I’m pretty active on Threads, the social media to replace Twitter. The Europa developers shared the game is Ghibli inspired and it immediately caught my interest.

Europa is from the name of one of Jupiter’s moons, the ice moon which has the highest probability of hosting life. I love the movie Europa Report, not realizing the game actually took place on the moon itself.

Gave the demo a shot on stream and fell in love with the art, movement, and music. I schedule the release date (October 11, 2024) to be off work just to purchase and play this game.

I played it all in one sitting and it was 100% worth the money spent. The game had a story about a father coming to terms with his creations. It was about the Earth dying and the human race attempting to survive. But it also focused on you as the main character learning about the world and growing. And that’s what was key to me.

Many games have stories and adventures, but Europa really captured the whimsical nature of discovery. I yearned for nothing more than to enjoy the music and the sightseeing while playing, and it truly delivered.

Some will critique the movement, controls, and depth of the story, but the reality is the game is a breath of fresh air for gamers who are constantly bogged down by the complexity. Just enjoy the simplicity and the wonder the game brings. It’s truly an enjoyable experience.

10/10 – recommended for anyone who wants a cozy, relaxing game.