8 AAA Games That Need A Cozy Spinoff

As someone who has been playing video games for what feels like a lifetime, I can confidently say that there are some series out there with a tremendous amount of untapped potential. One such example is the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Now, I’ve been around long enough to remember the joy and excitement that the Chao Garden brought to Sonic Adventure 1 and 2. It was a delightful change of pace from running through levels at breakneck speed and instead allowed us to nurture these adorable creatures.

In recent times, the market for games like Cozy Games has primarily been controlled by independent developers and Animal Crossing, while big-budget publishers (triple-A companies) have not made significant inroads into this particular niche.

This situation often results in numerous video game franchises overlooking opportunities for comforting spin-offs that deviate from the established norm, catering both to loyal fans and those seeking a relaxed gaming experience.

Here are a few ideas I’ve developed as possible concepts for spin-off shows, focusing on series that either lack a comfortable spin-off or have one but haven’t fully realized its potential.

Many of these game concepts originate from established series that might fit perfectly into current comfort-style games, or contain elements suitable for creating a spin-off with a comfortable theme.

8. The Elder Scrolls

Nordic Librarian Simulator

Many people, including those who appreciate a more relaxed gaming experience, enjoy exploring the vast open worlds of The Elder Scrolls series, unfazed by its ominous atmosphere or combat elements.

That leads me to believe it could make an excellent foundation for a more comforting spin-off series, either featuring reduced combat and similar exploration, or introducing something completely fresh within the realm of relaxing games.

Option A: You might create a simulation game featuring a middle-aged librarian character, where all the stories and information from the series are gathered in one place.

This concept could make an excellent, unique addition to the series for those seeking a change, while also providing a delightful experience reminiscent of Skyrim’s atmosphere, but with less demanding gameplay.

7. The Legend of Zelda

Proper Farmer Link

The Zelda franchise encompasses numerous games, each featuring different iterations of the character Link. However, these games lack a warm, comfortable feel, despite having great possibilities.

In one version, you might be developing a farm-themed game inspired by the start of Twilight Princess, or alternatively, you could imagine Zelda using her wand to decorate homes.

In this series, there are countless perspectives one could explore, and it’s unfortunate that we’ve primarily received action-focused spinoffs instead of delving into other aspects.

This series excels when you can take your time to enjoy an engaging activity purely for its relaxing atmosphere, and I eagerly anticipate a comforting title derived from it.

6. Kirby

A Full-Course Meal

Kirby, generally known for its adorable and cute theme, often delves into darker and challenging aspects, which makes labeling it as a strictly “comfortable” or “cozy” franchise somewhat inaccurate.

Most Kirby spin-offs share a similar fast-paced, action-packed style found in the main games, or they are very much like a Smash Bros. variant.

It would be fantastic to delve into the complete capabilities of this fluffy pink object, as we’ve never encountered a Kirby-themed cooking game before, given his habitual consumption of all things.

As a dedicated fan, I can honestly say that Kirby’s versatility is second to none. Placing him in any scenario just fills me with joy.

5. Portal

Custom Turret Designer

In my youth, I found myself captivated by the Portal games, where I noticed the intricate screen displays of Turrets adorned with unique patterns and designs.

This stuck in my mind and blossomed into an idea where you’re playing as an overworked Aperture employee, coming up with a bunch of marketable designs for deadly inventions.

It seems that there’s still much untapped creativity in the world of Portal, as we’ve only glimpsed a fraction of its possibilities through Aperture Desk Job, which feels more like a sneak peek or tech demo on Steam Deck rather than a fully-fledged game.

Instead of plain turrets, you could’ve added personalized artwork; faced the challenges set by an eccentric superior with innovative solutions; and unwinded without suffering from lunar sickness in the evening.

4. Dragon Quest

Metal Slime Rancher

If you’re familiar with a series that features Slimes, it’s likely Dragon Quest, boasting several spin-offs centered around Slimes. However, unlike the Slime Rancher, which is a relaxing monster-farming game, neither Dragon Quest nor its spin-offs share this particular gaming experience.

It seems Square Enix is quite enthusiastic about these adorable creatures, and it strikes me as odd that they haven’t released a game that offers a warmer, more snug feel, given the numerous straightforward concepts that are readily available.

You could include standard blue slimes, Metal Slimes, She-Slimes, Bubble Slimes, and King Slimes into a farming game, or just have them all bumbling about together in a Tamagotchi-like game.

Indeed, given the extensive and enchanting universe of the popular fantasy series, brimming with numerous captivating or adorable character designs, there seems to be a vast opportunity for creating endearing monster-taming games. It’s somewhat surprising that this potential has yet to be fully explored.

3. Super Smash Bros.

A Cozier Crossover

The Super Smash Bros. series seems ripe with possibilities that haven’t been fully explored yet, primarily focused on fighting games, and rarely showcasing these legendary characters engaging in activities other than combat together.

I’ve contemplated a Smash Bros.-style game that resembles Dreamlight Valley, where instead of battling, you perform tasks for various Nintendo characters. Alternatively, imagine an Animal Crossing-like experience, but the villagers are creatures hailing from video games across the spectrum.

It’s quite surprising that they’ve never created a spin-off of Super Smash Bros., not even once. Given its massive popularity and unique status as a legendary crossover series, it seems ideal for a more laid-back game experience.

I’d prefer some peaceful puzzle or tranquil adventure games that offer engaging character dialogues reminiscent of subspace, and I sincerely look forward to possibly witnessing a Smash-like spin-off in the future.

2. DOOM

Rabbit Raising

The DOOM games, particularly the team responsible for them, have an interesting quirk: they blend gruesome, intense gameplay with adorable, lighthearted elements. This duality makes their approach rather apt.

It sounds quite amusing to imagine a DOOM game centered around raising rabbits, where the Doomguy can unwind amongst his beloved pets. After all, that’s where the conflicts in these games typically begin.

In this series, any action would seem fitting if it were set amidst a scene of sulfur and fiery damnation.

It would be delightful to imagine Doomslayer relaxing, fishing, farming, and enjoying himself during his downtime, away from the destruction he causes when battling demons.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog

Give Us Chao or Give Us Death

If you’re an ardent fan of Sonic over a considerable period, it’s likely that you’ve come across fellow fans petitioning Sega to reintroduce the Chao Garden concept, whether as a standalone game or otherwise.

In Sonic Adventures 1 and 2, you’d encounter a place known as the Chao Garden. Here, you interacted with various animals called Chaos, which you collected during the game’s main levels. The purpose was to nurture these Chaos, feeding them to boost their abilities and characteristics.

Almost every Sonic fan yearns for the revival of the Chao Garden or an equivalent feature, and I believe a complete, snug game centered around the Chao would be fitting.

It’s been a long-awaited opportunity that Sega has likely grown weary of discussing: whether it’s playing Chao Garden on mobile devices or enjoying time with Sonic and friends nurturing the little characters, this is an untapped area of enjoyment they could offer.

2024-12-21 17:39