In recent years, I’ve struggled to connect with the “cozy” gaming trend. While I enjoy games like farming simulators or crafting (I adore Atelier and Rune Factory), there’s a part of me that feels uneasy about games that are predominantly focused on tasks and labor being presented in a sugary, overly cheerful way. Regardless of how adorable the job might seem, it’s still work at the end of the day. Tanuki: Pon’s Summer appears to be a “cozy” game, but it has a grittier edge that sets it apart. It’s enjoyable to have a cute raccoon boy delivering mail in a local community, but deep down, he yearns to do more exciting things on his BMX bike. And isn’t that something we all can relate to?
In a small village, Pon works part-time at the post office, but his supervisor claims he’s not fully committed due to his passion for BMX riding. Instead of being engrossed in his job, Pon yearns to perform daring stunts on his bike, slide along rails, and experience the thrill of the wind as a furry ball while accumulating impressive scores. This energetic character is not just a postal worker; he has dreams that extend beyond his current role, considering his work with the mail as secondary.
During my brief spin at Critical Reflex’s booth during PAX East 2025, it seems like I merely handed over a parcel once. Instead, I spent my time leisurely cycling, taking in the delightful blend of guitar melodies punctuating the comforting lo-fi ambiance that played while performing other tasks. The controls bore a resemblance to a Tony Hawk game, but with an added layer of leniency. A botched trick would effortlessly land, which felt fitting. Fortunately, I never lost the package, though it could have been a humorous nod to Death Stranding – I’m uncertain as I haven’t played that game myself.
While I wasn’t busy delivering mail during my rounds, a fellow from Critical Reflex approached my station to establish several “Game of the Show” accolades from diverse outlets at the event. It seemed that Pon’s Summer was resonating strongly with attendees, and I couldn’t help but ponder if it wasn’t partially due to this PAX coinciding with a summer filled with unrest in our industry. Instead of discussions about favorite games, people were sharing their concerns – job losses, tariffs, and the flickers of hope that came from considering independent work.
Despite his work duties, this small raccoon-like animal was obviously enjoying the moment, choosing to have some fun instead. As I concluded my demonstration, I encountered a man honing his sumo martial arts skills, and he showed Pon the ropes of sumo wrestling. Even in a job that may seem monotonous, there’s still space for passion and commitment – as demonstrated by the “this job can be boring” phrase. There are complexities to navigate between pursuing dreams and finding fulfillment, and both can coexist, such as excelling at sumo wrestling while holding a job. Sometimes these paths can intersect in an interesting manner.
Initially, I wasn’t completely certain what Pon’s Summer would entail overall, with tasks like delivering mail, performing bike stunts, and learning sumo. Yet, it was an enjoyable experience, though perhaps not my favorite part of the game. However, the mounting pile of awards hinted at its quality. It’s a game that provokes contemplation beyond the screen, and I eagerly await seeing more of it when the complete version is released. We’ll learn soon enough.
In the works for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch is “Tanuki: Pon’s Summer.” At PAX East 2025, the publisher granted us access to a demo version of the game.
Read More
- Death Stranding 2 smashes first game’s Metacritic score as one of 2025’s best games
- Here Are All of Taylor Swift’s Albums in Order of Release Date (2025 Update)
- Best Heavy Tanks in World of Tanks Blitz (2025)
- [FARM COSMETICS] Roblox Grow a Garden Codes (May 2025)
- CNY RUB PREDICTION
- List of iOS 26 iPhones: Which iPhones Are Supported?
- Delta Force Redeem Codes (January 2025)
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Vitality Triumphs Over The MongolZ To Win The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
- Overwatch 2 Season 17 start date and time
2025-07-03 23:57