7 Features That Make Aniimo the Perfect Open-World Cozy Game
I love a good cozy game, and they’ve become increasingly popular over the years as they become havens in a stressful and chaotic world. There have always been games that let you turn off your brain and focus on a…
I love a good cozy game, and they’ve become increasingly popular over the years as they become havens in a stressful and chaotic world. There have always been games that let you turn off your brain and focus on a gameplay loop, and cozy games are the end point of that goal.
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Aniimo is an open-world MMORPG, but it has so many mechanics featured in cozy games that it could absolutely qualify as one. It has relaxing vibes, a low-stakes story, and a whole homesteading system that basically turns it into a farming and decorating sim. In this way, it's similar to games like My Time at Sandrock, which is an open-world RPG but is also very much a cozy game. Like MTAS, Aniimo excels at both its cozy and open-world mechanics.
7 It Encourages a Routine
The Foundation of a Cozy Game
Routine is everything in a cozy game, and it doesn’t take long to establish one in Aniimo. Within a few days of playing, I got to the point where I had a list of things I had to do before I set off to capture Aniimo and explore. This creates a cozy gameplay loop, especially when you take your Homestead into account.
With such a big open-world, creating that routine is essential to get the important things out of the way and to make sure you don’t miss anything before moving onto something new. It's this gameplay loop that's akin to checking items off a list that makes Aniimo very much a cozy game.
6 The Open World is Peaceful and Beautiful
The Environment is Important to Set the Vibe
Open-world games can be tricky to balance, but Idyll is populated with Aniimo that are adorable and interact with each other and their environment. This makes exploring more dynamic, and adds a charming whimsy to a world that’s already beautiful and relaxing to explore.
Exploring is low-stakes, and there’s very little chance of being forced into a fight you can’t win. The dynamic weather system and day/night cycle bring new Aniimo, and with them opportunities to return to your favorite locations. Aside from that, there's something particularly appealing about having an entire world to explore without necessarily needing a specific objective in mind.
5 Aniimo is a Collection Game
Checking Off a List is Peak Cozy
Aniimo has over 200 species, with regional and weather variations for each one in addition to special forms like Alpha, Prismana, Sparkling, and Umbral. Like in Pokémon, there’s an Aniimo list that gradually fills as you capture new Aniimo.
There’s an element of coziness to this system and a satisfaction that comes with filling out a list. It makes exploring absolutely worth it just so you can catch at least one of everything. Special Aniimo forms need some extras, like Sparkling Cubes or nurturing the Vein, which makes it all the more fulfilling when you finally get them checked off.
4 You Can Build a Home
Homesteading and a Cottagecore Vibe
Building and decorating your own home and garden is expected of most cozy games these days, and Aniimo gives you a ton of opportunities to create your own personal space.
Through the Homeland system, you can establish a little home away from the adventures of Idyll. There is a lot of customization here, including how you arrange decorations and decor, and a system where you slowly develop your space as you progress.
The Homeland system is one of my favorite mechanics in Aniimo, and you can sink potentially dozens of hours into it. It’s a welcome change of pace from exploring the wider world, particularly if you enjoy having somewhere to return to after a long day of adventuring.
3 Aniimo Has a Farming System
The Classic Cozy Activity
There’s a reason why farming is one of the most popular gameplay loops in cozy games. Aniimo’s farming system doesn’t do anything revolutionary, but it also works because it plays it safe. The automation system here is to use the Aniimo you’ve collected, with different Aniimo specializing in different production tasks. It’s a simple system that lets you reap the harvest as well as letting you focus more on aesthetics.
Farming also provides another way to gather resources and make progress without constantly exploring Idyll, including getting Prismana eggs. Combined with the ability to assign Aniimo to different Homeland activities, it gives players another reason to invest time in developing their home.
2 Twining Changes Exploration
There's Variation That Makes it Easier
One of Aniimo's most interesting mechanics is Twining, which allows you to transform into the Aniimo you’ve collected. The Exploration page in Aniimo lets you assign Aniimo to three roles: swimming, climbing, and flying. For example, when jumping off a cliff, you automatically Twine with the Aniimo you’ve assigned, even if they’re not in your active party.
This makes exploration really seamless, and blockers like a cliff side or mountain never offer a significant challenge, removing a lot of the frustration that usually comes with open-world games. It also gives you more reason to keep different types of Aniimo around. Personally, I much prefer exploring the world with Twining, even if my character is on solid ground.
1 Co-Op and Multiplayer
Play With Friends
I usually prefer single-player games, but I will admit that some games benefit a lot from co-op. Aniimo is one of them. There are several ways to go about this, including connecting with irl friends, or befriending others nearby. While it's not essential, it's a nice feature that gives some bonuses.
Friends have several roles in Aniimo, the most valuable of which is being able to share resources and trade Aniimo. They also give a boost for Homesteading rewards. It’s also fun to just explore Idyll together. Co-op is a part of many cozy games, and building something together is always rewarding in many ways.
8.5/10