PixlBit

You know what comfort food is, right? It's something that you love to eat that puts you in that perfect mood where "life is wonderful" in that moment. It could be ice cream, or pizza, or something that your mom makes that is your absolute favorite. Well, comfort food could describe other things too, like games. A comfort food game could be one that you are super nostalgic about, or simply that has all the right ingredients that makes you feel like you're playing something very familiar and fun. It's that new game that you took a chance on and said, "This game is perfect, I love this game!" Of course, comfort food games can be different for everyone, but here are some that I think make great comfort food games for many gamers right now. All of these games are available on current consoles. Christmastime is probably the BEST time to enjoy those comfort food games. (Quick note, I haven't actually played all of these games) PLEASE feel free to share what your comfort food game would be right now down in the comments! 

Super Mario Galaxy--Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Switch) 

Galaxy is my favorite 3D Mario game. When it first came out in 2007, I bought it and loved every second of it! Because of its innovative platforming, fantastic worlds, fun yet familiar mechanics, awesome boss fights, charming story, and incredible music, it's just an all-around perfect game to pick up and play at any time. And you can play it again right now thanks to Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Switch. It is arguably the best 3D Mario game, and tons of fans are still hoping for a Super Mario Galaxy 3. 

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (PS4/Xbone/Switch/Win) 

This game is instant comfort food. It's basically the spiritual successor to the original Donkey Kong Country games (made by many of the original Rare team members) as it plays and feels just like those games! The level design is outstanding and feels just right. The game rewards exploration with tons of things to find and collect. The overworld between levels also has quite a bit of exploration. And if that's not enough, the game is oozing with charm and colorful characters. What's really cool is that you can play the last level (the impossible lair) at any time, but it's super hard, so you will probably want to make sure you're prepared. 

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (PS4/Xbone) 

Developer Toys for Bob did a great job making not just a good CB game, but also a good CB sequel. CB4 picks up right where CB3 left off. The game instantly feels like a Crash game, but it's not all nostalgia. There are plenty of new additions and tweaks. CB4 has two types of side levels: flashback levels and alternate timeline levels. The alternate timeline levels have you playing as three other playable characters, each with their own moveset. This gives the game some great variety. On top of this, there are tons of things to collect (if that's your thing). You can also switch between Retro Mode (no checkpoints) and Modern Mode (checkpoints). Any CB fan will have a blast with this excellent platformer. 

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) 

Nominated for Game of the Year, AC came out at just the right time. It sold like crazy because people have been cooped up in their homes. It offers all the familiar trappings of AC but with a new twist: you start from scratch on an island and you have to build your town. It's really great to see things grow and change. New additions include Nook Miles, a DIY crafting system (a very simple one), and simultaneous multiplayer. Since the launch of the game, the development has added new features like swimming and visiting other players' dreams (trippy). This is perhaps the most relaxing game of the year. 

Dragon Quest XI (PS4/Xbone/Win) and Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition (Switch) 

I recently beat this game on the Switch and was blown away. It's regarded by fans as the best game in the DQ series. First of all, the story and characters are fantastic. The story is a bit typical, but throws in some twists along the way. The little stories of different towns and their problems is perhaps my favorite part. The main characters are really charming, endearing, and often very funny. The battle system is simple with just enough new things to make it interesting. The game is challenging, but never too difficult. It's also a beautiful game, and the Switch version has fully orchestrated music that sucks you into the world. There are also a ton of sidequests if you don't want the game to end or if you want to get extra costumes for the characters. 

Octopath Traveler (Switch/Win/Stadia) 

The opposite side of DQ XI, Octopath Traveler is a brutally difficult JRPG. But don't get me wrong, it's an incredible game! The eight main characters each have excellent stories and personal journeys that they must travel. The art style is really gorgeous to look at. The battle system is different: you have to find out what each enemy is weak against (swords, spears, knives, or fire, ice, etc.) in order to do the maximum damage. This system is used to great effect, especially for boss fights, which can be brutally difficult and go on for an hour or more! Topping it off is an amazing soundtrack. The town themes are beautiful while the battle themes are rocking and epic.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS4/PS5) 

Insomniac has done it again. In this game, you play as Miles, who is being mentored by Peter Parker. The game focuses on Harlem during Christmastime, and your interactions with regular people doing everyday things is such a delight. The story is about growing into and becoming a hero, and despite some typical plot stuff, it's a powerful story. The combat is great here, but they added Miles' electric powers, which you can enhance with power-ups and new moves. There's plenty to do here. I think everyone is very excited to see where Insomniac goes next with this series, and really, the sky is the limit. 

Streets of Rage 4 (PS4/Xbone/Switch/Win/Linux/macOS) 

I'm a huge fan of beat 'em ups, so I was very excited when I heard that SoR4 was not just a simple cash-grab. Lizardcube really put their heart and soul into this game, and it shows. Every playable character is excellent, with their own moveset and abilities. The actual fighting feels very good and satisfying. You'll see tons of familiar faces as you fight your way to the Y Twins (Mr. X's kids). I love that the game is 4 player! Also, there's a bunch of stuff to unlock, including more playable characters. Yuzo Koshiro also did some of the music, which is also superb. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch) 

Who doesn't like Smash Bros? The series now represents the entire gaming spectrum (although we're still waiting for Master Chief). The amount of characters and content in Ultimate is staggering. Some will say that there are too many characters, but I think in this case, the more the merrier. Due to the huge cast, any player will be able to find a character that they are comfortable using. World of Light is a fantastic one player mode, and the new modes are all welcome additions. Playing online is a blast, you can always find someone that will compete on your skill level. The game is accessible to new players while also catering to hardcore fans that still like Melee a little bit more. It's the perfect pick up and play game, which is why I think Ultimate is the perfect comfort food game.