System: Nintendo Switch; Steam Deck; Mac
Hours Played: 4 hours
Type: Cozy, Narrative
Battle: No
Difficulty: Easy

Some games challenge your skills, others immerse you in deep storytelling, and then there are those rare experiences that simply invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Little Misfortune is one of those games. On a frigid afternoon, with temperatures plunging to a brutal -30, I wrapped myself in a blanket, made a steaming cup of hot cocoa, and played through the entire game in one sitting. And honestly? It was the perfect way to spend the day.

A Charming Yet Dark Fairytale

Developed by Killmonday Games, Little Misfortune is a narrative-driven adventure that blends whimsical charm with a subtle, creeping darkness. The story follows Misfortune Ramirez Hernandez, an imaginative and sweetly naïve little girl who embarks on a journey guided by a mysterious voice. The goal? To find “Eternal Happiness” and bring it to her mother.

The game presents itself like a twisted children’s storybook, complete with a narrator whose soothing voice contrasts with the strange, eerie world Misfortune navigates. The writing masterfully walks the line between childlike innocence and the unsettling realities lurking just beneath the surface. There’s humor, warmth, and more than a few moments that make you pause and wonder just how deep the story really goes.

Simple Yet Engaging Gameplay

Little Misfortune is not about complex mechanics or challenging puzzles. Instead, the gameplay focuses on exploration, decision-making, and interactions with the world around you. Movement is side-scrolling and relatively simple—you guide Misfortune through various locations, clicking on objects, choosing dialogue responses, and occasionally making key decisions that shape how certain events unfold.

The choices you make feel impactful, even if you’re never quite sure how much they truly affect the outcome. Some are obvious—should Misfortune take a specific path or interact with a certain character? Others are smaller, more personal decisions that help define how you experience the game. Even though it’s a relatively linear journey, these choices add a layer of engagement that keeps you invested.

A Unique & Beautiful Art Style

One of Little Misfortune’s standout elements is its hand-drawn art style. Every scene looks like a picture book brought to life, blending pastel colors with subtle, eerie details that hint at the game’s underlying themes. The world feels whimsical yet slightly off-kilter, almost like a dream that could shift into a nightmare at any moment.

Character animations have a simple, cutout-like quality that adds to the game’s charm. Misfortune herself is full of personality—whether she’s skipping happily, tossing glitter into the air, or reacting to the strange events around her. This visual storytelling plays a crucial role in setting the mood, making even the most absurd or unsettling moments feel strangely enchanting.

A Protagonist You Can’t Help But Love

The heart of the game is undeniably Misfortune herself. She’s one of the most endearing protagonists I’ve encountered in a long time—funny, curious, and completely unfiltered. Her innocent yet often bizarre observations about the world bring plenty of humor to the game. Whether she’s trying to befriend animals, giving her honest (and sometimes brutal) thoughts on the adults around her, or simply enjoying the small joys of life (like her beloved glitter), she’s impossible not to root for.

Her dynamic with the narrator is another highlight. The guiding voice often speaks in a serious, almost ominous tone, while Misfortune responds with cheerful obliviousness or playful defiance. This contrast makes for some truly memorable moments and adds a unique charm to the storytelling.

Short, Sweet, and Perfect for a Cozy Day

Clocking in at around 2-4 hours, Little Misfortune is a game you can easily complete in a single afternoon—just like I did. It’s a perfect choice for a day when you want to kick back and enjoy something immersive without the pressure of long commitments or difficult gameplay. The pacing is excellent, flowing smoothly from scene to scene, ensuring that you stay engaged without feeling rushed.

While the game is relatively linear, there’s enough room for small variations in choice and interaction to make a second play through interesting. However, its main strength lies in the emotional impact of the journey rather than replayability.

A Must-Play Narrative Experience

Would I recommend Little Misfortune? Absolutely. Whether you’re a fan of narrative-driven games or just looking for something unique and offbeat, this game is a delightful experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

It’s charming, funny, beautifully crafted, and subtly thought-provoking. If you enjoy dark fairytales, quirky humor, and games that let you sit back and enjoy a great story, this one is worth your time.And if you can, play it on a cold winter day with a cup of hot cocoa—it makes the experience all the more magical.

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