The great thing about video games is that they allow players to go anywhere and do anything they want. Someone wants to be a captain of a starship and save the galaxy? They can do that. Someone wants to quest through a fantasy land full of magic and dragons? That's possible too.
While these types of adventures are enjoyable, video games don’t always have to be about epic adventures. Sometimes, it’s preferable to just sit back and relax. Great beauty can be found in the quieter moments of our favorite titles. Here are some of the best games that embrace the joy found in the little things.
6 Walden: A Game
When writer and naturalist Henry David Thoreau began his ambitious experiment of living in a cabin in the woods outside of Walden Pond, he sought to live his life on its simplest terms. Walden: A Game allows players to live that experiment. Essentially, it's Thoreau's experience visualized.
As Thoreau, players' in-game tasks include maintaining the cabin, tending to their crops, and visiting town for supplies and the occasional odd job. One can zoom in on plants or animals, and find inspiration in them for Thoreau’s book. It really is about taking the time to actually look at what’s already in plain sight.
5 Endless Ocean: Blue World
While the Wii was not the most powerful console at the time, Endless Ocean: Blue World is an instance of the stunning beauty that can be found on the platform, and an incredible sensory experience. The user-created character explores the ocean depths as a member of L and L Diving Services, which travels to bodies of water around the world.
There is a main story, but the true joy of this game is just exploring the myriad wildlife within the depths. All varieties of creatures, big and small, can be discovered, in a diverse range of shapes and colors. If one looks carefully enough, various treasures can be found as well.
4 Calico
As the new owner of the local cat café in the bright pastel world of Calico, serve up coffee and treats for the local townsfolk. Decorate it with multiple styles of furniture, and of course, pet the cats, and dogs, and the raccoons, and, well, everything! Every day is unique in this charming title.
This is one of those cozy games that can be played at whatever pace the player prefers. Villagers are always happy to talk and provide tasks to run, including the Owl Club (Hoot hoot!). The game also includes breakdancing cats. Yes, that’s right, breakdancing cats.
3 Stardew Valley
If the city life has become too busy and frantic, maybe it is time to pack up and live a quieter, simple life on the farm in Stardew Valley. Running a farm requires lots of tasks, including growing crops, putting down fresh soil, making sure the livestock are fed, and picking up supplies at Pierre’s local shop or at JoJa Mart.
It is easy to develop a steady routine on the farm, and create an almost meditative experience. A great sense of satisfaction comes from carving out a living from oneself. The town of Stardew Valley has a strong sense of community, as the townsfolk are glad to talk, and local festivals are a treat to attend. Of course, if the town life is too quiet, then the local mines offer plenty of exploring and monster slaying.
2 Minecraft
Minecraft is a game that everyone and their grandmother knows. The genius of the game is that it is accessible to virtually everybody, but has unlimited potential for those who want to know everything about it.
While creatures may come out at night, during the day it is peaceful. A calming soundtrack worthy of Bob Ross himself accompanies the journey across the blocky landscape, populated by colorful flowers and peaceful creatures, some of which can be corralled and tamed. If survival proves a bit too stressful, a creative mode is there to just relax and build whatever the imagination conjures.
1 Animal Crossing
The Animal Crossing games have graced virtually every Nintendo console since Animal Forest on the Nintendo 64. The games have evolved quite a bit, but the basic formula remains largely the same: a cute rag doll character moves into a village populated by cheery animals, spruces up the neighborhood, and runs errands for the neighbors. Each title, in its own way, encourages players to live a peaceful and simple life.
The message of the Animal Crossing franchise is to take life day-by-day, the good and the bad. Even if something goes wrong, players are encouraged to embrace it. After all, where is the fun in having everything go exactly as desired? No cosmic threat faces the village, and there is no time limit for any tasks. It is simply about just being. And the game’s real-time cycle has plenty of holidays, seasons, and special events for being at the right place at the right time.