Análisis Cozy Grove – Xbox Zone

There are reference titles in their genre which mark the development of many titles. In the case of the indie scene, the search for innovation of small studios is combined with already known approaches. A merger that results in video games like the one we are offering you today in this new analysis. Cozy Grove is the new one from Spry Fox, which already contained very interesting proposals such as Alphabear 2 O Bushido bear. The Seattle-based company has endowed its new production with recognizable elements from these and other games before, adapting them to the genre. The result is an adventure title that partly recalls the mechanics of Animal crossing, revolving around a central narrative that invites us to continue exploring and achieving goals. And also, artistically it is very beautiful.

Artistically Cozy Grove is a joy to see

This is the first thing that is perceived from the start of our adventure in Cozy Grove. It’s already known that independent studios tend to risk the most in this regard, and in the case of Spry Fox, they haven’t been able to do better. At all times, the game displays settings and characters (based on previous games) with a nice and attractive design, with great detail. As we carry out the missions given to us by the spirits, the island of Cozy Grove it oozes with life. After achieving these goals, the mapping around these characters starts to color. Something that also encourages players to continue to see the scenes in all their glory. The game looks like a handmade drawing, and that’s a huge plus.

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Technically overall feels polite, and even though I ran into an anecdotal slowdown, the game feels really solid. Regarding the management of the different elements, there is a series of menus which, although they fulfill their function perfectly, they subtract an important visibility

in the cartography. In my opinion, I think it would suit the game much better if these were located in the lower area. An area in which the basic control diagram is located. On the other hand, it should be noted that in terms of tutorials or guides to guide the player, I found a job well done. Not only I did not get lost at any time, but I always wanted to move forward.

“Lost souls also deserve love”

At Cozy Grove we will put ourselves in the shoes of a Espectral Scout. After choosing the gender of our character and having characterized it to our liking, our adventure will begin. Through the Dialog boxes, we will know the impressions of our character, as well as those of the rest that we will find on our way. But sound will also be of great importance, especially for its soundtrack. As we try to complete our work, a few soft piano and guitar notes enliven the playing, further enriching the experience. An experience with a clearly defined mission, in search of the lost souls of the island of Cozy Grove and help them out. These specters are not there by chance, and that’s it they all have a tragic story behind their backs.

For one reason or another, this mysterious island has become the fate of lost souls, lacking in understanding and affection. Other Scouts have tried it before, looking for new medals, but in this case, we hope to be the ones who will succeed in helping the most rebellious specters. Some specters which, due to the characteristics of the island, have acquired a curious bear appearance, typical of previous titles in the study. Thanks to our ingenuity we can bring color and joy to the island, on top of that, it will test our survival skills. Of course, luckily not all souls are so “wicked”, and some will help us as well. The universe of this island awaits more secrets and stories than one can imagine, will you be able to fulfill your mission?

Classic mechanics but well adapted

The playable bet of Cozy Grove recalls in part what a Animal crossing, but with nuances that define their own personality. On the other hand, the two titles have in common an atmosphere and most relaxing gameplays

. It’s a game that, as its creators told us, it’s perfectly pleasant to devote an hour a day to accomplish certain missions. But for most players who want to put in a significant amount of time, I have to say that can get a little monotonous. Hence perhaps the recommendation of the creatives.

Throughout the adventure, we will spend a good part of our time exploring and using some key objects. After getting, for example, the shovel, we can dig in specific areas of the terrain to get new items, or use the fishing rod to catch fish and store them in our inventory. These same mechanisms will be essential to obtain the necessary resources to fulfill the missions.. In fact, some souls will ask us for very specific objects, for which we will have to explore or use ourselves thoroughly with fishing or other activities. Flambi will be the most important specterWell, besides being the first we meet, this talking bonfire will provide us with information and clues to meet the rest of the lost souls.

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Regarding the dialogues, a point that I liked is the fact that be able to choose certain lines at specific moments in the story, for example with Flambi or with these souls who help us. They may not alter the plot enough or involve entirely new lines of dialogue, but the detail is appreciated to see how the characters react to our responses. One of the details that I didn’t like so much about the playable aspect was the menu location

present on the screen. Management is very important, practically what else, but these menus they subtract a lot of visibility, occupying a space that could well be diverted to the lower area of ​​the screen. Even so, once we go through them, their design is very simple and intuitive.

How did our adventure through Cozy Grove go?

The truth is, the indie scene never ceases to amaze us. Sometimes we even come across a masterpiece that becomes an instant classic. Spry Fox’s work may still be a long way from that pedestal, but he shouldn’t be bothered by it. A job very well done. The adventure of our Spectral Scout manages to captivate the user, both visually and for the substance of its sympathetic narrative. Fully enter the island of Cozy Grove it is also to immerse oneself in the future of the lost souls who inhabit it. Its salvation depends on us, and although the experience does not imply anything revolutionary or new, it does not cease to be satisfying.

There are areas for improvement, as you would expect in virtually any video game. The situation of The menusWhile very intuitive, they overshadow a lot of the scene, and I think for a certain audience the gameplay can be a bit monotonous. Yes his wonderful soundtrack camouflages, or rather “apologizes” for certain flaws which, with a few simple mechanisms, allow you to resume the game and dive directly into Cozy Grove. Even the resource management surviving on the island is well developed, and at no time did I feel like I was lost or didn’t know what to do. If to all this we add a very personal and attractive artistic section, The result cannot be better.