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You know, I gotta admit, I’ve never really been into those “job-like simulator” games. I mean, yeah, I dabbled with Power Wash Simulator for a bit. But generally? Meh. They just remind me I’m playing a game. So, when I heard about some campfire-building simulator during a Nintendo showcase, my immediate thought wasn’t “Ugh, not another one,” but more like “Wait, Oink’s making a game now?” Yep, the social board game pros decided to enter the fiery gaming world. And honestly? It’s kind of wild.
So, here’s the scoop on Oink Games. They’re the folks behind playful board hits like Scout and Deep Sea Adventure. They’re Japanese and known for their cool art and social game dynamics, thanks to their main guy, Jun Sasaki. A while back, they dropped Let’s Play: Oink Games on Switch and mobile, which became my multiplayer jam. Simple, yet packed with memorable laughs. Now comes Chillin’ by the Fire, taking that vibe and giving it some depth.
Picture this: You start, and there’s a campfire scene. You’ve got an igniter, logs scattered around, and a pair of trusty tongs. You grab logs, chop them, and lay them out in the pit. Light it up, and boom — watch your masterpiece catch fire. It’s all about keeping that fire roaring as long as possible. There are strategies too — adding big logs or breaking them into kindling. Anyway, managing fire? It’s oddly satisfying but trickier than you’d think.
But the real fun kicks in with friends. Yep, the game’s online and local. You can even video-chat. Playing feels like a nostalgic throwback to DS Download Play days — sharing the game without other folks needing a copy. So, I teamed up with a buddy. I was the “measure twice” guy while my friend was the wood scavenger. We’d chat, answer quirky prompts like, “What advice would you give your past self?” All while stoking the flames. There are achievements and, for those, quirky rewards like glow sticks and, oddly enough, fireworks.
Now, not saying it’s perfect. Using motion controls would’ve made stacking firewood way smoother. Trying to squeeze a log into the pile sometimes feels like a game of “where’d the log go now?” And while you can buy cool-looking chairs and tents, they’re just eye candy. But hey, this game’s more about chilling. A zen backdrop when hanging out or dual-screen watching.
This campfire sim is a bit extra for its kind, but its social focus? A delight. Oink took a dive into something different but stayed true to their roots. Never thought I’d be here, praising a fire simulator in 2025. But hey, this one sparked something in me. Wonder how soon before the speedrunners get their hands on it, though.
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