After years of anticipation, I finally got the chance to dive into Paralives. As a longtime Sims player and lover of life simulation games, I expected to enjoy the game—but I didn't expect to be this surprised. From the tutorial and open world to the surprisingly addictive building tools, here are the seven things that stood out most during my first week playing Paralives.

October has been the definition of cozy chaos — comfort reads, nostalgic shows, and a healthy dose of gaming mayhem. From If Cats Disappeared From the World to Waterpark Simulator, here’s everything I’ve been reading, watching, and playing this month.