Tranquility meets mystery in the hand drawn, novel-esque, puzzle game Sunset Hills. Set in an adorable world with scenic views, time slows, inviting players to explore and discover challenges that unfold gently, yet profoundly. 

A Train Ride to Tranquility

In Sunset Hills you play as Nico, an adorable pup, who upon his discharge from the military, began writing novels. Receiving a letter from a friend, Nico sets out on a journey from city to city visiting fellow soldiers. Along the way he meets a variety of colorful pups, who help him to experience life after the war through solving puzzles. 

Gameplay

Although embracing a slower pace, Sunset Hills doesn’t lack engaging gameplay.  Designed to be intuitive yet challenging,  Sunset Hills encourages players to think outside the box and explore every corner of this beautifully crafted world.

Each puzzle is solved differently. Some are very simple, and solving comes easy with the prodding of NPCs. Others… well let’s just call it user error. I’m hoping some of you are more clever than I am. Haha.

From the main menu, this game captured my attention. The sounds, and art direction had me captivated. The tippy tap of Nico’s shoes as he walks through streets, and the background chatter of the adorable pups complimented the game’s ambiance. The attention to detail of subtle animations of NPCs, to twilight shadows on the hand drawn cobblestone streets, it’s a testament to Cotton Games’ dedication to making an engaging environment for players. 

A trigger warning that this game does contain themes of loss, and war scenes that some players may wish to be aware of.

I just had a small bite of Sunset Hills with it’s closed demo, but from what I’ve tasted, I cannot wait for it’s full release.

If you want to lose yourself in a game where quietness meets intrigue, Sunset Hills awaits.

Sunset Hills is set to hit Steam August 2024, and planned to hit other platforms in 2025.

Author was given a free demo key from Cotton Games.