Digital Shorts: ‘Forest Home’ Review (Nintendo Switch)

In DIGITAL SHORTS we review some of the latest video games that are only available digitally (at least in the UK), in a short-form review format. In this edition Chris takes a look at cutesy puzzle game Forest Home.

From developers NextGen Reality, Forest Home is an addictive puzzle game that is perfect for a pick-up-and-play gaming style. It works well on the handheld capabilities of the Switch as well as on the TV, and is a simple but effective title that I personally had a lot of fun playing.

I initially put the game on with the intention of “just one minute” to try it out, and an hour later I was still playing. It’s addictive in the same manner of games like Peggle. Simple mechanics that take some planning and thought in order to perfect. The basic aim of the game is to fill a box by leading a variety of cute animals along a path to their specific homes. As the game progresses and becomes more challenging, you must avoid dangers, obstacles and even pick up food along the way. It’s easy to understand yet becomes more and more challenging, just like all the good puzzle games do.

There’s a lot of game here too, especially when you consider the replay value of Forest Home. You get awarded up to three stars per single level, depending on how well you did. Going back to pick up all the stars of each level presents hours of gameplay opportunity. The graphical style is charming. The animals, from foxes, wolves and rabbits, to bears and frogs, are designed in a very primary and cutesy way that will appeal to both young and old gamers. This isn’t just a kids game though, which you might expect when you look at the cover art on the store. Like many puzzle games that have come before, it is something anybody can pick up and enjoy.

You go from land to land, forests, mountains and swamps, and attempt to lead the creatures to safety. There are boss-levels from time to time, unlockables and plenty to do to keep you interested for a good long while. I thought the learning curve was just right, and there’s even a mode that allows you to choose easier or harder levels depending on the age or abilities of the player.

NextGen Reality, and publishers Binary Mill, have nailed it with Forest Home. It is advertised as a “simple yet addictive” game, and it is just that. It looks lovely, plays smoothly and keeps you clicking “next” and saying “let me just play another level”. Good stuff, indeed.

Forest Home is available on the Nintendo eShop now.