My Top 5 Relaxing Video Games
So, we have all been there. A stressful/tiring day at work/school leaving you feeling awful when you get home and in need of some major relaxation. Over the years I have used games to find such bliss and here is a list of my personal favourites, split into Audio Visual and Gameplay,
5 ). Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
Visual - Ty is lovely to look at. As with the other platformers before and after it, it benefited from a charming cartoon style. Ty’s array of vibrant colour differing in each area remains easy on the eye and fits the atmosphere beautifully.
Audio - Again, this game does not disappoint. The tracks feature many relaxing and chilled out tunes. In particular, Bridge on the River Ty is a great example. It’s soothing outback strings play in the background as you navigate a lovely area full of pretty scenes.
Gameplay - This is where it falls down slightly and only enters at number 5. Although there is not much wrong with how it plays, in fact it’s a textbook collectathon platformer, it can’t exactly be described as relaxing. Fighting enemies and traversing obstacles as well as the odd boss or action section make sure you can’t 100% mellow out.
4). Pokemon Pinball
Visual - About as much as you could expect from the GBC. but nonetheless well done. Pokemon are fir cleverly into the game as common points scoring zones in pinball and generally it feels familiar.
Audio - Now, bear with me here. The tracks here are not relaxing by nature. In fact they are slightly grating sometimes. However, the chill-out factor is still present for me personally because of their familiarity. It is homely to hear the tracks I have played so much through the years and makes me feel at ease.
Gameplay - Your standard pinball with only slight deviations. You can try for high scores and really concentrate but that is not by any means necessary. You can still just play laid back and enjoy yourself without worrying about such things and I myself have switched off for a game or two many a time over the years.
3). Pool Paradise
Visual - A slightly disappointing factor in regards to quality, but not let down in how it fits the overall atmosphere and setting. Opponents do not even have models apart from their hands and the overall look is kind of cheap. However, it still achieves the goal of setting a scene. The island is picturesque and peaceful and a lovely place to imagine being.
Audio - The soft range of tracks here are excellent for unwinding. A jukebox plays a variety of different tunes while you play and they all fit to a T. In addition to this, the ambient sounds of birds and the ocean rising and falling add to the general atmosphere and are a nice touch.
Gameplay - It’s pool, what do you expect. You can take time to line up shots and strategise. As you climb the rankings it gets more taxing on the brain but you can just as well bum around on the lower levels for a more calm and less mind intensive experience.
2). Animal Crossing
Visuals - Animal crossing has perfectly fitting visuals. Although it’s not exactly pushing the DSes hardware, it manages to have a certain charm that is almost unmatched on this list. It’s bright and homely and the character’s and their big heads are kooky and each have their own style.
Audio - There isn't an abundance of different tracks here but that is just fine with me. This is almost enough on it’s own. But it isn't alone. A certain little dog provides funny little tunes sung in the local coffee shop too, which I personally find amusing and relaxing.
Gameplay - Living a peaceful little village with no obligations but the most laid back mortgage in history, surely the most laid back experience possible. Collecting bugs, fishing and beautifying your village and house are all great for unwinding and provide hours of entertainment despite being seemingly mundane.
1). Harvest Moon: It’s a Wonderful Life
Screw the template i’m going wild on this. The number one spot on this list wasn’t even a real contest, I knew it was Harvest Moon instantly. From the moment I first started playing I felt at ease. You are given a farm to manage, which is not particularly taxing, and the rest of your time is yours to do as you see fit. The village you live in is brilliantly done. The most relaxing place in any game I have played, particularly the pond area with it’s beautiful lights and tranquil waters. Accompanying this perfect combination of laid back elements is a wonderfully fitting soundtrack. You can switch between songs with a record player in your house but honestly why would you bother. In your farm you will hear the excellent “Breeze” and elsewhere in the village the lack of music is, for me, just perfect. On entering other homes you will hear other tunes including Romana’s Mansion theme and a certain bar. Overall this game has an outstanding and well crafted atmosphere of pure bliss and is the perfect relaxing video game.