Summary
From thepoint-and-click puzzlersof the old LucasArts games to the interactive narratives woven by Telltale, adventure games are a broad and varied bunch. Due to undemanding gameplay and a focus on exploration, puzzles, and story, these titles tend to be inherently relaxing experiences.
In the interest of variety, adventures of all kinds have been considered. However, each of these games must feature some combination of puzzle-solving, exploration, and narrative. All offer experiences that vary from soothing to cathartic.
Untitled Goose Gameis an experience built for players that enjoy extremely low-stakes. In the game, players explore a sleepy village as a mischievous goose, wreaking havoc wherever and however they can.
It’s anadventure on a small scale, but the colorful stylized graphics, tongue-in-cheek tone, and undemanding gameplay makeUntitled Goose Gamea very relaxing experience. Furthermore, despite the low stakes,Untitled Goose Gamegives players a reason to keep playing with its to-do list, which carefully directs players around the village to complete various puzzles.
Pacific Driveis a genre mash-up of extraction gamesand driving simulators, elevated by a supernatural setting inspired byRoadside Picnic. In the game, players barrel through various volatile zones, collecting all manner of scrap whileavoiding supernatural dangers.
Pacific Drivealso features a narrative told through immersive radio dialogue, which adds to the overall sense of adventure and gives players the drive to keep going. However, the run-based nature ofPacific Driveand the coziness of road-tripping through its dangerous locales is surprisingly relaxing, and easily the biggest reason to play. That said,Pacific Drivecan get more than a little tense when things go wrong, but the stakes are never high enough to become overtly stressful.
There’s something immediately disquieting aboutDisco Elysium. It can be a heavy experience at times, but the humanity of its narrative and thebeautifully illustrated art stylemake it an experience that’s almost cathartic.
Disco Elysiumcan be relaxing and downright unsettling in the same breath, thanks in large part to the wide array of colorful characters and the tremendous voice acting talent that supports them. The troubled world in which the game is set can provide some true tension, butsoaking in the atmosphereof Revachol can be a uniquely relaxing experience.
Animal Wellis a truly strange and utterly surreal 2D platformer witha Metroidvania structure, elevated by a wonderfully creative art style. The unique underground setting, whimsical music, and combination of quiet exploration and puzzle-solving gives the game’s atmosphere a relaxing quality.
Players that enjoy more action-oriented experiences with straightforward narratives may findAnimal Wellto be somewhat disappointing. However, for fans of whimsy who thrive off a sense of discovery,Animal Wellis likely to please.
Dredgeis an undemanding fishing game with an eldritch-horror twist that invites players to revel in its quiet, immersive atmosphere. The charming low-poly art style and low-stakes gameplay keepDredgefrom becoming too stressful, and the simple act of sailing across its open waters is an often relaxing experience (as long as you don’t stay out after dark).
The serene atmosphere is by and large the most relaxing element ofDredge, expertly supported by its intuitive gameplay. However, the Lovecraftian horror elements may turn some players away from its waters.
Kentucky Route Zerois a quiet, contemplative adventure that plays like interactive fiction. There’s little conflict throughout the game, and it’s not possible to lose, allowing players to relax and soak in the immersive atmosphere and stylish visuals.
AlthoughKentucky Route Zerolooks great, it’s the game’s heartfelt and at-times tragic narrative that drives the experience. It’s a somber adventure that frequently elicits melancholic feelings, but it’s full of heart and often cathartic.
The bouncy noir-infused soundtrack, sticker-book graphics, and lighthearted tone makeDuck Detective: The Secret Salamia tremendously laid-back, joyful experience. It’s a short detective adventure that puts players in the shoes of an investigative duck, brought to life through superb voice acting.
The low stakes ofDuck Detective’smystery also keeps the experience from becoming too intense. Furthermore, it takes a mere afternoon to get through the case of the secret salami, preventing the ensemble of colorful characters from overstaying their welcome.
Night In The Woodsis a colorful 2D adventure game driven by its heartfelt narrative. The game follows the exploits of several young people in a rundown town populated by anthropomorphized creatures, featuring very little gameplay outside of exploration and light puzzle solving.
The wholesome characters and their distinctive personalities are a definite high-point, and the town of Possum Springs feels truly lived-in. All in all, the calming colors, soothing soundtrack, and autumnal atmosphere makeNight In The Woodsa frequently laid-back, low-stakes adventure. There are some eerie elements toNight In The Woods, but they’re rarely spooky enough to overshadow the relaxing atmosphere.
