An upcoming cosy game that ticks all the boxes.
Remnants of Yore combines some of my favourite cosy games, such as Moonlighter, Stardew Valley, and Hades. Yes, Hades can be classed as a cosy game, at least to me.
You play as Yore, a cute black wizard cat who finds himself in the small village of Aurelia. The thing is, now that Yore has entered the village, something is stopping him from leaving.
Despite being a wizard who works primarily with plants, he can’t find a way out, thanks to the ominous corruption spreading through the forest.
As he explores Aurelia, he discovers an antique store which seems to have been abandoned. With nobody else in sight, Yore takes the opportunity to settle in. Within this antique store, he begins to see spirits in the various objects that reside there, much to his surprise. I love a good trinket, but I’m not sure how I’d feel if it housed a mysterious spirit…
Yore, being the brave kitty he is, takes it upon himself to venture through the forest to investigate the corruption. Using his own magical abilities, accompanied by the villagers, he courageously sets out to save the day.
So, that covers the overarching plot, but what’s the gameplay like?
As Yore settles into the antique store, he reopens it with the plan of selling various antique items and artifacts. Reminiscent of Moonlighter, you can set your own prices and watch the customers waltz in to browse the wares on offer.
Make sure to adjust prices to an agreeable amount to ensure your stock flies off the shelves! While the spirits won’t try to sabotage the shop by flinging the antiques off said shelves, they do pose a challenge for Yore – should he set them free? Or should he keep them to unlock new boons?
Exploring the forest is where the roguelike aspects come in. Each run is procedurally generated, keeping each venture unique. With a variety of powers and items to experiment with, you can tailor your builds to find what works best for you.
Using different herbs you’ve collected, you can craft a wide selection of spells to wield in combat. The amount of uses is finite, though, so ensure you stock up on herbs to craft enough spells before heading into the forest.
Despite the corruption, the village of Aurelia is bustling with a wide array of characters to meet. Give them gifts, complete daily tasks for them, and work through their quests to increase your bonds with the villagers. Take note of the Friendship Meter, as this alters how the story unfolds.
By collecting materials throughout your adventures, you’re helping the villagers to keep their shops afloat and keep a roof over their heads. It’s a real community effort, and it pays off to see the little village thrive.
Whilst Yore is a new addition to Aurelia, he quickly becomes a beloved member, thanks to his bravery. I’m sure he’ll become a fan-favourite for players, too.
If I’ve piqued your interest, and you’re in the market for a new cosy game, make sure to add Remnants of Yore to your wishlist on Steam.
You can keep up with any announcements and sneak peeks by joining the game’s community on Discord. There’s also the official Tiktok account for lots more fun content!
