Howdo to the whimsical and downright weird world of Ooblets!
Released on Nintendo Switch in 2023, this Ooblets review is your gateway to discovering the magic of this beloved cozy game in the current landscape from a first-hand retelling.
Ooblets Review: Key Game Elements
- Genre: Simulation, Farming, Creature Collection
- Creator: Glumberland
- Publisher: Glumberland
- Player Modes: Single-player
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
- Price on Steam: $29.99
- Price on Nintendo Store: $29.99
- Price on Xbox Store: $29.99
Ooblets Gameplay
Ooblets is a fun and cheery game that rolls farming sim, monster collection, charming life sim all into one big melting pot. I personally respect this game because it knows exactly how bizarre it is and owns it. It also consistently makes it to a bunch of ’top cozy games’ lists because of this.
It has an essentially ‘Oob’ quality about it. The cute lingo (also known as Oobish), the cute music, and the cute design of the Ooblets themselves – so many diverse elements come together to build an environment where a player can feel safe and warm.
That said, it can feel like a bit of a grind at times because of all the recipes and dance moves you need to unlock.
Have a read below to find out more!
Farming Bliss
Embark on a heartwarming journey into the heart of Ooblets, where the art of farming takes center stage. Cultivating your farm and growing your little Ooblets is highly therapeutic for those of us wired to feel gratification from the simplicity of starting and completing tasks.
I’m personally a completionist gamer, so I always get a slight endorphin high in farming sims like Ooblets seeing crops grow and flourish, collecting recipes and unlocking new gated goodies.
By far the best part is, of course, collecting your Ooblets. With Ooblet names like Dumbirb, Radlad, Shrumbo and Fleeble (which I swear is straight out of the Simlish dictionary), it’s easy to get the picture of what to expect from this game.
There’s around 35 different Ooblets and gleamies, the extra special kind of Ooblet, to collect, and they all come with different moves – more on that below.
And honestly, I love my Ooblets. They genuinely do fill my squishin’ heart with joy. It’s the best part of the game for me.
The farming mechanics have evolved since the last update, offering not only improved visuals but also additional features that enhance the overall experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned virtual farmer or a newcomer to the genre, Ooblets welcomes you with open arms to a world where every seed planted is a tiny little cozy nugget waiting to sprout.
Dance Battles
In the whimsical world of Ooblets, battles take an unexpected yet endearing (and hilarious) form—dance-offs. Dance battles are where Ooblets showcase their unique moves and abilities, where you become the proud monster parent you were always destined to be. The card-based combat system adds a layer of strategy to this cozy game, which helps beat the repetitive gameplay.
As you explore various Ooblets and their abilities, each dance battle becomes a journey of discovery. From quirky animations to clever strategies, the overall game mechanic is a testament to the game’s commitment to offering a lighthearted, enjoyable experience.
Basically – don’t take this game too seriously!
Yes, there’s parts that get too repetitive but it’s not about the ‘new’ and ‘exciting’. It’s about having a giggle, and returning to a safe space whenever you need it.
Whether you’re challenging wild Ooblets or participating in friendly dance-offs in town, the dance battles are more than a game mechanic; they’re a world-building technique that fits right in with the quirky world of Oob.
World Exploration
Another core feature of Ooblets is the world in which you’re farming and dancing your heart away. It packs a big ol’ cozy charm punch that’s hard to resist.
Let’s take a closer peek at it below.
Oob’s Quirky Universe
The game’s universe extends far beyond the initial Badgetown area, you can travel to various regions which expands on the gameplay and offers new challenges, friendships and gameplay opportunities.
Oob’s world map unfolds with diverse regions, each holding its own set of surprises waiting to be uncovered. Take your time exploring Badgetown, Mamoonia, or just go grab a coffee at your local Cuddlecups!
Graphics and Sound
Part of that essential ‘Oob’ quality I mentioned above is hands down the soundtrack and graphics behind this game.
Aesthetic Appeal
Ooblets beckons players into its specific world with an art style that’s as charming as the creatures that inhabit it. The game’s aesthetic is a delightful blend of pastel colors and whimsical designs, creating an atmosphere that feels like a cozy, interactive storybook.
From the lively Ooblets to the vibrant landscapes, every visual element contributes to the game’s overall appeal.
On the Nintendo Switch platform , Ooblets keeps its weird whimsy flavor, seamlessly adapting to the handheld hybrid. The graphics retain their quality, ensuring a visually pleasing experience without sacrificing performance.
Music plays a pivotal role in Ooblets, especially during the engaging dance battles. The soundtrack complements the game’s playful nature, providing catchy tunes that elevate the excitement of each dance-off.
The diverse musical scores keep the experience fresh and lively, ensuring that the rhythm of Oob’s universe resonates with players.
Ooblets Pros
Whimsical Farming Fun: Ooblets offers a delightful farming experience filled with charming creatures and vibrant aesthetics.
Creative Dance Battles: The unique card-based dance battles provide a refreshing and engaging combat system, adding a layer of strategy to the game.
Cozy Atmosphere: Tailored for cozy gamers, Ooblets creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect addition to the cozy gaming niche.
Expansive World: Explore the quirky universe of Oob beyond the initial town, unlocking new regions, secrets, and surprises as you progress.
Aesthetic Appeal: The pastel colors, charming designs, and overall aesthetic make Ooblets visually appealing, enhancing the gaming experience.
Ooblets Cons
Repetitive Quests: Some players may find the quests becoming repetitive, often involving growing or scavenging materials.
Grindy Progression: The game’s progression can feel laborious, requiring grinding for resources, especially in certain campaign missions.
Unchallenging Dance Battles: Despite the strategic elements, dance battles may lack challenge, with the AI rarely playing aggressively.
Limited Deck Customization: The inability to view or modify the full deck in dance battles might disappoint players looking for more strategic depth.
Stun Abilities in Dance Battles: The stun abilities in Dance Barn battles, when facing opponents with stun abilities in a 1v1 situation, can result in frustrating lock-ins.
Cozy Gamer’s Perspective
As an avid cozy gamer, Ooblets has found a special place in my heart within the niche of comforting gaming just because I’m a softie for oddballs in general.
The game’s unique blend of farming, creature collection, and dance battles is – firstly – a sentence I never thought I’d type out and – secondly – a strange mix that somehow just works.
Ooblets is a great game to turn to when you don’t want to think or feel too hard, and just want something familiar. My personal favorite Ooblet, Gloopylonglegs, for example, never fails to bring a smile to my face even after a particularly tough day.
That said, my favorite cozy games are the ones that can wrench at my heart, clutch my blanket closer around me, make my eyeballs go a bit glossy. Ooblets just doesn’t hit that depth of feeling for me, and with a hefty price-tag of $29.99, might not be worth it.
Conclusion
In the endearing realm of Oob, where farming, dance battles, and charming creatures converge, the experience can be pretty sweet for the first few hours.
That said, although it absolutely owns what it is in the best way, Ooblets does at time miss out
Game Evaluation Scores
- Game Design: 4/5
The game boasts a well-crafted design, offering a visually appealing and whimsical world. While some uninspired Ooblet designs were noted, the overall aesthetic, farm customization, and charming character interactions contribute to a solid game design.
- Game Narrative: 3/5
The narrative, akin to a purpose-driven Animal Crossing, provides a sense of direction. However, the repetitiveness of quests and the grind-heavy progression hinder the storytelling potential, impacting the overall narrative score.
- Game Mechanics: 3.5/5
Ooblets introduces unique mechanics with farming, dance battles, and creature collecting. Despite the simplicity and the lack of aggressive AI in dance battles, the strategic elements and the autonomy in farm management elevate the game’s mechanics. It can feel like a grind after a while, and if that’s not your jam, you might get tired of Ooblets pretty quickly.
- Cozy Factor: 3/5
Ooblets is amazing at introducing fun and whimsy into any bad day you might have. The pastels, the pixels, the little Ooblet sounds; it creates an adorable world to be discovered. But I do miss the really deep heartwarming moments and emotions that other cozy games, like Spiritfarer or Gris , make me feel.
- Platform Availability: 4/5
Ooblets is available on various platforms, including Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. The smooth gameplay on the Nintendo Switch, minimal lag, and efficient load times contribute to a favorable platform availability score.
