A wholesome journey into parenthood
Bundle of Joy is a premium simulation game that blends light gameplay with a narrative-driven look at parenting during the early days of the pandemic. You play as a new father trying to manage child-rearing tasks, rising stress, and moments of self-reflection—all in the span of a few hectic in-game days.
Though similar in theme to Mother Simulator, Bundle of Joy approaches things differently. It trades exaggerated humor for a more grounded and emotional tone, focusing on interactive fiction and hand-drawn cartoon-style graphics to tell a story that feels sincere, personal, and family-friendly in both presentation and message.
Parenting, pressure, and purpose
In Bundle of Joy, you step into the shoes of a new dad trying to make it through five unpredictable days of caring for a baby. The setting is spring 2020, and your daily routine includes mundane parental tasks like changing diapers, cleaning high chairs, and trimming tiny nails. Each day begins with random conditions that affect how you play, adding variety to what’s otherwise a straightforward experience.
Tasks are played through quick-timed mini-games that simulate the unpredictability and messiness of parenting. As you go through each one, you’ll build up stress, which affects your performance. There’s no traditional failure state, but reaching a breaking point makes things harder. These mechanics keep the experience grounded, emphasizing effort over perfection. Between challenges, you’ll get brief moments to reset to give the game a steady rhythm that mirrors daily life.
Beyond the tasks, the game also offers quiet, narrative moments that explore feelings of doubt, exhaustion, and self-care. You’ll also see glimpses of your relationship with your partner, creating a fuller picture of your character’s life. Visually, the whimsical art style keeps things engaging while reinforcing the game's family-friendly nature. While the game is emotionally grounded, its short length may leave some players wanting a bit more depth.
A compact game with a reflective tone
Bundle of Joy is a thoughtful portrayal of pandemic-era parenting wrapped in an approachable game. It captures the early stages of fatherhood in a gentle, relatable way. It’s a small game with big intentions, and while it has a short runtime, the honesty in its storytelling gives it lasting value. If you're looking for a family-friendly simulation that focuses on everyday challenges through a personal lens, this game delivers just that.
