THE CRAZY CAT LADY BLOG
June 19, 2023: Shoutout to Targus!
I bought a Targus Newport backpack back in 2019 after dreaming about it for months. As soon as I saw it, I was in love. It's sleek, elegant, and practical. After these years of constant use, I noticed some of the stitches in the left strap were beginning to come apart, and I wasn't sure if Targus even had a program that would help me fix it, so I emailed their customer service with no expectations. This week I received a response from Targus customer service letting me know that they will replace my beloved backpack! That's how you do customer service. Kudos to Targus from a now loyal customer!
June 11, 2023: Relaxing games
Today's post features a list of the videogames I play to relax. They have different styles and belong to different genres, but they all appeal to me due to their self-paced nature. Some are turn-based and some have their day/night cycles, but they all allow the player to pause indefinitely.
My preference in videogames is mostly shaped by the games I played as a child: Harvest Moon, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Animal Crossing, and The Sims. These games share many similarities with the games listed below.
Unpacking
Every minute spent rotating little pixel-art books and arranging them in shelves feels like a minute well spent. This game combines simple gameplay with passive storytelling where each level represents a new chapter in the protagonist's life. Because you become attached to these possessions and spaces, you put extra effort to make sure objects are not just neatly organized, but that their placement in the room makes sense: plants should be next to windows and electronics away from them. Perfect to pick up for around 20 minutes for a mental break with quick gratification.
Official website
Townscaper
I own this game in it's version for iPad. The color palette quality and sound effects make this game feel like a living canvas. The point of this game is to build tiny floating buildings to your heart's desire. No rules, no limits. You tap buildings to make them taller or shorter, and when you feel like you've got a scene that looks pretty or interesting, you snap a screenshot. That's all there is to it! This is another small time-passing game for those looking for a flexible mental break that can be put away and picked up indefinitely.
Official website
Cats organized neatly
There are many puzzle games with the concept of arranging shapes within a constrained space, but I chose to feature this one because I think it's great value for its low price, and it was made by a small independent studio. Plus it features cats! what's not to love?
Official website
Traveller's Rest
I have some trouble pinpointing what makes this game so relaxing. Perhaps it's the medieval theme that gives TR a "simpler life" feeling. Usually, medieval-themed games feature adventures, magic, combat, and a nomadic gameplay, and this is exactly where Traveller's Rest shines as a new experience. You're not a legendary hero preocuppied with slaying monsters or saving the world. Instead, you're an inn owner who worries about keeping a pristine pub that serves quality products.
Please note that this game is still in active development.
Steam Page
Assemble with care
I currently own the PC version of this game, but an iPad version is also available through Apple Arcade. I recommend trying the iPad version, as it seems that the developers made this game with touch controls in mind, and the feeling of interaction with each level will feel much more organic than it does through use of a mouse. Much like Unpacking, AWC combines charming visuals with passive story-telling that give the player a sense of ownership over the objects being arranged.
Official website
May 13, 2023: Kitty cankles
I snapped an adorable picture of Paella's cankles. She's so cute!
