Sure, here you go:
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Oh boy, where do I even start with this? So, let me just say, I’ve never been the type to dive into those job-like simulators. I mean, I did mess around with Power Wash Simulator for a bit—who knew cleaning could be therapeutic? But generally, these games just remind me I’m playing a game, ya know? So anyway, there I was, watching the latest Nintendo showcase, and bam! They drop a campfire-building simulator. I wasn’t like, “Ugh, another one?” Instead, I went, “Wait a second… Oink’s doing this?” Yep, that’s right. The folks known for quirky board games decided to dive into virtual campfires. And you know what? This thing’s pretty hot.
Okay, okay, Oink Games—you might know them if board games like Scout or Deep Sea Adventure ring a bell. They’re Japanese, and honestly, their games have this clean vibe, like minimalistic but socially engaging. Jun Sasaki, the guy behind a lot of it, has this magic touch. Their Switch game, Let’s Play: Oink Games, is a blast with friends, even online. Now they’ve pivoted to, get this, making campfires? It sounds weird, but hang with me. Chillin’ by the Fire—yep, that’s the name—actually feels like a social event, and it’s kind of deeper than you’d think.
So, starting the game, you’re just at this campfire with logs and a little fire starter. You pick up logs, chop ’em, arrange ’em just right, and boom, light it up. You gotta keep it burning as long as possible. Big logs burn slowly but powerfully; smaller ones spread the flames fast. It’s all about finding balance. There’s this meter—up and down goes the fire strength. Keeping it steady is trickier than you’d expect and kind of fun!
Playing alone is chill, right? But bring in friends, and it gets social. You can play online or even share locally, complete with video chat! I got this flashback to DS Download Play. It was surprisingly fun to co-op a big ol’ fire with a buddy. I was like measuring logs and figuring out what needed chopping while my friend did, well, the chopping. And get this—there are chat prompts. Stuff like, “What would you tell your past self from ten years ago?” It’s random, but sparks convo while you build. Plus, achievements! Score points for cool-looking axes, even quirky stuff like glow sticks.
Okay, I gotta be real—the game’s not perfect. The wood stacking’s a bit clunky, and I wish there were motion controls. Trying to fit a piece? Haha, good luck—it often just floats on top. And yeah, chairs and tents you buy? Purely decorative. But whatever. It’s zen. Perfect for chilling with friends or as background vibe material.
This campfire thing is like, the most extra a simple game like this can be, but there’s something about its social focus. Oink definitely went a different route, but stayed true to their feel-good design. I didn’t think I’d be into a fire-building game, especially not in 2025, but hey, it sparked something unexpected. I wonder how long before someone starts speedrunning this.
