why casual video games are actually better...

the first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare! skl.sh/getmadz...
no matter if it's smash bros, action-rpgs, or metroidvanias, I'm terrible at videogames. Luckily theres a stress-free videogame genre that I hold close to my heart... ✨wholesome videogames ✨
so if you're like me, or a non-gamer, I hope you learn to love this category of games as much as I do :]
patreon! - / getmadz
discord server! - discordapp.com...
secondary edits ‪@ItzDangani‬
secondary artist ‪@Jacadamia‬
games mentioned:
alba: a wildlife adventure www.albawildli...
a short hike ashorthike.com/
here comes niko! herecomesniko....
check out the wholesome direct! wholesomegames...
the bird - / getmadz
the gram - / getmoremadz
#animation #wholesome #switchgames

[@JellyJessYT]

Ngl that Smash Bros segment was the most relatable thing ever

[@cobypickering2138]

You comment get madz comment u comment his BRUH

[@JudahRR]

Bruh

[@JudahRR]

Bruh

[@WaterMeLoan64]

Bruh

[@Adam-mh7zv]

Tell me I know I'm shit at smash. I have had ultimate for almost 3 years and I have only just learned that a and b aren't the only ways to attack and that combos exist.

[@castroller1358]

POV : *You're realizing that Smash was meant to be a causal and wholesome party game but most competitive people ignore the touches and hard work made for a party game.*

[@R8Spike]

I mean it can be bolth. There are people who speedrun animal crossing for God's sake, atlest let a game with a little bit of competition get pushed

[@aurain7994]

I mean that happens with about every fighting game out there, going from a little fight simulator to an intense strategy game. Tbh I do like some of the smash community like Alpharad, Nairo, and King of Skill

[@artshop8732]

I feel like every game should be experienced how you want it to be experienced. Most popular games are going to have many different communities so why should we dislike them if they aren’t harming anyone else? And they’re probably having a great time doing so. So when I look at the Animal crossing speed running community I think to myself “ I wouldn’t do it but at least they’re having fun” 👍

[@bedramen4853]

@@artshop8732 Exactly! Sometimes How I wanna play it is different too. One day I'm Entering Tournaments to grind for hours. Next day I'm standing in the Right Blastzone of Great Cave Offensive in training mode and admiring how you can hear the Gems shine if you stand by them with focus the camera on yourself

[@finnmarr-heenan2397]

You realise fighting is extremely tactical? From war to boxing to sword fighting . It’s all high level fast paced chess with severe physical consequences

[@averagecanadian87]

Me who plays competitive games: yeah you’re right

[@bogoat]

I mean monster hunter pretty intense though

[@shorts-xb1op]

I feel this. I mainly play fighting games because I love the adrenaline and the challenge that comes with thinking on your feet and before that my favorite game was dark souls and I still have a ton of fun playing vanilla terraria and subnautica. not exactly the same type of games as the ones in this video but they still affect me the same way. They’re my go tos when I don’t want to get mixed to death in GG Strive and KOF

[@connorsmigielski6388]

I mean seige is relaxing

[@HomelessJ06]

Lol yeah

[@ZimpleAzDat]

@@shorts-xb1op it makes me so happy to see a fighting game player in the wild

[@phoenixandy]

I totally understand taking in the scenery of different games. I personally don’t do it myself, but I’ve done it a few times in games like Mario Odyssey or the scenery in the background of Smash Ultimate (Battlefield is actually FREAKING BEAUTIFUL) and it gives you a whole different appreciation for these games.

[@GetMadz]

TRUTH

[@dgsezu]

The first time I played Dark Souls 3, I loved the atmosphere, I haven't stopped loving it even after 2k+ hours...

[@bio_spark0533]

I personally feel the backgrounds of 2d/2.5d games are unappreciated. I'd give anything for pictures of the backgrounds in Kirby Star Allies without the platforming

[@redymedy]

I do it in Wind Waker HD

[@dragonoverdrive6859]

@@GetMadz can you react to learning with pibby?

[@Awesomemay]

playing animal crossing during quarantine was a whole different vibe

[@somebody.3363]

yes

[@memeboygags8718]

It gives a peaceful vibe though.

[@AECcomputers]

I don't get it how does a pandemic have anything to do with changing the vibe of a video game you're supposed to play in home..?

[@kelfo4997]

It may

[@macaroni7639]

YOU SIR ARE A LEGEND OF GEN Z NOSTALGIA

[@Mr_Mimestamp]

It’s really cool how more people are talking about A Short Hike. Its design, low price and short length makes it perfect to recommend to pretty much anyone!

[@polychrome2838]

I've lost count of how many times i've played it. The gliding mechanics are just so satisfying to me.

[@LilyBilly225]

YEAH, it's so great man, i keep forgetting to play it again!!

[@Mike14264]

That game was a delight to me. I should open it again some time...

[@jadeanimepiano6143]

It's always fun to get back into it every few months after I've forgotten where all the feathers are

[@bluejay8345]

I completely agree, I’ve replayed it so many times

[@Sticky_sausage69]

At times I prefer casual games like out of every sports game I’m definitely someone I would choose Wii sports and wii sports resort because of the simpleness

[@katedp7825]

I like Wii sports better than Wii sports resort.

[@Blockoumi]

@@katedp7825 how can anyone say that

[@cat2890]

@@Blockoumi tennis

[@Blockoumi]

@@cat2890 table tennis

[@Blodkorv]

I just play mh rise because I like stress.

[@manehhh]

The perfect casual game for me that is and always will be is Minecraft, I can do so many things and there is a sense of progression that I love, like deciding where and how you are going to build your base starting simple with the basics a chest a bed a crafting table a small wheat farm to keep you alive for the moment to later add and decorate it in your own way

[@nautilume7114]

Seriously that game mastered the balance between purpose and carefree gameplay.

[@yggdrasilsaltar]

sometimes you just need to play a game that makes you unreasonably angry and that’s perfectly ok

[@aymanaboufarise4346]

Yup yup

[@krigsvoldfamily1262]

Example: Super Alpharad World 2

[@victorroberts983]

Terraria

[@levisargent6430]

Any zelda game on hero mode🤪

[@Dob0969]

cUpHeAd

[@kkfaller]

My Friend: I completed Cuphead and it was so hard! Me: That’s cool and all, but did you get to build relationships with the characters in the game?

[@YallGonMakeMe245]

Uh not to come off as rude, but what are you trying to say?

[@chidaluokoro9104]

@@YallGonMakeMe245 a joke

[@RizaLazar]

"modern" Persona reference

[@bartas2896]

that's cool m8. But did you beat the ender dragon with your bare hands?

[@ryanm.8720]

Did you max out your friendship meter with Chalice?

[@Awesomemay]

i find myself getting bored of casual games after a while when i dont know what else to do in the game haha

[@InfoDump]

Oh hey awesomemay

[@Maloz-se1rf]

Same here,I need something to guide me constantly at times but opening up animal crossing after rouge company or smash is nice

[@retiredaccount6032]

casuals can have a bad endgame where you have everything and are looking for stuff to burn your time

[@aurain7994]

Yeah I always go onto animal crossing or Minecraft with stuff in mind and then just get bored 5 minutes in and just boot up smash or hollow knight

[@godisgood540]

@@aurain7994 Yo that's crazy cuz sometimes I'll boot up Animal Crossing or Minecraft with things in mind and then get bored 5 minutes in and just put on hollowknight or smash

[@Welteninsel_K]

For me, it's the other way around. I feel stressed playing games without a goal or/and without a little challenge. But I really like games such as Monster Hunter or RPGs in which you can work on great strategies to fight your enemies.

[@GetMadz]

interesting, but yeah I love and adore monster Hunter, RPG’s are fun but id want to play with friends or for a story, monster Hunter single player is a rare instance for me

[@jackkrell4238]

@@GetMadz imo, mh single player is superior but I respect the more extroverted fans of the series

[@lordnewman8026]

There's just something about hitting wyverns with a big sword until they die.

[@thumb7852]

They’re both fine except the competitive games are more toxic most of the time which makes it less fun cause I just wanna play the game lol

[@archaniac529]

yeah i just want to mess around in an online game without getting told that im trash when they kill me, then scream and report me when i get them back

[@aymanaboufarise4346]

@@archaniac529 well, depends what you play...

[@Gamer_boi_1273]

@@archaniac529 average fortnite competitive player

[@PixelaGames2000]

Bro like seriously the toxic competitive community of smash bro’s Is why I haven’t played smash ultimate in like 2 years Stop being toxic haven’t you ever heard of good sportsmanship

[@deltacosmic5358]

Competitive games can be so bad most of the time

[@dylanchan1686]

I’m one of those who like beating their head against a wall over and over again until I take that stock, beat that stage, etc. it gets me pumped but also happy even if I get frustrated sometimes lol

[@Hopning]

The learning process is so frustrating but it makes it so much more satisfying when you finally beat a challenge

[@dylanchan1686]

@@Hopning FR that’s what I live for, like with smash I have several friends who are better than me, but there’s nothing like bringing back a game and winning, or heck even losing and then laughing together about what happened

[@GetMadz]

100% agree, actually getting past those barriers is super satisfying. I think its also because all the multiplayer games I play are competitive and I lose a lot, so singleplayer games I tend to play usually aren't super crazy w/ challenge

[@Welteninsel_K]

I agree. The moment I first finished a Slay the Spire round is indescribable. You just get so happy to finally done it, it's awesome.

[@lokani]

Relatable! :)

[@barbaricbacon9139]

A lot of people’s relaxing games are animal crossing and stardew valley… mine is Mario kart 8 deluxe

[@WeezerIsSoCool]

Lol yeah

[@ianbaker3060]

How

[@Kroolgamin]

How

[@kingskew4950]

When you're that good

[@ReDD-_]

Mine is committing terrorism on bokoblins in BotW and launching Link with bombs at high speeds and looking down at the land I'm passing by. ...I think I need mental help

[@primebandet8937]

I actually do play Hollow Knight to relax. Once you get to a certain point and you have learned all the boss fights, it can be quite fun to go through the better ones again and again (Mantis Lords, Pure Vessel, etc). But other than that Stardew Valley, Spiritfarer and A Short Hike are all amazing relaxing games.

[@davidstark650]

me too. totally agree. mantis lords theme is so good!

[@Lemewhim]

Dancing Piranha Plant?! My life is now complete

[@deadshon1112]

True

[@Kevelinu]

Just found your channel yesterday...and purchased "a short hike" after seeing you recommend it. I beat the main objective just a short time after, but I am still playing and am just having a magical time with it. Had never heard of it before! I agree, those kind of games are brilliant, but most people probably would not care for them much. Thanks for the recommendation and video!!

[@NintendoHero]

I totally agree with this mindset! Casual/Wholesome games are like my favorite genre. Wii Sports Resort, Stardew Valley, Spiritfarer, and A Short Hike are such great examples of this. Just simple games where you can sit back and enjoy without worrying too much. Great video!

[@comfysleepyhead]

Tip I found out the hard way recently: if you like casual games, don’t play Crash Bandicoot

[@SaraJ332]

I like Zelda breath of the wild it’s half stressful half exploration/Relaxing

[@VicViper2005]

Agreed especially the dungeon puzzles they’re hard to figure out but super satisfying

[@abaque24]

Botw compendium% is a very different game

[@river6797]

It's one if my favorites on the switch for this exact reason. That and the replayability of it.

[@VicViper2005]

@@river6797 some of the quests are super stressful tho like the shrine with the little ball that you move by tilting the controller

[@river6797]

@@VicViper2005 Oh yeah, any shrine that required motion control sucked, and still do. They always just feel so clunky and the tilting always seems off or inversed I guess. But it's also fun trying to find the ways to cheese them, like how you can completely avoid having to do the entire ball maze if you simply tilt it a certain way as the ball drops and have it land at the exit.

[@ArtOpal]

My comfort games are 1. Tomodachi life (it has such a happy vibe and it's hard to be sad when I play) 2. Animal Crossing New Leaf (no explanation needed) 3. Miitopia ( I love anything that has a medeval vibe, even though it has battles, the game isn't super hard until the post game, and the art and music and story just scratch the itch in my brain so well!)

[@gaigedicus585]

Terror fiend

[@JmrUltra]

Every now and then, I like to pop in Go Vacation and just explore the island, or play the mini games they have there.

[@unclegarf7366]

Hard games are definitely sometime stressful but they definitely feel great when you overcome a challenge

[@sammyb1235]

5:35 why does Claire just look like a lanky version of Roald from animal crossing

[@wahtishappening790]

Looking at this makes me realize that I kinda like trying to make any games a bit more casual. Smash Bros? You can goof around with items on and the whole stage builder thing is great! Celeste? One of the best music to chill and Assist/Varient mode exists (although getting variant mode requires beating a hardest version of the last stage)! As long that I can goof around or show my creativity, I feel better!

[@GetMadz]

very well said :)

[@BraxtonKovary]

I mean, sometimes I would rather play games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley instead of Doom & Halo.

[@LegoAnimalCrossing]

I disagree

[@S0ME_GUY]

Heresy

[@dkskcjfjswwwwwws413]

Tf2

[@bartas2896]

Though, mostly i would prefer commiting war crimes in fallout new vegas.

[@TW_Check]

If you’re looking for relaxing games to play, you should definitely try Sky: Children if the Light.

[@irmatrubura4620]

I don't know the Krill are very anxiety inducing Like anxiety inducing enough that I consider playing fire emblem (especially the GBA ones) more calming than playing through the parts where they do appear.

[@excusemesirbutimlost6124]

I also recommend ooblets even the dance battling is pretty chill bc it doesn’t require much thought.

[@himhim2527]

That game is plain up boring, like even for a relaxing game its super annoying to play with all the cutscenes and guides

[@MfwPrivate]

Krills: now let me stop you right there

[@drakeisacake]

Sky is that phone game right? I remember just chatting with someone for a few hours on there. Didn't do anything, just chatted while sitting down. Was very calming

[@paigegguy]

I used to pretty much exclusively played the ol "wholesome uwu cozy casual games" if I was playing on my own, when I only knew them as "life simulation" games and dating sims (the wiki category for the former used to be much smaller lmao). edit: AAYYY GO VACATION

[@cn8168]

Play “Outer Wilds” if you enjoy the smaller things of games. It’s a game where you are a space cadette exploring a brilliantly crafted solar system. And while there are definitely some frustrating parts and light horror elements, as space is space, just gliding though the vastness of the solar system is so incredibly relaxing

[@xReadyPunch]

The way Outer Wilds handles progression is very unique and rewarding. One of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had.

[@bucketofchicken8325]

My brain: haha water on the planets are scary to you go brrr

[@NothingToPostHereJustWatching]

The Critical Health sound effects from Pokémon Black and White around 2:05 capture the stressful mood personally (Take it from someone who has tried a Nuzlocke in White before) (I also admire the use of the Poke Pelago music around the six-minute mark)

[@GetMadz]

pokemon has some banging tunes

[@SMCwasTaken]

RSE and DPPt Ost >>>>>

[@EpicDrawsStuff]

A Short Hike really deserves more attention! It’s one of my absolute favorite games ever and is really fun

[@GetMadz]

Agreed!!

[@wiiuandmii7619]

1:42-1:50 is a better summary of Hollow Knight's core gameplay loop than any review I have seen thus far, and I love it.

[@nautilume7114]

@@deeznuts2577 I think saw noises would be a better summary

[@cartkart1]

One of my favorite ‘comfort games’ is Super Mario Odyssey. I beat the game in 25ish hours, yet I have like 100 hours in the game, mostly of just running around aimlessly because it’s that fun to control.

[@philly3294]

Sure, casual games are cool for relieving stress, but playing casual games all the time? Nah

[@GetMadz]

i get ya, i just like the variety i can have without getting frustrated :0

[@philly3294]

@@GetMadz I totally understand, casual games have kept me sane for the last year or so. We all need games like this after we've rage quit a super frustrating game. Short Hike was super fun to complete

[@-bugbite]

The difference is you CHOOSE when you stop playing a casual game when you feel you are done. With games that are stressful, the game chooses when you mentally can't handle it anymore and have to force yourself to stop!

[@tannerboyle6540]

I think you'd like papers please, return of the obra dinn, baba is you, and Stephens sausage roll. Papers please and return of the obra dinn both have great stories and while papers please is a bit stressful, it's still worth it to experience the great story. Baba is you and Stephens sausage roll are great and charming puzzle games that can be a bit frustrating, but are still relaxing.

[@littleblazeyt526]

Why can't everyone comment something that's not first

[@LiquidOrcana]

0:52 Holy hecc Magnamolo in your style is adorable

[@totinospizzarolls5416]

Ah yes jimmys dad can't resist ducks,he will play this game untile he dies.

[@RahRizzle123]

I'm replaying Wandersong rn. It's such a good game. Cute,wholesome, and depressing I love it so much. Audrey my beloved

[@_Bran]

Mhm,mhm. I've watched through the video entirely and get your point but I disagree 😎😎😎

[@majoraccident1924]

You've watched the entire 8min video in 1 minute. Huh

[@AbduShu]

Yes definitely, it has not been a minute since the video released what do you mean 😎😎😎

[@CoatedDolphin]

ya in 1 minute😎😎😎

[@zakattak393]

I wanna wear sunglasses too 😎😎😎

[@humanbeing8676]

we all love sunglasses 😎

[@setdamn]

I would like to recommend Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth, it's an RPG but everytime I boot up the game I felt like I'm being absorbed into the game. Maybe because it lights up my love for Digimon again. I love seeing the digivolution possibilities and then grind to get it. It's rewarding and I haven't played the game again because I'm afraid it will consume me again if I do.

[@Sweetsweettanuki]

Hey mads I has a few game recommendations both platformers one wholesome and one just great humor both epic music 1. A hat in time ( 2017 )wholesome platformer about a space girl and ... The Mafia...... 2. Psychonauts: (2005) sequel comes out 25 August this year and uhh about a boy going to summer camp and becoming a psychic I guess humors great btw

[@GetMadz]

i love a hat in time!!! gotta do a video on it at some point :0

[@Sweetsweettanuki]

@@GetMadz OMFG NOW WAY AAAAAAAAAA :DDDDDDDD edit :This has made my day/night where I am and I can't omg pls make a video about a hat in time we all know like your contract has expired SLAPS like hell and Oop I just realized I've been going on for too long sorry about that (●__●)

[@the_legendary_fire]

@@GetMadz same here I love a hat in time

[@bingalowkie8029]

I mean yea, sometimes getting stressed isn’t good and it’s nice to be calm and relax.. But sometimes…the stress of halting one mask left while fighting the radiance..it just HIT DIFFERENT

[@crankletsplay1]

Casual games usually bore me very fast nowadays. If I wanna play a relaxing game, I play something like Mario or just fool around in Hollow Knight, if I wanna feel a challenge, I'll go in the Pantheon of HK, play TFT, a little round of Mario Party with my friends, etc...

[@bung9094]

I do the same thing in botw all the time. Its so calming to take a break from all the intense stuff you know. The wind is howling and im on my royal horse just slowly going around and i see some towers of what once was a city and is telling me a story, the moving grass, the ruined buildings, the nearby guardian- OH GOD IT SPOTTED ME AND I JUST BROKE ME LAST ANCIENT SHIELD AAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

[@axaturdoor7553]

1:21 I can confirm, Smash does bring out the worst in me but it makes everyone else so much worse. Which is why given any opportunity, I play Quickplay with items on (I put everything on). But even that’s not a guarantee. People are so allergic to items and final smashes that most of the time, they’ll go out of their way not to have fun for a change and SD 3 times just so they can see Final Destination, Battlefield and Small Battlefield for the umpteenth time. Also, I knew I had to make this comment when all the clips I saw were of Omega stages.

[@nathonso_edits]

I loved a short hike! Being older now and not having as much time to play games it was sooo nice to be able to complete a game over a weekend and the main story was so fun I 100% completed it with all the achievements.

[@humanbeing8676]

As someone who has 112% in hollow knight the game is stressful but the parts you show are just you being bad lol-

[@privateterry7975]

Can also confirm gotta ask you guys got the weathered mask or beat all radiance bosses yet

[@humanbeing8676]

@@privateterry7975 I've beaten all radiant bosses. When it comes to difficult games I'm somehow good but in other games I'm trash. also FUCK MARKOTH

[@NostalJackMusic]

“But writing peaked at Diary of a Wimpy Kid!!” 😂

[@koiblook8462]

yes! i didnt know anyone else did this with just moving around in games and looking at all the scenery and just appreciating it and having a chill time cause it's so fun! it makes you realise with some of the games the extent game designers go for their scenery that sometimes we dont even pay attention to.

[@ScoutFlare75]

Madz makes that water joke Me - inhales and exhales once slow and heavy

[@grey1643]

Casual games can be chill but it can get even more intense than an argument on Twitter

[@lolymop333]

I get you. I just like riding my horse around in BOTW. Sometimes I wish I could turn off enemies and just explore. It's so relaxing. If I had a rough day at work, I feel inclined to just chill in Rito Village. I don't know. There's just something about it that feels so comfortable to me. The veiw, the music, the vibe, the sound of the wind blowing, the clothes; It just makes me feel relaxed.

[@WhoEvenIsAndr]

I got really excited when I seen Hollow knight in the thumbnail, but then it was in the video for less than 15 seconds. Maybe next time.

[@razorrat11]

I play casual games sometimes, and my favorites have to be Night in the Woods and Minecraft (If you count that as a casual game). Casual games have their perks for sure, but action games do as well. So I play both in general.

[@beepmeowz]

Night in the woods is so good :O I think you’d like spiritfarer ! It’s kinda similar in the way it’s a platformer mainly focused on story, but it’s also a really cozy stuff management game that’s never had me on a grind :) the characters are really interesting and it actually made me cry at some points

[@razorrat11]

@@beepmeowz Thx for the suggestion! I'll check it out if i have the time.

[@MoroFuoro]

Nobody asked to color every inch of a level in splatoon but here I am

[@King_Of_Gay]

Okay a game I found through Tiktok of All things is Loddlenaut's a game where you clean up the ocean and help the area regrow while feeding axolotl like creature's befriending them. they even appeared at the E3 wholesome section, which is insane to me because it's made by a couple. The husband makes all the code and makes sure it works properly the wife makes all the art and sound design. They both collaborate on the story of the game. I'm excited for it to come out!

[@juicyjosh64]

I get so happy whenever I see A Short Hike get more attention

[@hannahdavis4256]

I'm totally like this too. I love lots of menus and stuff like Fire Emblem (I'm autistic and have perfectionist related OCD so I enjoy the nice structure with the big adventure) so it can be really relaxing for me to play games like that since it's everything I love. But the relaxing sort of games like My Sims and such are perfect for me. I played My Sims so much as a kid, it was my first real taste of a calming game. It turned into me loving Rune Factory (more for the farming as well as the rpg bits) and Story of Seasons and such. In fact, even when I played more normal games, I'd seldom complete em as a kid. Especially Mario ones 😂😅 for one thing, I suck at boss fights. And the other thing is, I'd get to a certain point then restart or I'd just make up my own story. Like in My Sims, I'd pretend I would be a robot or make up my own story entirely. In Mario games, I used to pretend a lot like in Mario Galaxy, I'd pretend I was just having a nice adventure and I honestly spent most of my time just at the swing on that world in it. I walk slow, I take everything in. Even most of my time during Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess was me pretending to be a pet wolf named Luke (I named Link Luke) that kept escaping or using the zora armor to pretend to be a monster inhabiting the starting village's pond and kept getting moved to the big lake where the water temple is. Or like in Spore Hero for the Wii when I'd just create my own monsters and pretend to be them as if I were in a zoo 😂 and then pretend there was a monster escape. I cared so little about the actual storyline in games and mostly just stuck to my own. I also struggled a lot because I have dyspraxia and so my body doesn't always move in the way I want it without me realizing. Which made gaming difficult as a kid when it needed precise movements which made Mario games and such more difficult for me. It wasn't about the games themselves, I just loved the experience and using it to come up with my own characters and stories. It's why character creation was HUGE for me in video games as a kid. I could make things up constantly, new backstories and such. I enjoy all the games I play for different reasons, but at the end of the day, this has always been my main play style. Even in Breath of the wild, one save file I had it being a princess of a desert town was now old enough to venture out into the world and explore with her trusty horse as her sole companion. I used the Gerudo area to bring this to life and obviously kept the clothes on constantly, even when I was in the frigid mountains. Exploring and side quests have always been my cup of tea as well. Also I am definitely going to play Alba now cause that looks SO cute! Edit: Oh my god that wholesome direct. I think I put like 90% of those games in the list that I want to play. It even inspired me to come up with my own wholesome game idea which I hope to bring to life one day.

[@ColorHeartCarlie42]

Games are about having fun, not toxic competion.

[@collincarlson1967]

Spiritfarer’s core gameplay is super relaxing and calm, with interesting characters, and enough progression to keep you interested. However, it can be a heart wrencher. Also, about “playing games wrong,” MH Workd is great at that. Just crouching around a monster with the ghillie mantle and watching their behavior is beautiful.

[@coffeehouse1830]

Hollow knight is epic Don't quit it 👊

[@mat-bu7ms]

I've started playing hollow knight recently and the crystal peaks is beating me up aaaaaaaaaaaa stupid crystal beam guys

[@coffeehouse1830]

@@mat-bu7ms u can. Kill them with dream shield or spells

[@mat-bu7ms]

@@coffeehouse1830 how did I not think of using dream shield

[@francegamer]

genuinely i get overstressed in casual games and enter utter calm in games that most people find overstressing. rimworld, a game where one wrong move has your colony getting raided by insects or maybe one of your colonists decides to punch an explosive or a bear because they need a snack? utter zen even in critical moments. stardew valley a game where its just aboout chilling, farming and making a nice looking farm? NO WHY DID I DO THAT, WAIT THERES A MUCH NICER PATH BUT I ALREADY PUT IT DOWN OH GREAT I MISSED THE ONCE A YEAR OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS IMPORTANT THING maybe i just don't know how to relax

[@francegamer]

or i just want to soak up all my brain power so the rest of my brain can chill

[@junglespore]

There's a really relaxing survival game, its called dont starve together. You can play with a friend and get resources ;)

[@GetMadz]

always wanted to try dont starve!!

[@JushRay]

That game truly is the pinical of relaxation.

[@revengatron6172]

Hell nah that game intense! Or maybe I’m just bad…

[@leonoliveira8652]

A SHORT HIKE IS PRETTY, AND ADORABLE, AND WHOLESOME, AND IT MADE ME CRY. 100/10.

[@userpersonwhoisahuman]

"alright, lets try Celeste. it seems like a fun platformer with a calming atmosphere." 30 hours later and b side chapter 5 is still ruining my life

[@Plide]

Good thing the music is a jam, especially in 5B, the level you're on.

[@zoingusbloingus3]

A short hike is so freaking good omg

[@dodo5037_]

Egg

[@YolksyYT]

Egg

[@Ben-wj5xc]

Egg

[@TyraHoshi]

I often have a hard time getting into casual games. I like 3D games that have a big world to explore while still have combat or platforming. Something that flows really well

[@prjunny8266]

Epic vid and casual games all the way.

[@ColinTheFedoraGuy]

Hollow Knight is so wild to me because the first time I played through I got so stressed and it took me months but the second time, it took 3 days for me to 100% completion and I was just in a total zen state the whole time. Genuinely no clue how that happened, but it went from being a game that I admired but didn’t love playing to being literally one of my favorite games of all time

[@LycheeCore]

I don’t know why but I find games like Fall Guys and Doom eternal really relaxing

[@GetMadz]

doom is almost theraputic LOL

[@captainsapphire9567]

I agree with everything you said about A Short Hike, can’t stress enough how awesome and well made that game is! I can’t wait to try the other games you mentioned!

[@kookaburra1568]

Ok but give elderbug a flower and tell me again hollow knight isn’t wholesome

[@sgt.scourge]

I recently started playing DOOM (2016) and it's obviously not a casual game but holy cow, it fuels me with adrenaline and sheer excitement. I'm not good at it at all, but the empowerment makes me feel incredible. A casual game I do adore however, is Spiritfarer. The animation is fluid and makes all of your movements feel so much better. The characters have such loveable personalities, the dialogue is great, and you can hug EVERYONE. And it makes them happier. It's such a comfortable and soft game.

[@critter_core]

I usually try to lean towards the more cozy video games not because I find the ones that "aren't" stressful or anything but I feel like the cozy games make me feel more positive and generally help me deal with some of the chaos "average" people should be able to deal with perfectly fine. I tried my best not to turn this into a rant but Animal Crossing is definitely there :> I also kind of like Stardew Valley but sometimes the games that impact a lot when you don't play every single day can be a bit stressful just due to that. I never liked New Leaf because of the fact that I lost a very important villager from it, making me love that villager even more now, but I'm just happy they took out that function, even if villagers can still ask to move. Basically, my coping mechanism :]

[@ksnyelover]

I agree but sometimes I want to play competitive because it can be fun to overcome enemies and challenges.

[@thatrandomcat3485]

My unwinding game is Pikman 3 deluxe because the background is very pretty and the game is super fun,fighting bosses,finding fruit,taking pictures of the rock pikman because they look super derpy! It’s all super fun to me!

[@gracev1654]

i love calming games but they usually dont have a storyline which gets boring after a while, i want a set path to guide me through the game and have a cool storyline in it.

[@cartoonkenj2209]

You should totally play and make a video on Spiritfarer, it has so much character and for some reason doesn’t get talked about much!

[@arwinsplaylists3188]

DUDE I NEED YOU TO JUST- DRAW THE REST O THE STARDEW PEEPS IN YOUR STYLE. shane was so GOOOD. like- as someone who is working towards game design, ive got to agree with the freestyle games. so calming and peaceful. playing the game as it wasnt intended is somethin fun to do now.

[@dove_inblack3546]

Omg.... I always think like nobody knows what a short hike is at all because it’s one of those games I played at school during technology class and whenever someone mentions it I just get really happy (I remember spending 5 weeks trying to buy the hat)

[@bluedomainiac]

“Im uploading again in a week!” How many other lies have we been told by the council

[@Marshall.R]

You should give Baba is You a try, it's an indie puzzle game with a super chill atmosphere and very unique gameplay

[@michaelnelson1127]

I prefer casual games as well. Specifically, I prefer games that don’t necessarily require music or too much attention so I can watch videos in the background while playing.

[@sheidy2791]

The La Croix segment was fkn genius

[@theidiotwinter4716]

I game I suggest is something made by the same people who made Here Comes Niko, and while a little intense, there's so much funny dialogue to laugh at and so many fun levels, there's even an area a in the sort of late game that's really peaceful and nice. It's called a Hat in Time, and even if I'm not to on board with your perspective of games, I really think you'd enjoy this.

[@Youraveragecartoonfan]

I don’t really care about the difficultly. I’ll play anything, even platformers, and I suck at them! And the things madz said about just walking around is something I relate to so well. The first game I ever really played by myself was banjo and kazooie. I have yet to actually beat it after all the years(might go back soon), but I loved just exploring and running around! It was one of my favourites as a kid :)

[@mannyyt7200]

2:05 manz turned into a whole anime character 😭

[@wynty]

I love A Short Hike so much. I started playing it a couple months in to 2021, and by now I've totally 100% it. It's so cool discovering new things, like if you dig up the graves bones come out, or if you switch to the pickaxe in beachstickball the ball pops and the guy your playing against gets mad. Also, I found a glitch where if you drive the boat on land and ram it into the opponent you can slightly push him and if you do it enough he gets in the water. Then, if you start a game, the ball just bounces back without anyone hitting it. I don't really have much else to say, great video though! Edit: Just watched the wholesome direct, here are the games I liked most: Here Comes Niko Yokai Inn Garden Story Dordogne Bear and Breakfast (I had to get rid of like 2/3 of them because they weren't on the switch, which kinda sucks)

[@ScarletEmber64]

I've heard somewhere, Idon't remember where, but in a video about making games "If just moving around on a blank field is fun, you know you've made a good game"

[@paninthepantry]

Bro I never felt like an actual gamer until now. I thought just exploring in breath of the wild made me less of a player. I can grind out in Stardew for hours than playing fps

[@yaky_thoughts34]

4:03 you are me, I am you I LOVE TO EXPLORE, SEE ALL THE AMAZING DETAILS, EVEN IF I DIE, I DIE HAPPY

[@joshuaedwin4337]

I like a bit of both depending on whether I want to blow up and kill stuff or kick back and take it easy

[@Kahadi]

I personally don't find games like Stardew Valley all that relaxing. I tend to focus too much on optimization and can't get it out of my head. Even when starting a new one, I immediately look online for what gives the most profit and push myself too hard to make as much money as possible, or when there's a story aspect, stress over the best way of finishing that at the same time as maximizing profits. Doesn't help that a lot of the more recent games like that have something that either rewards you for doing really well right away or evaluates your efforts overall. I still tend to enjoy such games, but I don't find them relaxing, and really don't get the "pick up and play" feeling from them (if I wait too long between play sessions, I forget what I was doing and either stress over figuring it out or just restart) Relaxing games for me are actually more like Smash Bros or Mario Kart. I tend to play them alone instead of competitively or even with friends, so I get a game that's simple and mindless with no worries of being the best. I mean you don't need to be that skilled to beat the CPUs, and even if I lose... So what? No punishment for it, no mockery from others. I can just play mindlessly. And that also makes Smash Bros amazing for dealing with anger and aggression. And as an alternative, sometimes it can be just to just take in the scenery of a game like Zelda or Xenoblade Chronicles.

[@GetMadz]

read my mind, i wish i talked a bit more about stardews optimisation stressing me out and especially after playing slime rancher its not as casual as it might appear. Maybe i'll make a future video on how stardew valley and games like that actually stress me out???

[@annesavisaboochuy]

thanks to you I found "co-open" from the wholesome game direct and it's so fun and wacky. such a silly game that lets you take your time or finish it quickly. you earn things from helping others with no time limits, i just love it.

[@kyo3290]

0:32 straight up my experience with La Croix and sparkling water in general

[@Emma-eb8rm]

I always wanted to try out "a short hike" and I shall really do it soon now! :)