I need games that make me calm and make me forget about life.

[secreto7]

If you have a controller with gyro or a PS3, Flower is a really relaxing and atmospheric game, at least in my opinion. For that matter, all the other games by Thatgamecompany (Flow, Journey, Sky: Children of the Light) are also very calm and beautiful.

Would definitely also second the Katamari Damacy series, and some more indie titles as well: Citizen Sleeper, Tacoma, Gris, In Other Waters, The Artful Escape, ENA: Dream BBQ, The Forgotten City, Paradise Killer, Machinarium, Samarost 1, 2, and 3

Some retro games that might be worth looking into: Pilotwings series, Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest, Kirby's Dream Course, Yoshi's Island, Trip World, Spyro the Dragon (1st game in particular, imo), the Klonoa series, the SSX series, Gex: Enter the Gecko, Tail Concerto, YoYo's Puzzle Park, Threads of Fate, Popful Mail, Chibi-Robo, the Pikmin series, EarthBound, Bazaru De Gozaru No Game De Gozaru

Some of those games are a bit sad I think, for example Klonoa

 

[kuroninneko]

Zen pinball

 

[Graves Ruinwalker]

The old Harvest moon games are not only very chill but always are charming on their own . Sonething like a soul-healing game-series.

The life of a farmer is always a peaceful one .

Its just you , the crops , the animals and your planned next goal .

Fishing games are always chill too.
There is a learning curve to it but its relaxing and you get into it very naturally .

 

[JPchicre]

For this i usually go for games that require a little planing and use creativity, like city builders (on easy for this particular use) Sim City 4, Caesar IV and Pharaoh are all classics and relatively easy to learn. they occupy your mind enough to make you stop thinking but are not so urgent to make you panic.More modern games that are also great are Timberborn, Kingdoms Reborn, Fabledom and Horticular, Other management games might have the same effect like Parkictect, Theme Park Tycoon Trilogy, Planet Zoo or Transport Fever 2. Alternatively i sometimes play open world games and just walk around San Andreas is good for that because there is little chance to run into danger if you are not looking for it.There is also Animal Crossing like life-sims like Dinkum, Littlewood or Ooblets.

 

[irkella]

Some of those games are a bit sad I think, for example Klonoa

Spoiler: But what about...

Klonoa Beach Volleyball?​

 

[Cardboardtubeknight]

A soulslike will help you relax

 

[Mopeybloke]

Late last year I got attacked by a dog. This is the game I healed my hand to.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley on Steam

Join Snufkin in this musical adventure about restoring harmony and balance to Moominvalley, protecting it from the industrious Park Keeper.

store.steampowered.com

It helps if you like The Moomins.

 

[Shameless]

For me it's Voices Of The Void, just something about it hooks me for hours. Had to stop playing cuz i keep shooting past my drawing time.

 

[job32]

Echo the Dolphin. Played a little bit of it and seems pretty chill. Possiblly, could get frustrating, unsure.

 

[Brasilian Belmont]

As in something that doesn't require too much effort and isn't too complicated or frustrating.

So No games about war. They make me physically ill these days.

I guess animal crossing count's as one but I've never enjoyed something like that. I haven't enjoyed farming stuff like stardew valley either. I'm sorry. If anyone has recommendations i would be thankful.

How about a fighting game like Tekken?
I always play it when i just don't know what i should play.

 

[secreto7]

Crash Bandicoot... no just kidding.

 

[deceptionfalls]

DOOM (1993) is super relaxing, nothing better to take the edge off than to kill evil demons from hell, my favorite stress reliever!

 

[riksbunkerns]

This game is like a lovely blanket, and on some days you can feel it tugging at your heartstrings but only if you let it. Gameplay is quite effortless, largely revolving around you helping the villagers around town and filling your love gauge. Its all very sweet

also this

 

[Sfjeov]

Playing a roguelike on a terminal is pretty chill imo and a good time waster
of course i haven't beaten any of them once

 

[Kamako]

Broken Sword : Shadow of the Templars, Bubble Bobble, Peggle and The Witness

Low stakes, slow-paced titles with an emphasis on gameplay over narrative.

 

[bubbyrude]

they aren't retro but you could try House Flipper or Power Wash Simulator

 

[GardeniaSky's icon GardeniaSky GardeniaSky]

-A Little to the Left(Do fun puzzles! The music is nice and there's cute cats!)

-Book of hours(careful, this one makes time melt away.)

-Starfox 64(Focus on a run or two, a great way to focus on somethinf fun for 45+mins at a time)

-Loop Hero(You wont be able to put it down!)

These are all games that you can easily lose yourself in, but require you to be 'present' as you do so. It'll keep you sharp while giving you a controlled space to relax and decompress. :3

 

[kuroninneko]

View attachment 82926

This game is like a lovely blanket, and on some days you can feel it tugging at your heartstrings but only if you let it. Gameplay is quite effortless, largely revolving around you helping the villagers around town and filling your love gauge. Its all very sweet

also this

View attachment 82930

On the topic of Art Academy I was considering the possibility of emulating it with a graphics tablet. That might be awesome. I used to 3DS Pokemon and Disney Art Academy games a ton.

Edit: And also another game recommendation would be the Earth Defense Force series. Shooting those alien bugs is always instant stress relief for me.

 

[Mopeybloke]

I just remembered. Aer — Memories of Old. It's all based on exploration and light puzzle solving, and has an intriguing story. I also enjoy flying around in it. This game also seems to require Steam input for gamepad support, but it does work.

Here's a trailer for it.

AER Memories of Old on Steam

Transform into a bird and fly to explore and experience a vibrant world of floating islands in the sky. Venture down into lost ancient ruins where each step leads you closer to the end of the world.

store.steampowered.com

 

[Nebulon_Galaxy]

Faster than Light

 

[cheepsheeps567]

fire emblem awakening
you welcome
smile.

 

[PlayerJuan]

Untitled Goose Game
Thank Goodness You're Here!
A Short Hike
A diving game like Abzu or Endless Ocean maybe
Or going in the complete opposite direction - maybe a beat em up might be therapeutic?

 

[job32]

Red Dead Redemption. Do the first few easy missions and just wander about on the horse, with a nice chill background music/noises. If you feel up to it, do the next mission, or just trot around on the horse and hunt for game. Think it was actually the most chill game, I've experienced, in the past.

 

[DrunkGecko]

Silent hill 2 is pretty lighthearted

 

[J.B’s rabbit den]

Terraria