By Staff Writer: Kayla Kocher
College students are overwhelmed. Many are living on their own for the first time, balancing classes, sometimes a job and a completely new rhythm of life. So where does that leave gamers? Yes, technically, we can play in our free time. But sometimes you get so tired that even doing something fun starts to feel like too much effort. Sometimes you want to escape into a game without having to build a whole world, grind through combat or micromanage every tiny detail.
That is where my low-effort, high-comfort game list comes in.
First is basically any game in the “Life Is Strange” series. These games feel like interactive movies. You mostly explore, make choices and watch the story unfold. Your decisions shape the characters and the ending, but the gameplay never feels exhausting. They are emotional, immersive and perfect for nights when you want a story more than a challenge.
Next is “Dinkum,” which I think of as Australian “Animal Crossing” with a little more chaos. Yes, you can build your town and make it look cute, but you can also keep it simple. Catch bugs. Fish. Run around. Do small daily tasks. The game lets you play at your own pace, which is exactly the point.
My last pick is “Unpacking,” which feels like a soft chair in video game form. You take things out of boxes and figure out where they belong. That is it, and somehow it is deeply satisfying. It is calm, cozy and quietly emotional.
These games are also great for those moments when your mental health is dragging and even your favorite hobbies feel heavy. You are not the only one. Sometimes the best kind of gaming is the kind that asks a little less from you and still gives you something back.