I can’t keep in mind the final time I finished a video game. I’ve had my Nintendo Switch Lite for 2 years now, and it’s riddled with various titles I’ve deserted for one cause or one other. I typically scroll via the Nintendo eShop, watching dozens of trailers seeking a sport that may hook my ADHD mind, however nothing ever feels fairly tantalizing. And now I really feel responsible that my Switch sees most of its days tucked away in a drawer.

As a child, I used to be at all times into simulation-style video games (The Sims, Mall Tycoon, and Nintendogs, to call a number of) and that has carried over into my maturity. I’ve lengthy struggled to discover a sport that scratches this itch although—devoid of aspect quests, intense customization, a number of storylines, and difficult ranges. That is, till a few months in the past, when a TikTok video about “cozy Nintendo Switch games” appeared on my For You web page. 

Among the checklist was Lemon Cake—a bakery-management sport the place the primary objective is to restore a bakery by studying recipes, baking treats, adorning the area, and serving prospects. That’s all there’s to it, however I used to be entranced the minute I downloaded it. Between the easy storyline, straightforward gameplay, calming background music, and lovely graphics, I lastly discovered what I’d been trying to find—a sport that’s extra soothing than overstimulating. I really completed it.

If you purchase one thing utilizing hyperlinks in our tales, we could earn a fee. This helps help our journalism. Learn more.

A Relaxing Restoration

What drew me to Lemon Cake was that it felt like a combination of Stardew Valley, Cooking Mama, and Diner Dash in a single—however extra subdued. Rather than reviving a farm and finishing quests all through the village, your solely duty is restoring a rundown bakery. Instead of chopping, slicing, cooking, and plating meals, you simply throw some elements right into a bowl and bake them within the oven. With solely two tables to serve and clear up after, the sport not often will get too hectic.

There’s a good quantity of route too. You’re graced with the presence of Miss Bonbon—the (considerably) pleasant ghost you’ve inherited the bakery from—who helps information you towards getting the enterprise absolutely up and working. She finally turns into your assistant, serving to serve espresso to prospects and transfer pastries from the kitchen to the show window.