With the pandemic mercilessly altering the way most of us live, many have been looking for ways to have virus-proof fun indoors. Choices abound but it’s no secret that an overwhelmingly popular option is video games. In fact, video game sales have increased since the start of the pandemic.
I definitely wouldn’t call myself a stereotypical hardcore gamer but yes, I do enjoy picking up my Switch and PS4 controller from time to time. If you’re a ‘non-gamer’ like me, you might also enjoy these games that I personally play and love!
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farm simulator at its core—but there’s more to the game than just that!
With a set of tools and a plot of land inherited from your grandpa, you have the freedom to craft items, farm crops, raise animals, produce artisan goods, mine ores, catch fish, and—honestly my favorite—befriend and romance villagers in ‘Pelican Town’.
Pixel art aficionados like myself are sure to love the bright, colorful visuals of this well-crafted indie game. As a matter of fact, part of the reason why I adore Stardew Valley is that it gives me the nostalgic feeling of playing on my brother’s GameBoy Advanced SP. (Gotta miss those Final Fantasy Tactics days.)
Combining the retro look with the endearing soundtrack and vibrant small-town environment, Stardew Valley makes for an immersive and satisfying gaming experience. The best part is you, the Player, set the pace of the game but there are tasks that you can aim to accomplish if you so desire.
The non-playable characters (NPCs) also have interesting and often relatable backstories which make them seem more ‘real’ (if you can ignore the repetitive dialogue).
Considering it’s my favorite game of all time, it shouldn’t be hard to believe that I have amassed a whopping 400+ hours playing the game! I enjoy playing Stardew Valley on my laptop but the convenience of playing on the Switch simply can’t be beaten!
Sold at a relatively low price and access to ongoing free major updates from the developer, Stardew Valley is worth every last penny.
Stardew Valley is available for Windows, Mac and Linux; Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 4; Xbox One; PlayStation Vita; iOs; and Android.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange is an episodic 3D adventure game where the Player controls Max, a student photographer who discovers her ability to travel back in time.
Playing it is sort of like watching one of those Netflix interactive shows (think Black Mirror’s Bandersnatch) but better because you have the freedom to actually walk around and explore your environment!
Sure, the game’s time travel plot isn’t exactly airtight but it hardly seems to affect how much players enjoy the game. I think what a lot of people love about it is that it is an emotional ride where the choices you make can impact the story.
Life is Strange is equal parts game and flick—and for many of us who don’t like combat, that’s a good thing!
In all but a few parts of the game, the Player isn’t pressed for time and you can typically take as much time and do as many do-overs as you need to complete each scene. That’s not to say it’s all calm and easy throughout; there are enough genuinely gripping and panic-inducing scenes to balance it all out.
Life is Strange is available for Windows, PlayStations 3 and 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, iOs and Android.
READ: How I Handle Situations That Make Me Nervous
Overcooked 2
If I could describe how my sisters and I play this game, I would say it’s like acting out the insanely stressful dinner service segment of Hell’s Kitchen.
Seriously.
The first time I played this, I got a splitting headache and shouted so much I worried I’d lose my voice for a couple of days.
That being said, Overcooked 2 is for sure my favorite multi-player game on the Switch. After each zero- or one-star performance, my sisters and I have to pause the level to re-strategize. One person does the chopping, another cooks the meat, someone else calls out the next orders and serves the dishes, and so on.
As you advance in the game, the steps needed to prepare an ingredient increases along with the difficulty level of maneuvering your way around the kitchen.
Overcooked 2 is available for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Last but definitely not least: the game that has taken the world by storm since its release in March of this year—Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Enjoy a stress-free existence as the star inhabitant of a charming little island. The list of things you can do is pretty impressive: dress up your character, befriend other inhabitants, expand your home, build furniture, catch fish, trap bugs, and design your island to look however you want!
The whimsical graphics and wacky characters create a calm and playful atmosphere so it’s no surprise this is a hit with people of all ages.
I think the fact that there really isn’t any death involved and at every turn, there is an easy way to gain something makes this game a favorite for so many of us looking for some positivity during a difficult time like now. It’s so good that people have no problem shrugging off its $60 (Php2800) price tag.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
This is a pretty short list but I’m always looking for new games to try out! What are some other popular video games you think non-gamers should try? Have you tried any of the games on this list yourself?
Ferna’s interests include blogging, reading and learning all things digital media! She hopes to soon become a half-decent baker.
Find me on: Facebook
