Littlewood

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,819 reviews
  • grinding
  • story
  • gameplay
Littlewood Game Cover
Littlewood might just be the perfect casual game, blending farming RPGs, roguelites, and city builders into one neat package.
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Littlewood is a single-player, kid-friendly open world game with an interesting plot and awesome gameplay. In this game, you explore the vast world of Solemn, meet townsfolk, collect materials, and customize your own town while fulfilling requests to unlock new structures and memories of your past. Despite some bugs, Littlewood offers a fantastic atmosphere and plenty of humor in its wholesome story.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,819 reviews
story469 positive mentions
grinding1,929 negative mentions
  • Charming pixel art and relaxing gameplay make it a delightful experience.
  • The time mechanic, where time only progresses with actions, allows for a stress-free gaming experience.
  • A wide variety of activities, including farming, fishing, and building relationships, keeps the gameplay engaging.
  • The game becomes grindy in the late stages, with repetitive tasks and little reward for completion.
  • The story feels unfinished, with many plot points left unresolved and no satisfying conclusion.
  • Character interactions can become repetitive quickly, lacking depth and variety.
  • grinding1,949 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Littlewood" has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the game's relaxed pace and the absence of time constraints, they note that it can become excessively grindy, especially in the late game when pursuing achievements or completing collections. Players who enjoy grinding for resources and leveling up skills find satisfaction in the gameplay, but others feel that the repetitive tasks can lead to tedium and a lack of meaningful rewards, particularly as the game progresses. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a defining feature that may appeal to fans of the genre, but it can also deter those looking for a more varied or story-driven experience.

    • “Overall, I think the concept is great, the pace is relaxing, and the crafting is not too grindy.”
    • “Fishing also isn't tedious at all.”
    • “No tedious inventory management.”
    • “To get the last person to join your village, you need to do some pretty grindy things (breeding flowers etc to get all the books), so I'd seriously consider whether you want to grind for 25 hours to do that and consider stopping at that point before you get them instead.”
    • “The late-game content is really lacking and grindy, which is a shame because this game could've really shined.”
    • “The grinding and unlocking cycle, while not paced perfectly like I said, is satisfying.”
  • story1,594 mentions

    The story in "Littlewood" is centered around a hero who has saved the world but suffers from amnesia, leading to a focus on rebuilding the town and interacting with its quirky inhabitants. While the premise is intriguing and offers a charming backdrop, many players feel the narrative lacks depth and resolution, often leaving them wanting more closure and character development. Overall, the game is enjoyable for its relaxing gameplay and cute aesthetics, but those seeking a rich, engaging story may find it lacking.

    • “The story is kinda upside-down, as you play as the hero who has already saved the world, and your task is to rebuild it.”
    • “It's captivating, story rich and peaceful.”
    • “The story unfolds at a great pace, and the lore!”
    • “The story is unfinished by the devs, the very end is simply missing.”
    • “The story lacks a satisfying end and with how basic features are not there, you're unable to truly feel satisfied.”
    • “The entire game hints at some big story moments, but the game culminates in a small area where you can't actually do anything or go anywhere.”
  • gameplay1,360 mentions

    The gameplay of *Littlewood* is characterized by its charming, simplistic mechanics that prioritize a relaxed, stress-free experience over complexity. Players appreciate the unique energy-based time system, which allows for a leisurely pace, but many note that the gameplay can become repetitive after a few hours, lacking depth and variety in tasks. While it offers a satisfying loop of resource gathering and town building reminiscent of *Stardew Valley* and *Animal Crossing*, some players feel it ultimately falls short in terms of content and character development, making it more suitable for casual play rather than long-term engagement.

    • “It has an incredibly satisfying game loop that constantly rewards you (motivating you to keep playing 'just one more day!') while also feeling super cozy and zero stress because there's no time mechanic in the game.”
    • “The gameplay loop is just so addictive and relaxing.”
    • “I love how it manages the time mechanic.”
    • “The gameplay loop is shallow but I found it pretty fun.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive, but by this time it feels like there is little or no reward for continuous progression.”
    • “The gameplay loop is very simplistic and gets boring well before you get close to finishing the achievements, there is no story and the characters are all very very shallow.”
  • graphics791 mentions

    The graphics of "Littlewood" are characterized by a charming and simplistic pixel art style that many players find endearing. While some may initially perceive the visuals as basic, they contribute to the game's cozy atmosphere and nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic titles like Pokémon and early Harvest Moon games. Overall, the cute and colorful graphics enhance the relaxing gameplay experience, making it appealing to fans of the genre.

    • “The graphics are adorable and give a 'kawaii', new, and fresh revamp of the pixel style that I fall in love with again and again.”
    • “The art style is super cute and the characters are funny.”
    • “The graphics are cute and bright, with a story to match.”
    • “All of those factors in Littlewood are quite lackluster, the character development is bland and the graphics are not polished enough to be truly immersive.”
    • “However, this game has to go up against Stardew Valley and sadly is overshadowed by it as Stardew has better gameplay, graphics and social interactions this game can't offer.”
    • “Although I like the idea of a Stardew Valley with no timer or combat, the game world just feels a bit bland, both in terms of the aesthetic and the character interactions.”
  • music434 mentions

    The music in "Littlewood" is widely praised for its soothing and charming qualities, effectively enhancing the game's relaxing atmosphere. While many players appreciate the delightful soundtrack, some note that it can become repetitive over time, suggesting a desire for more variety. Overall, the music complements the cute graphics and gameplay, making it a pleasant experience for players looking to unwind.

    • “The music is calming, the graphics are adorable, and everything just fits together.”
    • “The music is incredible, the mood it sets immediately gives me the kind of 'I can listen to this for 15 hours and not be bored of it' vibes that the Sims music always gave me.”
    • “The soothing soundtrack adds to the calm atmosphere, making it easy to get lost in the world of solemn.”
    • “The soundtrack is there, playing in the background, trying its best to lull you into a state of tranquility, that is, until you heard it enough times to the point it starts to get on your nerves.”
    • “The music was a bit repetitive, I must confess after about 20 hours I turned it off and listened to my choice of tunes.”
    • “It's frankly pathetic that the music doesn't loop properly (this might be fixed in version 1.0, I'm not sure).”
  • emotional264 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Littlewood" is characterized by its wholesome and heartwarming gameplay, which fosters a sense of comfort and joy among players. Many reviews highlight the game's charming characters, engaging dialogues, and the emotional rewards derived from building relationships within the community, making it a soothing escape for those seeking a relaxing gaming experience. However, some players note a lack of depth in emotional engagement compared to similar titles, suggesting that while the game is delightful and uplifting, it may not fully satisfy those looking for a more profound narrative experience.

    • “For those seeking a heartwarming and serene gaming experience, Littlewood is a must-play.”
    • “Its emotionally engaging story, simplistic yet addictive activities, and the soothing respite it offers make it a must-play for those seeking solace and serenity in their gaming journeys.”
    • “Not only is this game humorous, wholesome, and at some points emotional, but it allows you to work at your own pace.”
  • humor146 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its lightheartedness and charm, featuring cute and funny characters that engage players with humorous dialogue and quirky interactions. Many reviewers highlight the satirical elements and the amusing dynamics between NPCs, particularly enjoying the comedic moments that arise during gameplay. Overall, the game's blend of wholesome humor and engaging character interactions creates a relaxing and enjoyable experience for players.

    • “There are satirical elements to it, and the characters are funny. Overall, the game is much more lighthearted than other games of a similar nature, which I enjoy.”
    • “I went from thinking 'I'm going to spend the whole day chopping wood,' to running into Bubsy, hearing the intensely eyebrowed bird-person say something funny, and then wondering what he'd want in his house. Having him tag along while I built things for his house just so I could hear what else he's got to say was a delightful experience.”
    • “The humor in this game is quite on point, and the dialogue is absolutely fantastic.”
  • replayability88 mentions

    Overall, the game "Littlewood" is criticized for its lack of replayability, with many players noting that once the main objectives are completed, there is little incentive to return. While some enjoy the initial playthrough and find it charming, the repetitive grinding and limited content after completion diminish its long-term appeal compared to more replayable titles like "Stardew Valley." Players express a desire for additional features or modes to enhance replay value, but many agree that it is best suited for a single playthrough.

    • “It goes by quicker than you'd think, but it's also got tons of replayability.”
    • “Having a lot of fun and the replay value for me is really high.”
    • “There is not a ton of replayability, but with the energy system and having to balance tasks and goals, you can squeeze many hours into the game.”
    • “However, the story drops off abruptly, late game grinding is a slog, and the game generally has no replayability because of this.”
    • “There's unfortunately not a lot of replay value once you've completed everything.”
    • “The replayability is not great honestly, the game won't go any differently, you will have to grind everything again, endgame is also not spectacular.”
  • atmosphere78 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is consistently described as cozy, calming, and inviting, with a soothing soundtrack that enhances the experience. Players appreciate the lack of pressure, allowing them to immerse themselves in the whimsical world and engage with lovable characters at their own pace. Comparisons to titles like Stardew Valley highlight its relaxing vibe, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a laid-back gaming experience.

    • “The soothing soundtrack adds to the calm atmosphere, making it easy to get lost in the world of solemn.”
    • “The atmosphere is very relaxing and laid back, definitely the kind of game you can get lost in for hours.”
    • “The game is cute, but could have nailed the 'cozy atmosphere and experience' a lot more by focusing on elements of narrative, setting, landscape art, and perhaps even music.”
    • “The soundtrack isn't killer, obviously, but it lends to the atmosphere so well.”
    • “The atmosphere feels similar to life in the valley - it's warm, comforting, like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.”
  • character development44 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally viewed as lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that interactions and storylines feel repetitive and flat, especially compared to similar titles like Stardew Valley. While the character designs are praised for their cuteness and distinct personalities, players express a desire for more substantial growth and unique dialogue to enhance long-term engagement. Overall, there is a sense of missed potential in character development, with hopes for improvement in future updates.

    • “Character designs are cute, and the personalities of different people are actually very different.”
    • “The writing is funny and sweet, and there's just enough story and character development to help with the grind of a farming game without overshadowing all of the skills you can learn.”
    • “The charm of the game is in its cute art style and the slow drip of story and character development that makes you care about managing your little town.”
    • “There is such a missed opportunity to have some story or character development.”
    • “All of those factors in Littlewood are quite lackluster; the character development is bland and the graphics are not polished enough to be truly immersive.”
    • “The character development stops, the little rewards stop, and you basically are doing the same things every day.”
  • stability36 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report minimal glitches and smooth performance, especially on lower-end systems, others have encountered occasional bugs that can affect gameplay. As it is still in early access, some users note that there are issues to be addressed, but many find the experience enjoyable despite these minor setbacks. Regular updates from the developer are seen as a positive sign for future improvements.

    • “I encountered no glitches or bugs.”
    • “The game runs great, everything from loading to in-game performance. Of course, the game is not very demanding, but it runs at a solid 60 FPS on my laptop, which does not even have a GPU.”
    • “If the problem is fixed, I'd love to buy it again in the future, but don't waste your money if glitches are not actually being worked on.”
    • “I have enjoyed this game, but I find it hard to spend more than a half hour at a time on it—not due to the game design, which is interesting and captivating, but due to the amount of lagging and glitches I get.”
    • “Granted, there are still a lot of bugs and glitches to be ironed out, but the developer is definitely great, keeping in touch with the community and doing his best to push out updates whenever he can.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    Overall, the game is well-optimized, running smoothly on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, with good controls and no significant performance issues. While it performs well even on low-spec hardware, some users noted minor camera stuttering when using different input methods. Despite some players feeling that focusing on optimization can detract from enjoyment, the game remains stable and bug-free in early access.

    • “It also plays great on the Steam Deck, so that is a plus: good controls, no performance issues, and long-lasting battery life, making it a great 'portable' title.”
    • “The game runs great, everything from loading to in-game performance. Of course, the game is not very demanding, but it runs at a solid 60 FPS on my laptop, which does not even have a GPU.”
    • “For a game in early access, it runs smoothly, and in 11 hours of gameplay and nearly 1 in-game year, I haven't come across any bugs.”
    • “In my experience, I'd say taking an optimization approach and min-maxing takes some enjoyment out of the experience; however, to each their own.”
    • “Since using a controller and mouse and keyboard can cause camera stuttering, which made me feel slightly nauseous.”
    • “The game runs great, everything from loading to in-game performance; of course, the game is not very demanding, but it runs at a solid 60 on my laptop, which does not even have a GPU.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization of the game is perceived as a cash grab, with users noting a lack of updates and a simplistic, ad-supported model reminiscent of mobile games. While it avoids microtransactions and time limits, the overall experience is seen as less challenging and lacking depth compared to other titles in the genre.

    • “No updates ever... cash grab”
    • “It almost feels like a phone game minus the microtransactions and time limits on when things get built.”
    • “I would say the only 'drawback' of this game is that it isn't challenging or as in-depth (lore, characters) as other games in this genre; all you have to do is watch the ads for this game to know it's more of a wholesome, innocent no-stakes take on crafting and townbuilding.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Buy Littlewood

Play time

18hMedian play time
52hAverage play time
11-40hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 140 analyzed playthroughs

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