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A Cozy Game Review of Venba: A Culinary and Cultural Delight in Gaming


cozy game review of venba

Venba, a narrative-driven cooking game developed by Visai Studios and  is a heartfelt exploration of culture, family, and identity. Released to critical acclaim, the game offers players an intimate glimpse into the lives of an Indian immigrant family in Canada. Through its unique gameplay and evocative storytelling, Venba stands out as a gem in the indie gaming landscape, offering an experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is innovative.



Venba: A Unique Concept: Cooking as Storytelling

At its core, Venba is a game about cooking, but it is much more than just assembling recipes or following instructions. Each dish represents a piece of the protagonist Venba's life, her cultural roots, and her efforts to preserve her identity in a foreign land. The recipes act as metaphorical puzzles, challenging the player to piece together not just ingredients but also fragmented memories and traditions.


Unlike traditional cooking games that focus on speed or precision, Venba takes a more thoughtful approach. The act of cooking is imbued with emotional weight, as players are guided through Venba's journey of rekindling connections to her Tamil heritage. The dishes are vibrant and lovingly detailed, showcasing traditional South Indian cuisine like idli, dosa, and biryani. Each meal becomes a storytelling device, tying together themes of family, adaptation, and resilience.


venba game review

An Authentic Cultural Lens

One of Venba's greatest strengths is its authenticity. The game draws heavily from Tamil culture, offering a rare and valuable perspective in the gaming world. The dialogue, written in both Tamil and English, feels genuine and heartfelt, capturing the struggles and joys of navigating life as an immigrant.




Through its storytelling, Venba tackles issues of identity, generational conflict, and cultural preservation. Venba and her husband grapple with balancing their traditions with the desire to give their son, Kavin, opportunities to succeed in a Western society. These themes resonate universally, but they are especially poignant for players from immigrant backgrounds who may see their own experiences reflected in the characters’ struggles.


The game also delves into the complexities of language and cultural transmission. Venba's attempts to teach her son Tamil and share her culinary heritage underscore the challenges of passing on traditions in a new environment. These moments are bittersweet, reflecting both the fragility and the enduring strength of cultural identity.


cozy games like venba

Visual and Auditory Splendor

Visually, Venba is a feast for the eyes. The art style is vibrant, colorful, and richly detailed, capturing the warmth of a bustling kitchen and the emotional depth of family interactions. The characters are expressive, their emotions vividly portrayed through subtle animations and carefully designed settings.



The music, composed by Alpha Something, complements the visuals perfectly. Drawing inspiration from traditional Tamil music, the soundtrack weaves together modern and classical elements to create a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and celebratory. The combination of upbeat rhythms and soulful melodies adds depth to the game’s emotional moments, making every scene feel immersive and authentic.


venba gameplay

Short but Impactful Gameplay

One of the criticisms frequently leveled at Venba is its brevity. The game can be completed in a few hours, leaving some players longing for more time with its characters and mechanics. However, this short playtime is also a strength, as it ensures that the narrative remains focused and impactful.


The gameplay mechanics themselves are simple but engaging. Players interact with recipes by solving puzzles that often involve interpreting faded or incomplete instructions. This mechanic cleverly mirrors the challenges of preserving tradition, as players must rely on intuition and context to recreate the dishes. While the puzzles are not overly difficult, they add a layer of interactivity that reinforces the game’s themes.


Venba cozy video game

Venba: Themes of Love and Resilience

At its heart, Venba is a story about love: the love between a mother and her son, the love shared by a couple navigating life’s challenges together, and the love for one’s culture and homeland. The game does not shy away from depicting the difficulties of immigration, such as feelings of isolation, cultural dissonance, and the fear of losing one’s roots. Yet, it balances these struggles with moments of hope, joy, and triumph.


Venba’s resilience and determination to pass on her heritage serve as the emotional core of the game. Her story is both personal and universal, reminding players of the importance of family, tradition, and self-discovery.



Food in Venba game

A Game for All Audiences

While Venba holds special significance for players from South Asian or immigrant backgrounds, its themes are accessible to a wide audience. The game’s emphasis on storytelling, culture, and emotion makes it appealing to anyone who appreciates narrative-driven experiences. Additionally, it serves as an educational tool, introducing players to South Indian cuisine and traditions in a way that feels organic and respectful.


cozy games like venba

Is Venba Worth it?

Venba is a shining example of how games can be a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression. Its combination of heartfelt narrative, authentic cultural representation, and engaging gameplay creates an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. While its short length and simplicity may leave some wanting more, the game’s emotional impact and artistic vision are undeniable.


For those looking for a game that challenges the norm and offers a deeply personal story, Venba is a must-play. It serves as a testament to the power of food, family, and tradition, reminding us of the importance of preserving our roots while embracing the possibilities of a new world.


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