a seed when they lose never failed to bring a smile to my face.
In the world of Ooblets, having more of these adorable creatures means more help on your farm. You can assign Ooblets to different tasks and ensure their comfort in Oobcoops that you have constructed. However, on rainy days, something extraordinary happens. Gleamy Ooblets emerge, akin to the renowned Shiny Pokemon. These special Ooblets not only excel at farm tasks but also offer the opportunity to collect rare materials.
As your Ooblet collection grows, your farm becomes a well-oiled machine, with these delightful creatures operating machinery and tending to your crops. Soon enough, your farm will be thriving, thanks to the diligent assistance of your Ooblet companions.
The most surprising aspect of the game was its vastness that gradually revealed itself over time. Although it starts off slowly, the game rewards players who persist with an abundance of exploration opportunities. Numerous zones are waiting to be discovered, each offering new Ooblets and seeds to collect. Similar to other farming life simulations, there comes a point where all the new content has been exhausted, and every NPC has been interacted with, and every Ooblet has been found. However, despite reaching this point, the journey itself remains incredibly worthwhile.
In terms of game performance, Ooblets ran smoothly on the Switch, with one minor issue being the load times. Although not a major concern, the loading process, whether it be starting up the game or transitioning between zones, seemed slightly longer than necessary. Despite this, the gamepad controls functioned well, providing a seamless gaming experience. However, navigating the menus initially felt a bit cumbersome, especially due to the limited toolbar provided at the beginning of the game.
If you're in the market for a new farming sim, don't let any of the potential drawbacks sway you from getting Ooblets. While the Switch port may not be perfect and could use some improvement, it is still an excellent game to have on the go. Whether you're looking to play on the commute or relax on the couch on a Friday night, Ooblets offers a cozy and enjoyable gaming experience. So, if you're seeking a charming and relaxing farming simulation, don't hesitate to give Ooblets a try.
When I first started playing Ooblets, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical. The mechanics were unfamiliar and it took some time for me to get the hang of things. However, as I continued to play, I found myself becoming more and more engrossed in the game. The adorable characters, vibrant world, and addictive gameplay slowly won me over. It wasn't long before I found myself settling into the comfy farm life that I had been craving.
Just like Stardew Valley, Ooblets has the potential to continue growing and expanding beyond its current scope. While it is already a fantastic farming simulator, the real excitement lies in what it could become in the future. With updates and new content, Ooblets has the potential to become even more immersive and captivating. I'm glad I stuck with it, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead for this charming game.
