When Kai arrives on the remote island of Mutazione, the teenager thinks she’s just going to visit her sick grandpa. But this other-worldly community has roots – mystical and musical – that run deeper than she ever imagined. In this cosy adventure, tend enchanted gardens as you get to know the island’s peculiar residents.

What we love: Making this quirky community bloom again. Each character you meet is dealing with something heavy – like huntress Miu, a catlike mutant who hides a devastating personal tragedy. Planting musical gardens and learning the songs that help them flourish is the key to restoring the islanders’ withered hearts and wilted relationships.

Quick tip: Revisit characters often – they’ll have new things to say at different times of day. You might get seeds from young Bopek if you chat with him in the morning, or learn some tantalising gossip from Ailin if you spend time with her by the lighthouse at dusk.

Meet the creator: Mutazione was originally conceived as an action-platformer, but creative director Nils Deneken decided the gameworld’s vibes were better than the platforming mechanics – and that slowing things down would let players soak up the atmosphere at their own pace.