Tag: Gaming

  • 10 of the Most Relaxing Video Games on PC & Consoles to Play in 2022

    Looking for an outlet that will help you find peace in your hectic life this year? Maybe what you’re looking for is just a click away!

    When we think of video games, some may think of adrenaline-pumping action, high-octane racing, or even challenging puzzles. But sometimes, video games can also mean calm in between one’s busy schedule. While some games’ interpretations of fun are outlandish experiences where the player gets to be the hero, there are also titles where you can just relax and enjoy doing your tasks at your own pace. Below are such video games you could play on your PC and consoles.

    Animal Crossing: New Horizons

    Nintendo Switch

    Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a chill and peaceful gameplay that you could enjoy anywhere, thanks to the portability of the Nintendo Switch. Live a soothing life on an island where you can garden, fish, catch insects, befriend islanders, and hang out with your friends. With its available tools for crafting and decorating, the game really gives you the freedom to make an island of your own!

    Stardew Valley

    PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, & iOS

    This indie life and farming simulator polished the genre first made popular by the Harvest Moon franchise. Presented in pixel graphics, Stardew Valley turns you into a new farmer who just inherited a plot of land from his grandfather. Your goal is to make the land thrive by sowing seeds and reaping crops. The game also allows you to fish, mine, craft, make friends with the villagers, and even marry one of them.

    A Short Hike

    PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, & Xbox One

    Perhaps what you need to relax is a short hike into nature. But if that’s not possible for the moment, you should check out the game A Short Hike. The game takes you on a journey where you hike, climb, and soar through beautiful mountainside landscapes. Along the way, you will also meet other hikers and discover hidden treasures that will make your virtual hike even more memorable.

    ABZU

    PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

    From hiking atop majestic mountaintops, you might also find peace diving into the deepest parts of the ocean. ABZU takes you on such an adventure as a Diver, who goes into the vibrant depths of the ocean to discover hundreds of unique species and unravel its many mysteries. While danger also awaits in its depths, the game will take you on an underwater journey that soothes you with beauty.

    Proteus

    PC, PlayStation 3, & PlayStation Vita

    Proteus is the game to satisfy one’s wanderlust. The game’s blocky yet charming world lets you explore, immerse, and interact with so many things. While its main objective is just to let you discover its wonderful virtual landscapes and seascapes, the game also holds little surprises that make it more interesting to players.

    Untitled Goose Game

    PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, & Nintendo Switch

    As responsible adults, sometimes we just want to let loose and act like chaotic kids. The Untitled Goose Game helps you redeem that feeling of freedom… but as a goose. In this game, you play a goose that goofs around and creates funny problems in an unsuspecting village setting up pranks, stealing people’s belongings, and honking a lot until you ruin everyone’s day!

    Donut County

    PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, & Nintendo Switch

    Here’s another video game where you create satisfying and enjoyable chaos. In this physics puzzle game, you are literally just a hole on the ground. You control this hole with the objective of getting everything to fall into its mysterious depths, and with every item you devour, the hole gets larger. While it’s a simplistic and straight-to-the-point game, Donut County offers charming visuals and fun characters that are all delightful as a whole.

    Spiritfarer

    PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, & Nintendo Switch

    A game about death may sound bleak and upsetting, but the management simulator Spiritfarer is far from that. You play as Stella, the ferry master to the deceased. Your objective is to build and expand your boat, and get to know your passenger spirits before you release them into the afterlife. Alongside its management mechanics, the game also offers touching stories that will leave a mark on you after playing.

    Firewatch

    Firewatch is a narrative mystery game set in the Wyoming wilderness. You play as Henry, a fire lookout based on top of a lone tower in the middle of the woods. With only the voice of your supervisor, Delilah, keeping you company through a handheld radio, your job is to make sure that the forest is safe from fire. To do so, the game requires you to leave the tower and explore the wild environment around you, while making choices that may build or destroy the only relationship you hold onto. With its gorgeous visuals and enthralling story, Firewatch will keep you engaged and soothed with wonder.

    GRIS

    PC, PlayStation 4, iOS, Android, & Nintendo Switch

    This side-scroller offers a serene gaming experience that’s free from danger, frustration, or death. Presented in captivating art and music, the game puts you in the world of Gris, a hopeful young girl who must deal with sorrow. As she grows emotionally, more of her abilities are unlocked, allowing you to see her world differently.

    ALSO READ
    10 Best Nintendo Switch Games to Make The Most of Those Joycons
    8 Relaxing iOS and Android Games That Will Help You De-stress
    5 Beautiful iOS & Android Games with Awe-Inspiring Visuals

    Looking for more video games to play? Check out our other video game lists! Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games to Make The Most of Those Joycons

    Last October, Nintendo rolled out the OLED version of the Nintendo Switch to join its standard and Lite versions and to further cater to gamers’ varying needs from a console. And it looks like the Switch will just get better from here; after all, since its release in 2017, the success of Nintendo’s handheld console really proved to be a gamechanger, taking the portability of video games to the next level.

    If you’ve finally decided to join the growing community of Nintendo Switch users, or are just trying to expand the library of games on your device, then you’re probably on the lookout for some Switch games that are worth your time and money. If so, you don’t need to look far. Here’s a list of some of the best games that you should definitely play if you have a Switch!

    1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild showcases the peak of the Nintendo Switch’s potential. It takes players to the vast, open-world Hyrule where the iconic characters of The Legend of Zelda franchise reside. Embark on a journey across Hyrule’s beautiful and barren lands, climb its frozen mountains and flaming volcanoes, glide from its highest peaks in this open-world game that gives the players immense freedom. As Link, it is your quest to help Princess Zelda defeat the darkness from the evil Calamity Ganon and bring back the peace in Hyrule. The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is also expected to be released this 2022.

    Download it here

    2. Super Mario Odyssey

    Mario is one of Nintendo’s most popular characters, if not the most popular. For the Nintendo Switch, the mustached plumber also got a triple-A game that takes the Super Mario gameplay to the next level. In this sandbox-style 3D game, you join Mario and his new ally Cappy on a globe-trotting adventure where you can capture and control a variety of objects, animals, and even enemies, as you explore incredible new places far from the Mushroom Kingdom. Collect Power Moons to fuel the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser! The game also allows you to play with a friend where one of you plays Mario and the other plays the fun Cappy!

    Download it here

    3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

    Animal Crossing: New Horizons is another must-have game for the Nintendo Switch, especially for those who want to just relax and enjoy playing with their console. Inhabit a deserted island and build a community from the ground up. Have a soothing island getaway where you can garden, fish, catch insects, befriend islanders, hang out with your friends, and so much more! With all the available tools, the possibilities seem limitless when it comes to decorating and putting a personal touch on your paradise! Nintendo also continues to release updates and DLCs for the players to expand their game with.

    Download it here

    ALSO READ
    7 Games Like ‘Animal Crossing’ If You Don’t Have a Switch

    4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    The ultimate crossover of video game icons, Super Smash Bros. is an epic fighting game that you and your friends can totally enjoy. Packed with characters like Mario, Link, Kirby, Pikachu, Cloud Strife, Sonic, and Ryu just to name a few, Super Smash Bros. offers plenty of battle action with stages that can cater to up to eight players! Make your couch the next arena for a legendary competition with your pals! More characters are also being added to the roster via DLC.

    Download it here

    5. Pokémon Sword and Shield

    Like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, the beloved Nintendo game franchise Pokémon also received an upgrade in the form of Pokémon Sword and Shield. Choose from the three starters: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble, and begin your journey as a newbie trainer in the immersive 3D landscapes of the Galar Region. Challenge the troublemakers of Team Yell, unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta, and utilize the new power of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon to become the next champion! Of course, always aim to catch them all!

    Download it here

    6. Luigi’s Mansion 3

    It’s Luigi’s moment to step up and save everyone in Luigi’s Mansion 3! The green-clad plumber has been invited to the Last Resort Hotel, but when his brother and friends go missing, it is up to Luigi to save the day. Explore the creaky and creepy floors of the hotel, fight spooky ghosts with the all-new Poltergust G-00, and join forces with the green and gooey Gooigi to solve puzzling contraptions and defeat the bosses of each themed floor! Up to 8 players can also play together to ascend the ScareScraper via local wireless or online.

    Download it here

    7. Monster Hunter Rise

    Whether you’re a fan of the Monster Hunter franchise or a newbie hunter, Monster Hunter Rise is definitely worth checking out for the Switch. Jump into the ninja-inspired village of Kamura where you, alongside your canine companion Palamute, go on a quest to become the ultimate hunter. Aside from its new environments and monsters, MH: Rise also introduces the high-flying ‘Wire Action’ gameplay which adds an exciting new layer to its combative gameplay.

    Download it here

    8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

    Like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ideal couch game for up to four friends. The game features every track of the Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, including the DLC, plus new battle courses where you can race and crash your friends’ karts! Aside from returning favorites such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr., the Inklings of Splatoon are also joining in on the fun!

    Download it here

    9. Hades

    One of the best video game releases of 2020, the indie video game Hades has found gamers’ respect that levels with Nintendo’s own triple-A games. In this rogue-like, hack-and-slash game, you play the Prince of the Underworld, Zagreus, who defies his father Hades and tries to escape the realm crawling with mythical monsters. Upgrade your weapons, grasp the power of Olympus, and discover the rich stories you can only find in the Underworld.

    Download it here

    10. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

    From the beloved Dragon Quest series, this game hails you as the Luminary– the hunted hero who must protect the kingdom of Erdrea from destruction. Join a ragtag group of adventurers, forge your gear, level up your party members’ skills, and engage in epic turn-based battles as you travel across the kingdom. This version also lets you change between HD and 16-bit graphics, giving everyone a kick of nostalgia for long-time fans of the series.

    Download it here

    Honorable Mentions

    Looking for more video games to play? Check out our latest video game lists. Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    ALSO READ
    15 New Video Games We’re Pumped Up to Play This 2022
    8 Short Video Games That You Can Finish in One Sitting

  • 15 Building & Farming Games on iOS & Android That will Soothe You with Progress

    There are games we enjoy due to the adrenaline-pumping action. There are also titles that capture our interest with a captivating story. And there are games that are just fun to play for a minute or two. Then there are the building and farming simulators— games that get us hooked with their progressive gameplay. Growing a small town or a patch of land and seeing them turn into a bustling metropolis or an abundant farm really feeds us with satisfaction, that’s why many of us just can’t stop playing!

    If you’re into such games, and you prefer your phone as a handheld console, then worry not! On this list, we’ve rounded up some awesome mobile games that involve satisfying building and farming mechanics!

    Stardew Valley

    Android (P235) | iOS ($249)

    Stardew Valley is an open-world pixel farming game that will keep you occupied not just with sowing seeds and reaping crops, but also with combat, crafting, fishing, and the construction of your farm buildings. You also get to befriend the villagers and start a family, making this farm simulator more satisfying as you progress throughout the game.

    Townsmen

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Townsmen has been around even before smartphones, and yet it continues to fetch players who’ll get addicted to its gameplay. You start off with a small village with the goal of turning it into a thriving medieval empire. To do so, you have to strategically place buildings, have your people fetch resources, and survive dangers by constructing defensive towers to protect your citizens.

    Fallout Shelter

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Here’s a strategic building game that’s post-apocalyptic but fun to play! In this game, you’re in control of an underground Vault that you have to maintain and expand to meet your dwellers’ needs for survival. Aside from survival, you can also help your dwellers live a full life despite being inside a bunker by giving them the ideal jobs and leading them to their happiness.

    Pocket City

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Pocket City is a city-building game that lets you witness the expansion and progression of your city. As mayor, you get to build residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as parks and recreational spots. To add some spice to your gameplay, there are also wild disasters and crimes that could create chaos to your city, so be ready to rebuild are recover.

    Dungeon Village

    Android (P159) | iOS (P249)

    Here’s a medieval fantasy adventure infused with building mechanics from Kairosoft! Grow your village by building the necessary establishments to turn it into a mecca for the strongest adventurers and summon them to defeat monsters, clear dungeons, and secure treasures for you! You can also check out more Kairosoft games if you like management and building sims.

    Clash of Clans

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Clash of Clans is a medieval strategy game that offers exciting PvP battles. Build your village, raise troops of Barbarians, Wizards, and other types of fighters, and join clans to participate in epic Clan Wars! But don’t let your guard down, your village must also be ready from attacks!

    Harvest Town

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Here’s another farming sim that’s similar to Stardew Valley, offering high freedom to its players. You play the character of someone who grew up on a farm and moved to the city only to grow old with regrets. You then wake up young again on the farm you missed so much, and this time, you get to live your life sowing seeds, harvesting crops, fishing, exploring caverns, and so much more.

    Minecraft

    Android (P360) | iOS (P349)

    Minecraft is perhaps the most popular building game out there. From PC, the game has also jumped to mobile devices bringing convenient access for its creative and adventurous players anytime, anywhere. Play in Creative Mode, where your imagination can roam free as you build with unlimited resources, or pick Survival Mode where you have to mine for powerful weapons that will protect you from the world’s dangers.

    Terraria

    Android (P260) | iOS (P249)

    Like Minecraft, Terraria is a sandbox game with a pixel side-scroller approach. Besides allowing the players to build their kingdom from the ground up, the game also offers a vast world for you to explore, which has over 20 biomes and mini-biomes, over 400 foes to fight, and so much more! If you’re into action as well as building games, then Terraria is a must-try title on mobile!

    Bit City

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Grow your tiny town into a bustling city in this idle game with an eye-catching low-poly look. As you gain more profit, you get to upgrade your buildings, add more vehicles, and construct iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. You can even expand your domain to space!

    My Time at Portia

    This open-world 3D game takes you to the charming land of Portia. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game puts you in the shoes of a builder who must restore the glory of human civilization by what you do best– crafting and building! As you grow into a seasoned builder, you even get to bond with the NPCs, create a circle of friends, and find romance!

    SimCity BuildIt

    Android | iOS (Free)

    When it comes to simulation games, EA’s The Sims franchise is one of the most popular out there. Their SimCity line, which actually preceded the Sims games, is also popular to fans, and for those wanting to play it anywhere, SimCity BuildIt is the game to pick up. Design a beautiful city, recreate famous cities like London and Tokyo, and battle against monsters and fellow Mayors to keep the peace in your city.

    Tour of Neverland

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Tour of Neverland is an adorable 3D farming game on mobile that’s quite similar to Nintendo’s Animal Crossing. The game tasks you to run your own tropical island, starting with a small plot of land and a few seeds to plant. As you progress, you can begin expanding your farm, own more buildings, and access more features. You can also play co-op online.

    DomiNations

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Like Clash of Clans, here’s another strategic building game that involves wars against other players. Choose your nation, build an empire, and play through historic campaigns inspired by . Each of the eight nations– the Romans, British, Chinese, French, Germans, Japanese, Koreans and Greeks– have unique strengths and units you could use to your advantage to protect your nation and thrive.

    Harvest Moon: Light of Hope

    Android (P815) | iOS (P749)

    Harvest Moon is one of the pioneers in farming simulators. In Light of Hope, you are on a voyage to start a new life when a monsoon sinks your ship and you find yourself stuck in a harbor town that was also devastated by the storm. Now it’s up to you to rebuild the town by playing through Harvest Moon’s classic gameplay, which involves growing crops, tending to your livestock, befriending the NPCs, and so much more!

    Looking for more games to play on your favorite gadgets? Check out more of our video game lists.