Mail Time, a charming ‘cottagecore adventure’ developed by Kela van der Deijl and published by Freedom Games, brings players into the heart of Grumblewood Grove – a charming forest. As a Mail Scout-in-training, the game sets you on a heartwarming journey to deliver letters and packages to the forest’s eclectic cast of inhabitants, solving their problems along the way. We tested it on a PlayStation 5.
In terms of premise and narrative, Mail Time succeeds in creating a world filled with humor, puns, and endearing characters. The overarching goal of finding Greg to earn the official Mail Scout title is a simple yet engaging quest, with each character’s unique story adding depth to the forest’s charm. The focus on helping the residents with their tasks, from a training-focused turtle to a snail with a secret crush, aligns with the cozy and lighthearted nature of the game. And we may have not been familiar with the term ‘cottagecore’ before playing Mail Time, but it makes all the sense in the world.
The gameplay mechanics in Mail Time are straightforward but well-implemented. The platforming elements, with mushrooms acting as jump pads and the ability to glide through the air, add a layer of familiar platforming enjoyment to the exploration. The limited moveset of running, jumping, and gliding keeps the gameplay accessible, making it an excellent entry point for young players or those seeking a more relaxed open-world platforming experience. The absence of time limits, pressure, or fall damage contributes to the overall cozy approach, allowing players to explore the forest at their own pace.
Customization plays a surprisingly significant role, offering over 46,000 possible ways in which you can personalize your Mail Scout. But while the customization options are a positive aspect that contribute to the game’s charm, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t expect a lot of effect on gameplay depth because of it. From that perspective, the absence of new moves or complex combos may leave some players wanting more variety in the mechanics.
The gameplay world of Mail Time spans eight distinct areas, each one brimming with colorful and whimsical design work. The lack of a map may pose a temporary challenge in locating characters, but having a relatively small game world mitigates this issue for all but the youngest of players. Collectibles, such as hidden trinkets and Mail Scout badges, encourage thorough exploration, though some players may find completion challenging, particularly in the quest to find all the mushrooms.
Visually, Mail Time creates a vibrant world within the confines of a small patch of woods. The hand-drawn style, though not technically groundbreaking, adds to the game’s unique aesthetic and charm. In terms of production values you’ll notice the absence of voice acting, but there’s a nice soothing soundtrack and characters are brought to life through the use of expressive 2D character images when interacting with them.
At the end of the day, Mail Time boasts a great cast of characters, a delightful gliding ability, and an overall cozy vibe. Its limitations include relatively short gameplay, but in comparison to other “wholesome” titles it stands out for successfully blending its cute and cozy aesthetic with enjoyable gameplay. It may not leave a permanent mark, but it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to be – an enjoyable and creative experience that is full of charm.
Score: 7.4/10
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