Summerhouse
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Simulation, indie games, experimental/artistic, cozy game, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
An experimental indie game with no challenges and restrictions, reminiscent of Townscaper and Tiny Glade. Summerhouse has us building houses entirely to our liking in various beautiful sceneries.
Summerhouse is an experimental game without plot, rules, challenges or restrictions, thus making it reminiscent of such games as Townscaper and Tiny Glade. It was created by Friedemann, an indie developer also known for co-creating Islanders and Superflight.
Mechanics
You can't win or lose in Summerhouse. The player must build houses in various beautiful sceneries, such as the seaside, mountains and city streets. In-between construction we'll search for secrets hidden in various locations.
Houses are built by selecting different parts (doors, windows, roofs) and their surroundings, then placing them as we see fit. It's up to us how the finished home will look like. Once we're done, we can enjoy our little masterpiece.
Technical aspects
Summerhouse features pixel art graphics.
Videos and Screens
[1:00] Summerhouse Summerhouse - Announcement Trailer
LadiesGamers.com: by Yvonne van Geloven
Playing SummerHouse, I am reminded that a game doesn’t have to be grand or intricate, nor does it need a deep storyline. In SummerHouse it’s just you with a set of pre-made elements with which you build a house. Or a castle. Or a hotel…or even Bagend. Your imagination is key when you get to work, building the little neighbourhood just like you envision it. No stress, no goals and no time, just your own creativity helped along by a collection of building blocks.
GameLuster: 6 / 10 by Nirav Gandhi
While relaxing and pretty, Summerhouse features no progression and very little content. I've built all there is to build.
Thumb Culture: 5 / 5
SUMMERHOUSE is a dream game for those who love to build tiny houses with big stories and the freedom to create whatever they want. Beautifully crafted, it's easy to pick up, and made with a lot of love and thought. Being a solo and personal project, the game achieves what it sets out to do. There is no limitation to what you build when using your imagination. Bringing a sense of serenity with its minimalist but thoughtful approach to gaming, it has me wishing for summer to arrive. I would love to see future DLC where players can have more themed blocks to recreate their childhood neighborhoods.
Summerhouse Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Friedemann
Publisher: Future Friends Games
Age restrictions: none
Summerhouse System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 950 or better, 500 MB HDD, Windows 10