The Good Life
■Welcome to Rainy WoodsJournalist Naomi Hayward is drowning in debt and is at the end of her rope. Having accepted a request from The Morning Bell newspaper to “uncover the mystery of a small English town”, Naomi finds herself far from her home in New York, in Rainy Woods. Upon beginning her investigation, Naomi – camera in hand – soon discovers an inexplicable phenomenon in which the townspeople transform into cats and dogs as night falls… Then, as just she’s looking into that particular mystery, a murder occurs… Join her as she attempts to reveal the truth about Rainy Woods.■Solve mysteries as a human, a cat, or a dog!Naomi herself eventually becomes able to transform into a cat or dog. Turn into a cat, and gain the ability to jump and climb all over town to explore; or transform into a dog, and use your acute sense of smell to track the town’s residents. Use your respective abilities as a human, cat, and dog wisely to more easily solve the various mysteries and incidents you’ll face.■Take photos to earn moneyAs a journalist, Naomi is able to earn money by taking photos of Rainy Woods at the request of The Morning Bell and the town’s residents. Also, if she can manage to snap photos of whatever happens to be trending on social media site “Flamingo” and increase her number of followers, she just might be able to earn enough money to make life in this small town that much easier.■Enjoy life in your new townIn Rainy Woods, as long as you’ve got the money, a free and easy life is yours to be enjoyed. Growing vegetables in your garden, brushing up on your culinary skills, exploring the plains, sharing a drink with your fellow townspeople at the local pub… Stay fed, get lots of sleep, keep yourself looking nice and clean, and enjoy daily life in Rainy Woods.■Explore the vast and sprawling town of Rainy WoodsRainy Woods is full of various spots, as well as an array of events just waiting to happen. Explore the areas around the town to unlock shrines and camping grounds, expand your field of mobility, and enjoy the comfortably open world. Hopping onto a sheep and riding around the hills is just so much fun!
Game Discussion
Steam User 11
Whatever problem I have with this game can be found in a lot of other reviews, so let's focus on the positives:
Despite its shortcomings, after 30+ hours this game somehow makeup for all of that and as the credit rolls, I- an avid lover of cozy life sim/RPGs like the Story of Seasons series, Rune Factory and Stardew Valley- have to begrudgingly admit that this game is one of the most fun and unique cozy life sim I have ever played.
The dev created a vibrant, charming English countryside with some quirky, edgy creative spices. I love that I can go into the pubs and order English food/drinks, and learn to cook all of them after a while.. I love that I can challenge the local vicar to a drinking game. I love that there's a homeless violinist who talks with his violin. I love running around the country roads with the open sky all around me.
Things I hate, hate, HATE and WANT TO BURN IN A FIRE:
-I almost refunded the game solely because of how annoying the protagonist and some side characters was. The writing trope of repeating a catchphrase for comedic effect is one that I hope Japanese game devs never go back to again. I feel like I was playing Pokemon Sword & Shield again, having to listen to Leon talk about his Charizard.
-I sincerely believe this game would be more fun if we remove the shapeshifting animation. having to wait 3 secs just to jump a wall, then another 3 sec to turn back to human, and another 3 sec to use another digging ability is just...annoying.
-A huge map that doesn't allow you to zoom in, doesn't mark resources for you, or let you mark it yourself. Didn't expect this from a game released in 2021.
-Does not warn player about locking out questlines if they progress with the endgame. Sigh.
Overall, very fun game that make you frustrated and want to refund, but in the end you will go 'one more side quest and i'll sleep'.
Edit: after spending more than 40+ hours in postgame, and reading more into the kickstarter, my conclusion is that the game is a textbook case of wasted potential. Beginning with a fun and unique premise, but was badly implemented, lacking lots of QoL that throw the entire gameplay loop out of balance, and a lot of things in the kickstarter couldn't be added or was modified, and the story don't even have a good payoff. It's still pretty fun to me, but I mourn what it could have been, a British countryside life sim that have a murder mystery theme sounds right up my alley...
Steam User 6
This is one of my favorite games! I feel like the atypical gamer who hates any sort of combat or challenge. I hate getting stuck and frustrating tasks that I find in so many games even on story or easy modes. This game is very enjoyable, it's easy and relaxing but I find the world beautiful, the characters interesting. The quests are fun and I like the story!
Steam User 5
I think this is Swery at his best. It's just dumb jokes, a semi Animal Crossing debt simulator, and an absurd and hooking storyline. Super chill.
Steam User 1
I think I'm around 2/3 done with the game, writing is really fun and if you don't mind new and unique mechanics being undercooked this has plenty, unfortunately it also has baffling design choices, overall very charming.
Steam User 1
The game seems pretty normal at the beginning, obviously there's some mystery/intrigue about certain characters and their motivations/ties to you but nothing too crazy. Until the game gets absolutely ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ crazy for no reason. I remember playing this while streaming ages ago and how much of a fever dream it randomly turned into about an hour or two in.
7/10
Steam User 0
This game has got that strange charm to it that makes all the features and jank pretty unique and endearing. Reminds me of more old school games where it isn't too hand-holdy but also isn't mega easy with all its mechanics, despite looking like it'll be a cakewalk. The story is a bit random, which is good (didn't realise the game was developed by a Japanese group, so I guess that tracks)!
My only gripe is that it felt at times like I wasn't sure if the time investment into it was worth it. This is reflected in many of the achievements requiring a pretty extreme amount of time to get them. As someone who enjoys hunting achievements, I don't really feel compelled to do much more after finishing the main story due to them taking a long time (for little reward).
Overall, think this is one game I'll look back on fondly.
Steam User 1
I played the demo then went straight into the game (because I bought it). Don't do that lol. I had to start over and absolutely LOVE this game!!! It's not linear and allows you to pick and choose what to do next. There are a few "urgent quests" that require you to complete them immediately and often with a timer, but otherwise, it's whenever. You do have to keep your stats up and have a time progression and have to watch the moon cycles, etc., but it is NOT complicated!! I quit so many games because they're just too complex, and this one is the perfect balance! The graphics are great. The storyline and gameplay creative (such as following scents as a dog and climbing as a cat, etc.). The VO's are very well done. The MC is fare from likeable, but not enough to turn me away. I especially like the photo part, going around looking for the right shot. That was what originally drew me to it. Online help is sparse (walkthrough, fan wiki, etc.) but enough to help when needed, as this apparently didn't get the reviews I personally think it deserves.