Episode 3: A Moment of Zen
Life is stressful. Games shouldn't have to be. That is why we have chosen six games that we feel help us escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world and allow us to relax.
Today's criteria are: games on the go, games to pay after a long days' work, and games that we feel have an overall relaxing asthetic.
Crian's Picks
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (game on the go)
For those who can't get enough Animal Crossing (or those who don't have a Switch), this can help fill that hole in your life. Available for android and iOS, this game will take you on peaceful camp in the woods. And for those of you who do have a switch, you can link your account and grab benefits for the main game.
Civilization VI (after a long, hard day)
Is your brain fried? the last thing you need is fast paced gameplay. Thankfully, Civilization VI (a.k.a Civ 6) has you covered.
Pick your civilization so you can start from the stone age and work your way through history into the future. Help your people expand their territory, make allies, make enemies, and create your very own wonders of the world. Multiple victory conditions also make this a great game for warhawks and pacifists alike.
Finally, a game where we can talk about religion and politics in (relatively) polite company.
No Man's Sky (asthetic)
Boldly going where no man has gone before, No Man's Sky will see you exploring the stars in a way no other game has done before.
Originally earning its share of controversy, the latest update, Origin, delivers on many of the promises we've been waiting to see come to fruition. Hop from planet to planet building a network of outposts, engage in dogfights in space, and build your own fleet to travel the stars.
What do you call a sandbox in zero-G?
Adam's Picks
Nonogram (game on the go)
If you enjoy logic puzzles like sudoku, you should definitely check this game out.
You're given a grid with a series of numbers along the top and side indicating sequences of "on" squares. Using your powers of deduction, you must figure out which squares are "on" and which are "off".
Multiple difficulties for those who are looking for a quick solve or more of a challenge.
The Sims (after a long, hard day)
The ultimate god simulator, The Sims allows you to control every facet of your characters lives. From their clothes, to their houses, personalities, relationships, and even day to day activities, you can be as hands on or hands off as you like.
Perfect for helicopter parents who need a bit more control in their lives.
Okami (asthetic)
An oldie but a goodie, there's a reason this game has been re-released on every generation since the PS2. Great for fans of puzzle focused ARPGs a la The Legend of Zelda, Okami follows the story of Amaterasu as she saves feudal Japan from a looming darkness.
If you know someone who claims games aren't art, this is the only example you'll ever need. Okami looks and feels like a living painting. In fact, use of the "celestial brush" to "draw" across the screen is a major mechanic in the game.
An absolutely beautiful game that is as unique today as well as it was back in 2006.
Life is stressful. Games shouldn't have to be. That is why we have chosen six games that we feel help us escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world and allow us to relax.
Today's criteria are: games on the go, games to pay after a long days' work, and games that we feel have an overall relaxing asthetic.
Crian's Picks
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (game on the go)
For those who can't get enough Animal Crossing (or those who don't have a Switch), this can help fill that hole in your life. Available for android and iOS, this game will take you on peaceful camp in the woods. And for those of you who do have a switch, you can link your account and grab benefits for the main game.
Civilization VI (after a long, hard day)
Is your brain fried? the last thing you need is fast paced gameplay. Thankfully, Civilization VI (a.k.a Civ 6) has you covered.
Pick your civilization so you can start from the stone age and work your way through history into the future. Help your people expand their territory, make allies, make enemies, and create your very own wonders of the world. Multiple victory conditions also make this a great game for warhawks and pacifists alike.
Finally, a game where we can talk about religion and politics in (relatively) polite company.
No Man's Sky (asthetic)
Boldly going where no man has gone before, No Man's Sky will see you exploring the stars in a way no other game has done before.
Originally earning its share of controversy, the latest update, Origin, delivers on many of the promises we've been waiting to see come to fruition. Hop from planet to planet building a network of outposts, engage in dogfights in space, and build your own fleet to travel the stars.
What do you call a sandbox in zero-G?
Adam's Picks
Nonogram (game on the go)
If you enjoy logic puzzles like sudoku, you should definitely check this game out.
You're given a grid with a series of numbers along the top and side indicating sequences of "on" squares. Using your powers of deduction, you must figure out which squares are "on" and which are "off".
Multiple difficulties for those who are looking for a quick solve or more of a challenge.
The Sims (after a long, hard day)
The ultimate god simulator, The Sims allows you to control every facet of your characters lives. From their clothes, to their houses, personalities, relationships, and even day to day activities, you can be as hands on or hands off as you like.
Perfect for helicopter parents who need a bit more control in their lives.
Okami (asthetic)
An oldie but a goodie, there's a reason this game has been re-released on every generation since the PS2. Great for fans of puzzle focused ARPGs a la The Legend of Zelda, Okami follows the story of Amaterasu as she saves feudal Japan from a looming darkness.
If you know someone who claims games aren't art, this is the only example you'll ever need. Okami looks and feels like a living painting. In fact, use of the "celestial brush" to "draw" across the screen is a major mechanic in the game.
An absolutely beautiful game that is as unique today as well as it was back in 2006.
Activity