In the ever-expanding landscape of video games, there are titles that capture our imagination with their stunningly crafted worlds and engaging gameplay. Every now and then, I find myself abandoning all of my daily responsibilities to wander through the enchanting realm of Book Of Travels, a unique tiny MMO developed by Might And Delight. This game stands out not only for its visually striking graphics but also for its immersive atmosphere. It features expansive, picturebook-like horizons, vibrant shades of greenery, and whimsical tiny wanderers moving gracefully alongside beautifully shaped clouds.

Recently, Might And Delight announced their upcoming project, a cosy decoration game titled Twinkleby. While it may not possess the same level of mystery that draws players into Book Of Travels, it promises a wholesome experience centered around the charm of antique dollhouses. A trailer has been released, showcasing its inviting and colorful aesthetics.

In Twinkleby, players will have the opportunity to construct cutaway houses perched on floating islands, decorating them with a variety of furnishings such as cozy sofas and charming lamp posts. As players progress in the game, they will attract quirky, vagrant bobble-head characters who arrive via astral sailboats, presenting requests that players can fulfill to earn additional rewards. This aspect of gathering and nurturing characters evokes memories of transforming wild creatures into residents in the beloved game Viva Pinata.

The games campaign unfolds like a delightful series of pastel-colored asteroid transformations, where players can uncover map fragments that unlock hidden islands. Additionally, players can collect shooting stars to spend at a unique establishment known as Molligans Antiques. Expectations are high for this shop, with hopes that it will serve as a treasure trove of vintage toys, inspired by the creative whims of its designers. Notably, Twinkleby is a stress-free environment: there are no losing conditions and no game overs, allowing players to personalize their dioramas to their heart's content.

However, every wholesome game often features an intriguing undercurrent of darkness, and Twinkleby is no exception. While Animal Crossing introduces the concept of mortgages, Twinkleby gives players the option to discard anything or anyone they find displeasing, akin to a spoiled child. This mechanism allows players to simply toss unwanted items over the edge of their islands, returning them to their inventory.

The Steam page for Twinkleby cheekily invites players to Expand your collection, discover antique secrets, decorate, and when you change your mind evict everyone and throw their furniture into space! The use of the word evict raises eyebrows and may lead one to ponder if this game has an underlying satirical commentary on player agency. Could it be possible that the bobble-head characters will band together to form a cooperative to challenge the players authority?

Players can expect to see Twinkleby launching in 2025. While the visual design and concept are mostly appealing, I did find myself slightly put off by a particular sound effect used when placing objects in the game. The familiar kiss pop sound, which has become a staple in cozy building games, feels overly familiar and, in my opinion, detracts from the immersive experience. It evokes memories of those whimsical, sentient doors from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, designed to sigh contentedly when someone walks through them. Perhaps its time for a new generation of cozy game developers to innovate beyond the kiss pop, exploring fun alternatives like musical fart noises or the delightful clatter of actual dollhouse furnishings.