Chulip is the quirkiest video game I’ve ever played by far, and I adore it for that. You play as a poor boy who moves with his dad from the big city to Long Life Town, where everyone is more than happy to gossip about you. Our protagonist is immediately smitten with a girl who lives nearby, and soon learns that in this bizarre little town, people build their reputations by exchanging kisses. It’s a weird game that is part life sim, part puzzle game. You go around town, getting to know your new neighbors and trying to figure out how to impress them to get smooched. Kisses give you more hearts, allowing you to take more damage. And you will take plenty of damage and even die frequently, as many people you try to kiss and even random objects around town like playground swings can hurt you. The game even has a constantly running clock, with NPCs and trains having their own schedules. As you get to know more people, you’ll gain access to new areas and have some crazy little adventures like contacting aliens and helping break a family curse. What makes Chulip one of my favorite games is how it marries silly vibes with heartfelt themes. One character is a utility pole with a human face and legs; he also has a personal arc that involves introspection about what truly makes a person happy in a society where everyone is obsessed with money. Another character is a failed filmmaker who refuses to get a job that can provide for his family, leading to a strained relationship with his wife. You’ll walk in on them having a heated argument, and then a moment later be fishing poop out of a trash can to sell at the local secondhand store. A little while later, you’ll be talking to a zombie about the tragic circumstances of her death and her eyeball will fall out of place with a comedic splat. All of the people you meet on your journey have their own personal problems, and it feels good to help them. There is no other game quite like Chulip. It’s funny, sometimes frustrating, and surprisingly sincere. Some kisses are easy to get, while others will take forever to figure out or require good luck. The cast is large and memorable, and Long Life Town is one of my absolute favorite locations in a video game. It’s a very comfy experience, and the emphasis on love makes it my favorite game to play around Valentine’s Day.