Although the indie gaming market may not draw the attention and crowds that the AAA gaming space does, it remains the realm where the most experimentation and innovation takes place. In recent years, the "wholesome games" niche has greatly expanded within the indie gaming market, and developers have created games that cater to gamers who are looking for a cute, cheerful experience without the blood and bullets that are central to plenty of mainstream titles. Gamers can also tune into the annual Wholesome Direct events, which highlight the latest and greatest wholesome titles that indie games fans should look out for - a description that perfectly fits Ooblets.

This year has seen its fair share of wholesome games get released, including BlueTwelve Studio's Stray, which focuses on an orange cat who falls into a cyberpunk world and must find their way home. However, the most wholesome game of 2022 may just be the aforementioned Ooblets. Gamers have gotten glimpses of the game already thanks to early access which was available since 2020, though the game was officially launched at the start of September. Undeniably, it borrows many elements from Pokemon, though it does enough differently to carve out a unique, lovable identity for itself. For gamers who are looking for laid-back gaming, a cast of quirky characters, and cute visuals, Ooblets is not to be missed.

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The Wholesome World of Ooblets

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Developed by Glumberland, Ooblets is a life simulation game, and it begins with gamers picking out a name for themselves and designing their playable character. Players then take a boat ride to Badgetown, which is located in Oob. Here, players have the chance to escape the humdrum of their hometown for greater adventures. Armed with no money or possessions, players discover that Oob is a strange place filled with quirky characters, sunny skies, and cute critters called ooblets that can be collected.

As players explore Badgetown and meet the eccentric townspeople, they realize that the town is in dire straits, and it needs a lot of help. As gratitude for the mayor granting players a free farmhouse to live in, players can complete various activities around town to help Badgetown become a far more attractive place. When players are not completing these activities, they can make friends in Badgetown, engage in some farming, and explore other exciting regions in Oob.

Because Ooblets is a life simulator, players will also have to manage vital stats such as energy, which makes sleep a necessity. Players are not stuck in the garbs they start with, as they can also purchase clothing and accessories to make their character look perfect. It is also necessary for players to join one of Badgetown's clubs, and they are varied enough to cater to different personalities. For example, shy players can join the Mimpins, who are awkward but good with technology, while players who love all things cute can join the Frunbuns.

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Part of what makes Ooblets stand out is its non-stop wholesomeness. Its art style is soft and colorful, and gameplay is slow-paced and calm, allowing players to take their time completing tasks or just exploring Oob. Furthermore, the game incorporates its own lingo, which gives everything a cutesy name. Hence, friends are Frenz, instead of making transactions using money, players use Gummies, and in place of a regular watering can, players use a Dribbly Can instead. This, together with its calming soundtrack and lovable cast of characters, makes Ooblets a must-play title for fans of the ever-growing wholesome games indie market. The stars of the game aren't the people, however. Instead, it is the cute ooblets that easily capture the hearts of gamers, and although the ooblets partake in battles, they manage to do even that in the most adorable way possible.

The Ooblets Dance Battles Will Bring a Smile to One's Face

Ooblets Getting A Lumpstump Seed After A Battle

Ooblets borrows many elements from the Pokemon franchise, and gamers will instantly notice how ooblets are collected, leveled up, and battled in a style quite similar to Pokemon. However, Ooblets manages to put a unique twist on things that makes it one of the most wholesome games of the year. While Pokemon can be hatched from eggs, in Ooblets, players plant ooblet seeds which, when watered and cared for, eventually grow into ooblets that follow players around.

There are many types of ooblets, and much like shiny Pokemon will occasionally show up in their games, Ooblets features very rare Gleamies. Admittedly, the ooblet designs aren't as impressive as most Pokemon designs, though they are cute enough to melt hearts, which is all they need to do.

When it is time for ooblets to battle, they do not hurl violent attacks at each other. In keeping with the wholesome theme, they instead have an epic dance battle where the best moves win. The battles are turn-based, and each turn, players are given beats and a handful of cards to spend their beats on. The cards may feature dance moves for the player's ooblet to perform, or they may grant the player an advantage or status effects. The first ooblet to gain the designated number of points is the winner. Perhaps the meanest thing players can do is use a move that steals points from their competitor, but other than that, the dance battles are the most wholesome form of competition. With the game's funky soundtrack on blast and cute ooblets shaking to the music, battles are far more amusing than they are intense.

Ooblets is more than just its feel-good aesthetic, and the gameplay and dance battles are fun to engage in. Much like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, Ooblets provides a cozy setting for players to immerse themselves in while they complete tasks at their own pace. It is not a game that will have hearts pumping fast, but it is one that is easy to fall in love with.

Ooblets is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One.

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