It’s National Backward Day (January 31st) and I thought it’d be a good opportunity to talk about surprising cozy games that aren’t quite what they seem. They’re not necessarily backwards, but you’ll need to think from a different perspective to play them.

One of them is about creating new paths from the perspective of a camera, another is a puzzle game where you pull apart scenery to create new ways through, and the last challenges you to view objects in a new light to create new meaning and pathways.

We do our best not to highlight games that use Generative AI at any level of development or marketing. At the time of posting, these games have not reported or disclosed using Gen AI. Likewise, all articles are written and edited by humans… as evidenced by our occasional errors.

Surprising Cozy Games

Viewfinder

Viewfinder

Viewfinder is an adventure puzzle game where you can reshape the world around you simply by taking a picture and placing it down in the world. In doing so, you’ll warp the land and create new pathways that didn’t exist previously. With no timers, you’re free to explore this interesting world to solve puzzles and uncover its secrets.

Steam

Gorogoa

Gorogoa is a puzzle game that makes you look at art differently. Gameplay is comprised of panels that you can move, arrange, and combine to solve puzzles. It’s a unique mechanic with hand-drawn illustrations. As a BAFTA Game Award winner, it’s literally certified as a game worth falling into.

Steam

Gorogoa - surprising cozy game

Subliminal

Superliminal

Superliminal is a reality-bending puzzle game where you explore a dream-like world. You’ll be challenged to solve puzzles by changing your perspective. There is a small element of psychological horror due to the fact that you’re traversing a dream and must wake up. However, nothing chases you, so you don’t have to worry. If you’re concerned about it, you can play online co-op with three other friends!

Steam

If none of these surprising cozy games grab your attention, you can check out some of our other themed lists, like 3 cozy puzzles and or 3 cozy dinosaur games.