Memories are evergreen in the wholesome world of Pine Hearts. As Tyke, you’ve returned to the sprawling nature preserve you used to visit with your late dad. Set up a tent, find lost glasses, and do other good deeds for random folks while recalling adventures you shared with your pop—and gain the skills needed to climb the mountain you never conquered together.

What we love: The sensitive portrayal of grief. Heartfelt vignettes show us the special relationship between Tyke and his dad. And while we feel Tyke’s loss, it’s cool watching his memories help him gain confidence (and new abilities).

Quick tip: Touch everything. A quick game of hopscotch, patting a crab on the head—opportunities for fun little actions are everywhere, and your curiosity is rewarded with droplet-shaped memory points.

Meet the creator: Rob Madden, creative director and cofounder of Scotland’s Hyper Luminal Games, lost his father suddenly to cancer in 2019—and the experience inspired him to make Pine Hearts. Many of the game’s characters are named after someone at Hyper Luminal, and the dogs are named for their pets.