Steam 10/10 cozy free taster is a must-play amid wait for a new Animal Crossing entry

Earlier this year, Nintendo launched Animal Crossing: New Horizon’s 3.0 update, and while all of us thought it would be the start of a budding new era for the title, it proved to be quite the opposite.

Cozy gamers instead flocked to play Pokémon Pokopia, which was released a few weeks later, and I haven’t particularly heard anyone utter a peep about Animal Crossing: New Horizons since.

The game has had an incredible reign in the cozy gaming space, but it does appear to be over until a new instalment is announced by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch 2.

In the meantime, there is no shortage of cozy games to help you get that fun life sim feel.

Allow me, however, to share a recommendation that perhaps isn’t on your radar - and that’s MAFATE.

Developed by Blue Ramen Studios, MAFATE shares a visual kinship with Animal Crossing as you control an adorable character, exploring an island and conversing with NPCs.

However, MAFATE slightly steps away from tried-and-tested life sim tropes and instead offers more of an action-adventure spin on the formula.

“MAFATE is a cozy adventure inspired by the real-life location of Mafate - a secluded volcanic valley on Réunion Island that can only be reached on foot,” begins the synopsis.

“Step into the boots of a legendary mail carrier, hiking breathtaking environments to deliver letters, amplifying these isolated communities’ connections with each other, and preserving the beauty of a place unlike anywhere else on Earth.

“Accompanied by Luna, a young Creole girl mysteriously transformed into a magical camera, you'll uncover hidden stories, forge meaningful connections, and discover the quiet magic woven into everyday life.”

Blue Ridge Games

MAFATE is a game designed to promote enjoyment of the slower things in life. You’ll observe the nature that surrounds you, for example.

The game makes use of an “innovative composition system” so you can always get the perfect snap.

There are also adorable little blobby creatures called Biibiis who reside in Mafate, and you’ll want to photograph them all to complete a designated collection.

Luna, your magical camera/companion, can actually transfer her spirit into the various animals you’ll encounter, such as a duck, for example.

By doing this, Luna is able to access new paths, uncover secrets, and solve puzzles that the mail carrier cannot.

Of course, as a mailman, you need to actually deliver mail - and you’ll get to know Mafate’s NPCs very well by doing so.

READ MORE: 17 Cosy Animal Crossing Alternatives You Need to Play

Want to get your hands on MAFATE? A 10/10 rated free demo awaits

Unfortunately, MAFATE lacks a launch date, but we do know that it’s scheduled to launch on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch.

For now, you can get a free taste of what it has to offer courtesy of a demo that is exclusive to Steam.

The demo boasts a perfect score of 100%.

“Awesome game! Can't wait to get the full version of it. The music is great, and the way you're able to collect the photos is very well done. Kudos to the development team. Keep up the good work,” read one review.

“Really great game! I love the cozy vibe and the cute art style! Can't wait to play the whole game,” added another.

Now all we need is that release date.