10 Games I Recommend from the Wholesome Games Sale

I have become utterly obsessed with Wholesome Games since I covered my first event in 2021. Now all I do is look forward to playing the next one, and how not? They're usually humorous, adorable, and brimming with personality! Thanks to my new-found love, I've slowly gathered a nice collection of delightful games, and I would love to help you pick out some of the best ones during this Wholesome Games sale! Because I couldn't choose my favourites, these will be alphabetical!

#10 — Celeste

I know most people will already be familiar with Celeste, as it had quite a bit of a boom back in 2018, even being nominated for Game of the Year! It's no surprise, either, as Maddy Makes Games — the developer — tackles mental health in a genre that challenges you deeply: precision platformer.

Why I recommend it: There's a lot to love about Celeste: from simple things like the amazing soundtrack and vibrant visuals to the deep and emotional story. It's not over-the-top or hard to swallow, but it puts the point across well: you got this. It's hard to explain the emotions that tsunami'd me at the end of the game; you'll just have to try it out yourself! Or check out my wife's review first if you want more information!

#9 — Cosmonious High

It's funny that my wife was the one excited about VR, yet I became utterly obsessed with it when we finally got to buy a headset. Cosmonious High is a colourful, lighthearted VR title where you'll have to help the high school get back on its feet, make friends, and — most importantly — go to class!

Why I recommend it: I've played a few VR games here and there, and although I was smitten by so many of them (seriously, VR is incredible), none have wowed me as Cosmonious High did. The characters are adorable, the classes are remarkably fun, and it's very friendly to nausea-prone players! I couldn't recommend it more. Check out my review for a more in-depth look!

#8 — Garden of the Sea

Another great VR title is Garden of the Sea. This one is a bit more life/farming sim, as you'll get to decorate your house, go out exploring the land, and even craft and cook!

Why I recommend it: It has been one of the nicest experiences I've had in VR. While Cosmonious High is energised, vibrant, and loud, Garden of the Sea has you sailing quietly from island to island, petting animals and decorating. It was my go-to title every time I needed a break!

#7 — Harmony's Odyssey

I'm going to be honest with you, even after playing Harmony's Odyssey, I find it difficult to put into words what the game even is: it's just an insanely colourful puzzle title with tons of challenges for you to take on, from dioramic puzzles to mini-games, the game will keep you entertained!

Why I recommend it: Not many games can go toe-to-toe with Harmony's Odyssey when it comes to overwhelmingly vibrant style and adorable puzzles! It's an eye-candy title through and through, and the best part is that it has puzzles sprinkled on top of that!

#6 — Haven Park

Haven Park will always have a place in my heart. I went through quite a journey with it as it wasn't the type of game I expected, and I still somehow fell in love in spite of that. All you have to do is walk around the island, find campsites, restore them, and chat with the quirky characters!

Why I recommend it: The characters are charming and hilarious, and the exploration was shockingly diverse! I couldn't explain how much fun I had finding some of the secrets on the island and farming achievements without spoiling the game. Just trust me: if you like relaxing adventure titles like A Short Hike, then you should give this one a shot! Especially if you go in understanding it's not a title with a focus on decor. You can read my review here!

#5 — Lost in Play

I reviewed Lost in Play a while back, and I still think it's one of the most charming and lighthearted point-and-click adventures I have played! While most of them focus on more bizarre or serious topics, in this game, you'll just be playing as two siblings lost in their imagination as they play pretend. Solve puzzles as you jump between real life and their imagination!

Why I recommend it: It is too charming not to! Relaxing, cute, hilarious... there's no reason why anyone who likes a good point-and-click game won't find something to absolutely love about Lost in Play; even the name is witty! 

#4 — Pikuniku

One of my best friends gifted me Pikunikua while back, and although I was quite smitten by it, I couldn't fathom how much fun I would have with this silly 2D title! Although a bit short, it's chock-full of silly requests, puzzles, platforming, and just hilarious absurdity.

Why I recommend it: I 100% the game from how much I loved it. Although there's nothing profound about the narrative, the lighthearted and silliness of the entire game hooked me easily! And if you've got a friend, the co-op mode had my wife and I cry laughing. Feel free to read our review for more info!

#3 — Plantera 2: Golden Acorn

Although I didn't play Plantera 2 myself, my wife reviewed it and fell absolutely in love with it! The only complaint she had about the game is that it isn’t endless; I hadn't seen her that smitten in a while!

Why I recommend it: This adorable idle title had my wife completely melted over it, and honestly, whenever she becomes that enthralled with a game, it becomes a no-brainer to recommend it!

#2 — Pupperazzi

Yet another title gifted to me by my best friend because of our mutual (excessive) love for dogs! Pupperazzi is a simple and relaxing game where you'll just wander about taking pics of cute dogs and building up your in-game social media with them!

Why I recommend it: Another game I couldn't help but to 100%! Pupperazzi is full of charming dogs, hilariously dressed puppies, and a ton of silly picture-taking quests! If you like dogs and relaxing games, you're just wasting your time not getting it. Feel free to read my review on it for more info!

#1 — Untitled Goose Game

Finally, Untitled Goose Game was stuck in our backlog for a very long time. It's very easy to overlook the good fun you can have with it because it looks so simple! All you do is waddle around as a goose, cause chaos, and use your wit to get to the next area!

Why I recommend it: My wife and I laughed a lot when we got around to playing it! The goose honks, the waddling, and the sassy attitude the geese have is only half of the reason why you should be at least wishlisting this one because the puzzles are fantastic and fun! As always, check out our review here!

Bonus: Yoku's Island Express

I couldn't not add Yoku's Island Express, at least as a bonus! This vibrant pinball metroidvania title completely smit me despite me not liking pinball-style games! If you don't believe me, check out our review on it!

That’s it for my list! I hope you found tons of fantastic games. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the great memories and loving experiences I’ve had with them, so I hope you find that, too, if you get them! Feel free to leave a comment below, and let me know which ones got your attention! Remember, the sale only lasts until the 7th of August!