Machine Child
Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Machine Child
Machine Child is a cozy simulation game where you take on the role of a parent raising an android daughter in a sleepy, pastel-toned town. Developed by Shoujo Kishidan and illustrated by Ooyari Ashito, it blends daily life management with narrative-driven choices. Released in 2025 for PC, the game focuses on mundane yet heartfelt tasks like cooking, cleaning, and guiding her through school and friendships. The goal isn’t to push her toward success but to shape her happiness through small, deliberate decisions. It’s a slow-paced, slice-of-life experience that leans into quiet moments over action. Think of it as a digital board game where your daughter’s personality adapts to your priorities.
Gameplay
Each day follows a routine of managing needs, hunger, energy, and social bonds, while responding to dialogue choices that tweak your child’s traits. You’ll prepare meals, fix appliances, and chat with neighbors, all while juggling school events and town festivals. The daughter’s AI learns from your actions, affecting her interests and relationships. Exploration is limited to the town map, where you gather resources or trigger story events by interacting with NPCs. Controls are point-and-click with minimal complexity, emphasizing simplicity. Sessions often feel like planning a family day: balancing chores with bonding time. While there’s no combat or time limits, the game subtly pressures you to make trade-offs, prioritize a hobby, or spend time with friends? It rewards attention to detail over speed.
What Players Think
Community ratings are 70% positive, with 85% of players completing the base story. Average playtime clocks in at 28 hours, though 40% stretch it beyond 50. Moods are split between "happy" (55%) and "nostalgic" (30%), with some calling it "a digital baby simulator with charm." Critics praise the art style and branching narratives but note repetitive tasks. One review says, "It felt like parenting without the stress, but the chores got stale after a while." Achievement unlock rates are high (85% of players hit 100%), though most are minor, like cooking 100 meals or attending 20 school events. The game’s niche appeal shows: 60% of players say it’s "relaxing," while 25% admit they "gave up on the third day."
PlayPile's Take
Machine Child works best for players craving a chill, character-driven sim without hyperactivity. At $39.99, it’s a mid-tier buy with re-playability via different child traits and relationship paths. The lack of urgency and focus on soft skills make it ideal for casual gamers or those who enjoy slow-burn stories. However, if you dislike micromanaging basic needs or prefer active gameplay, this might feel tedious. With 85% of achievements tied to optional side quests, there’s incentive to stick with it beyond the main story. It’s not a must-play, but worth trying if you’re into quiet, nurturing themes.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...