When someone asks me about my favourite games, whether in recent memory or of all time, Wylde Flowers is up there. I’ve played it to 100% several times over — beginning when it first launched on Apple Arcade before also playing on PC (my review here) and Nintendo Switch (twice) — and I basically start drooling when an update is announced. The witchy farming sim means so much to me, as it does so many of its fans. It’s about learning to love yourself; you can fit in while standing out. And love has no boundaries here: whether you want to date a male, female, or even a werewolf, all the options make the game feel like a safe space.
Melboure-based indie developer Studio Drydock is leaving contemporary Fairhaven behind in its next title, Wylde Society, announced during yesterday’s Wholesome Snack. It is still set on the magical island of Fairhaven; but this time, the game looks to the past and is set at the turn of the century. This prequel to Wylde Flowers is a period drama sim that follows Vivian Wylde. She is a socialite. She’s an innkeeper. And she’s a witch. The tools and overalls from Wylde Flowers have now become fine china and elegant gowns. The farm is replaced with a magical boarding house, which you must build, run, and customize. Host events, expand your (witch)craft, and influence the town.
Turn of the century Fairhaven is a nod to the era’s fashion, architecture, societal rules, and etiquette. Running the boarding house means you get to sit, serve, and spill the tea. The Wylde family boarding home is yours to renovate and expand. Invite tenants, making them feel at home while they stay. Some people may only stay for a season, but others may find a reason to remain permanently.
As a socialite, host fancy balls and lovely tea parties. Play matchmaker to the townsfolk. It’s up to you to plan and host various fancy social events. Do everything to make the events happen: create the guest list, menu, seating plan, and more. Will you create drama or kindle romance?
Séances are wildly popular when Wylde Society is set, but as in real life, telling the real thing from a good fake is tricky. Vivian is the real thing, with a true knack for conducting séances to contact spirits and offer her help solving their unfinished business.
In Wylde Flowers, your familiar is a sweet, black cat. There are more animals to discover and “collect” in Wylde Society; there are still cats, yes, but the range expands to otters and everything in between. Your familiar will have unique witchy talents and keep you company, even when you’re flying on your broom.
Compared to its predecessor, Wylde Society features a bigger cast, “expanded” magic, more customization, the ability to influence stories, over-the-shoulder free-roaming, and a larger world.
Developed and published by Studio Drydock, Wylde Society is announced for PC via Steam — but I expect consoles won’t be too far behind. No release date has been announced.
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