Everyone needs a pick me up once in a while, what works for you?


I think for me I like more hands on, light on story games, as opposed to story-heavy or puzzle games during those times. Stuff like the Katamari games, for example. Time sinks are also great for getting your mind out of your worries. All those open-world games with loads of objectives on the map, like Mad Max, short gameplay loops that you can string together, like Hyrule Warriors, or some grinding for loot games, like Destiny 2 (I assume, the release on PC has been pushed a couple of months). Then there's Civilization, which isn't that hands-on, but it sure does grab your attention and holds it like a vice.

For some reason The Incredible Machine games have always done a good job for me. I guess because they are just pure logic, no emotion.

Skyrim. You are basically a god or goddess in that game and you have the freedom to play how you want to play.

Proteus. It's a rather peaceful game with no real meaning.

Zen Bound: It's a puzzle game where you tie things up.

Fez: It's a colorful exploration game with no prime antagonist.

Manhunt. A bit of the 'ol ultraviolence will surely put a pep in your step.

On that note Quake 3 Arena also.

Going through my account, I'd say Caesar 3 and Pharaoh works for me.

Funny thing you asked, I've been feeling quite empty and down the whole weekend. Probably has to do with my girlfriend breaking up with me on Friday.

There's more to it, but cutting down to business, I spent quite some time Saturday trying to think of something to play. I've been putting a lot of hours in Hollow Knight, but I didn't feel like angering myself over trying to beat the final bosses (essentially what is left of the game).

I wanted to do something, but didn't want to think about what I was doing. Just distract myself on the autopilot I guess.

Ultimately, I spent most of the weekend watching the whole first season of The Expanse (Pretty good show). And various pieces of stand up shows over youtube once that was over (mostly Louis CK).

So I couldn't think of something to play when actually feeling down. :(

Oh, and I noticed I was literally trying to fill the void with food. That was the worse part of it. T_T

Taking a working C64 computer (no emulators) and playing a few games like Zorro or Bruce Lee... works every time :D

Super Mario series, Donkey Kong Country series, Mario Kart series. So easy to pick and play and just have fun without thinking and filled with great characters and brilliant level design.

Shadow Warrior 2013 is a good one. In fact anything with gibs is good. I find those "open world" games now to be quite boring a good percentage of the time. Played that Mordor one recently, it is fun, but after playing the first map and finding out there was a second I just couldn't get up the will the go looking for herbs or kill a certain beast anymore. Just lost its point. Unfortunately this affect these open world games a lot, having to have filler (go here do this, or go there pick that type of quests) and endless spawning pointless beasties works the first 10 or 20 times, then just gets repetitive.

Postal 2.
Definitely, Shadow Warrior 2013 is a great choice, or the sequel (although I have not played the sequel yet but the trailers are awesome).

WHO WANTS SOME WANG??!?!?!? :)

Was a bit dissapointed with the sequel. Its not bad by any means, but there are three distinct region types, and then its randomised within those, so once you have seen it there's not much new. Also, too many shaders (common problem with new games) so you can't see anything half the time, especially when using sword. That being said, its still a solid game and there was some more content added, so well worth it! Its just not wang-tastic like the the 2013.

A good sense of humor goes a long way for a "pick me up" so:-

- Day Of The Tentacle
- Giants: Citizens Kabuto
- Neighbours From Hell 1-2
- No One Lives Forever 1-2
- Sam & Max Hit The Road
- Worms Armageddon / Hedgewars

I've been playing Destiny 2 on the PS4, and I would definitely call it an open-world time-sinker. As with Mad Max and the Borderlands games the focus is on the action, in contrast to more explorative-driven games like Skyrim and Fallout 3.

My focus has been on the single-player stuff, although I've done some multiplayer content as well, with my friends. It's a big improvement over the first game in terms of what you can do (content variety etc), and the narrative is much stronger and more fun.

The best thing about the game though, in my opinion, is the visual design. It's the most beautiful-looking AAA title I've seen in terms of colour-, lighting-, and structural design choices. I'm a complete sucker for the art style they've gone for in these games.

I hope the PC-version turns out great, because it's a really good game.