EVE Online
Yeah, really. In the dangerous parts of New Eden, where the space-police can’t protect you, EVE is anything but relaxing. But stick to high security areas and it’s a great place to just float around admiring the cosmic scenery. If you’re a sci-fi fan, I’d say it’s worth signing up for the free trial just to experience the atmosphere. Just make sure you stay near your starting area, otherwise pirates will burst your relaxation bubble.
Yeah, really. In the dangerous parts of New Eden, where the space-police can’t protect you, EVE is anything but relaxing. But stick to high security areas and it’s a great place to just float around admiring the cosmic scenery. If you’re a sci-fi fan, I’d say it’s worth signing up for the free trial just to experience the atmosphere. Just make sure you stay near your starting area, otherwise pirates will burst your relaxation bubble.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
This detective adventure is like watching an episode of Poirot or Morse or something. It has that sedate British crime drama vibe about it, and even though most of the cases are about grisly murders, the gorgeous, authentic environments are a pleasure to explore. It’s like being transported to Victorian England. The pace is slow and measured, and none of the puzzles are too taxing. The perfect game for a lazy Sunday.
Braid
The time-bending puzzles in Braid can be frustrating, but the elegant music and lush, hand-painted world should keep you from getting too steamed up. The story is pretty dark if you go digging for it, but if you focus squarely on the puzzles, it can be a peaceful way to spend a few hours. The next game from Braid creator Jonathan Blow, The Witness, seems to be going for that same kind of low-key atmosphere.
Take On Mars
This slow-paced simulator sees you exploring the surface of the red planet with a variety of rovers and landers. The missions don’t get any more exciting than ‘probe some soil’, but the feeling of being alone on a distant, lonely world is palpable. The howl of the Martian wind as you trundle through the dust creates an evocative atmosphere, and the sedate pace of the rovers makes for a strangely hypnotic experience.
This slow-paced simulator sees you exploring the surface of the red planet with a variety of rovers and landers. The missions don’t get any more exciting than ‘probe some soil’, but the feeling of being alone on a distant, lonely world is palpable. The howl of the Martian wind as you trundle through the dust creates an evocative atmosphere, and the sedate pace of the rovers makes for a strangely hypnotic experience.
The Golf Club
Golf is what high-flying businessmen play to escape the pressures of the rat race, but you don’t have to be a bloated tycoon to enjoy the sport. The Golf Club isn’t the best golf sim I’ve ever played, but it nails the calm, placid feel of the sport. Knocking balls around these beautiful, green courses, the sound of birdsong in the air, is a great way to soothe a stress-addled mind. Expect some putting-related moments of fury, though.
Golf is what high-flying businessmen play to escape the pressures of the rat race, but you don’t have to be a bloated tycoon to enjoy the sport. The Golf Club isn’t the best golf sim I’ve ever played, but it nails the calm, placid feel of the sport. Knocking balls around these beautiful, green courses, the sound of birdsong in the air, is a great way to soothe a stress-addled mind. Expect some putting-related moments of fury, though.
Dear Esther
The bleak Hebridean island that this short, story-led game takes place on is one of my favourite virtual places to hike through. It evokes the same lonely feeling as Take On Mars, but with a more earthly setting. The world and sound design are hauntingly atmospheric, and the understated music and narration give it a serene, dreamlike feel. Can we have more games set on remote Scottish islands, please?
The bleak Hebridean island that this short, story-led game takes place on is one of my favourite virtual places to hike through. It evokes the same lonely feeling as Take On Mars, but with a more earthly setting. The world and sound design are hauntingly atmospheric, and the understated music and narration give it a serene, dreamlike feel. Can we have more games set on remote Scottish islands, please?
Space Engine
This one’s tricky. Flying around Space Engine’s beautiful 1:1 scale recreation of the universe can be remarkably humbling and soothing, but you run the risk of suddenly realising just how small and insignificant you are and having a mild existential breakdown. For the best experience, disable the in-game music and listen to the sci-fi-tinged ambience of ‘Tomorrow's Harvest’ by Boards of Canada
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