2022 has been full of farming and life-simulation games, though Disney Dreamlight Valley stood out for me above the rest of the crop. Even in its early access state (paid, or via Xbox Game Pass), its work-in-progress storybook world already unfurls into a warm and cosy Animal Crossing-alike. I love its deep customisation and its unexpected focus on story - especially the characterful and often hilarious interactions between its heroes and villains. Above all else, though, it's the game's promise of further expansion which has kept me intrigued.
Disney Dreamlight Valley primarily takes place in a cluster of biomes you gradually unlock and tame to your liking, eventually turning each land into a fitting home for the many Disney and Pixar characters you befriend. In the centre of all this sits the game's castle - a mash-up of the iconic Disneyland centrepiece with the hub experience found in Princess Peach's home from Mario 64.
Inside this castle you'll find dozens of portal doors leading to each of the Disney and Pixar characters' worlds, albeit with just a slice of each available to visit - a busy kitchen from Ratatouille, Bonnie's bedroom from Toy Story 3, the enchanted forest from Frozen 2. It's here you'll welcome further Disney faces to your valley as you slowly uncover more of its mysterious history. And it's also here, in the castle, where I get most excited.