Mineko’s Night Market Review: Craft, Cats, and Cozy Vibes in a Charming World
A whimsical adventure about crafting, exploring, and uncovering the secrets of a cat-filled village while running your own night market
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch, PS5
Genre: Shop Sim, Life Sim, Exploration, Puzzle
Developer: Meowza Games
Publisher: Humble Games
How Cozy? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Very Cozy
Game Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐ /5
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🫶
If you love games that blend crafting, exploration, and a dash of mystery all wrapped in a charming, storybook aesthetic, then Mineko’s Night Market might just be your next cozy obsession. You play as Mineko, a curious girl who moves to a quiet village with a deep love for cats! Between running your own market, uncovering town secrets, and befriending the locals, there’s a lot to enjoy. But does the game live up to its adorable premise?
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Story
Mineko arrives in a peaceful village where people once worshiped the legendary Sun Cat, Nikko. But lately, the town feels different. Strange figures lurk around, and something’s off. It’s up to you to uncover the mystery while also bringing the community back to life. The story unfolds gradually, adding just the right amount of intrigue while keeping things lighthearted. Plus, there are plenty of quirky NPCs to interact with, each with their own charming personalities.
Gameplay
The heart of Mineko’s Night Market lies in crafting, exploring, and running your own market stall. You’ll gather resources, make handmade items, and sell them at the weekly night market. The market nights are especially fun, you set up your booth, interact with customers, and compete in mini games.
These mini games include cat races, and fun little quests that keep things fresh. The pacing is pretty relaxed, making it a great game to pick up when you just want to unwind. That said, some activities can feel a bit repetitive over time, but if you enjoy the loop of collecting, crafting, and selling, there’s plenty to do.
Graphics and Visuals
The game looks like a storybook come to life, soft colors, hand-painted textures, and a cozy, illustrated art style that’s full of personality. The town is a joy to explore, with little details that make it feel warm and inviting. The character designs are also super cute, and of course, the cats steal the show.
Longevity
The game isn’t massive, you can complete it in around 30 hours. But there’s plenty to keep you busy. If you’re the type of player who loves collecting every item, completing every quest, and experiencing every little interaction, you’ll find a lot of joy in the details. However, if you prefer a fast-paced experience, the slow, meandering nature of the game might feel a bit tedious.
Conclusion
Mineko’s Night Market is a delightful mix of crafting, community, and cozy storytelling. It’s the perfect game for when you want something relaxing yet engaging, with a unique art style and a sprinkle of mystery. While the gameplay loop might feel a bit repetitive for some, if you love charming worlds, quirky characters, and (of course) cats, you’ll should have fun with this game!
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