Andy Kelly Jan 27, 2015
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Life is an overwhelming whirlwind of stress, responsibility, existential crises, and utility bills. So it’s a good thing we have video games, which are the equivalent of burying your head in the sand and forgetting about what a gruelling, thankless chore simply existing can be.
When I’m feeling the burden of sentience, these are the games I turn to. They’re all relaxing in their own special way, and the perfect way to unwind after a hard day of doing whatever it is you do to pay the rent.
So light some scented candles, put on a Brian Eno CD, and slip into a warm bubble bath of pure tranquility. But not too far, ‘cause you might fall asleep and drown, and you’ve got work tomorrow.
Take On Mars
This slow-paced simulator sees you exploring the surface of the red planet with a variety of rovers and landers. The missions don’t get any more exciting than ‘probe some soil’, but the feeling of being alone on a distant, lonely world is palpable. The howl of the Martian wind as you trundle through the dust creates an evocative atmosphere, and the sedate pace of the rovers makes for a strangely hypnotic experience.
The Golf Club
Golf is what high-flying businessmen play to escape the pressures of the rat race, but you don’t have to be a bloated tycoon to enjoy the sport. The Golf Club isn’t the best golf sim I’ve ever played, but it nails the calm, placid feel of the sport. Knocking balls around these beautiful, green courses, the sound of birdsong in the air, is a great way to soothe a stress-addled mind. Expect some putting-related moments of fury, though.
Dear Esther
The bleak Hebridean island that this short, story-led game takes place on is one of my favourite virtual places to hike through. It evokes the same lonely feeling as Take On Mars, but with a more earthly setting. The world and sound design are hauntingly atmospheric, and the understated music and narration give it a serene, dreamlike feel. Can we have more games set on remote Scottish islands, please?
Space Engine
This one’s tricky. Flying around Space Engine’s beautiful 1:1 scale recreation of the universe can be remarkably humbling and soothing, but you run the risk of suddenly realising just how small and insignificant you are and having a mild existential breakdown. For the best experience, disable the in-game music and listen to the sci-fi-tinged ambience of ‘Tomorrow's Harvest’ by Boards of Canada.
Proteus
This surrealist exploration game marries sound and visuals in a really captivating way. As you wander around a procedurally-generated island, constructed from simple, abstract shapes, the dreamy music reacts to your actions. Then the seasons begin to change, transforming the landscape around you, and your worries slip away. It only takes an hour to finish Proteus, but the world layout is different every time.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
This is my current go-to game for post-work relaxation. I don’t bother with any of the business management stuff: just the driving. Hauling cargo around grey, rain-soaked European motorways might not sound that relaxing, but it weirdly is. Stick on some live radio from the country you’re in to really escape into the, er, fantasy. The swish of the wipers going back and forth is hypnotising, but keep your eye on the road.
EVE Online
Yeah, really. In the dangerous parts of New Eden, where the space-police can’t protect you, EVE is anything but relaxing. But stick to high security areas and it’s a great place to just float around admiring the cosmic scenery. If you’re a sci-fi fan, I’d say it’s worth signing up for the free trial just to experience the atmosphere. Just make sure you stay near your starting area, otherwise pirates will burst your relaxation bubble.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
This detective adventure is like watching an episode of Poirot or Morse or something. It has that sedate British crime drama vibe about it, and even though most of the cases are about grisly murders, the gorgeous, authentic environments are a pleasure to explore. It’s like being transported to Victorian England. The pace is slow and measured, and none of the puzzles are too taxing. The perfect game for a lazy Sunday.
Braid
The time-bending puzzles in Braid can be frustrating, but the elegant music and lush, hand-painted world should keep you from getting too steamed up. The story is pretty dark if you go digging for it, but if you focus squarely on the puzzles, it can be a peaceful way to spend a few hours. The next game from Braid creator Jonathan Blow, The Witness, seems to be going for that same kind of low-key atmosphere.
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About the Author
Andy Kelly
Andy grew up with PC games, losing countless hours of his youth to Quake and Baldur’s Gate. Today his love for PC gaming is just as strong, and now he loses countless hours of his adult life to them. He loves horror, RPGs, sims, anything set in space, anything set in rainy cyberpunk cities, adventure games, and you.
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