I know that the consensus of some members here (ones that I respect a lot, too) is that video games are bad and a waste of time. I disagree to some extent on that — mainly because I just see it as another hobby and art of expression. If someone does their duties as a Zevist and an adult, I don't see any problem in spending some time playing video games. After all, no one can meditate continuously, especially if they're not advanced.
I don't play them as often as I used to (and even then there were periods of time when I'd focus on games and then switch to another hobby). Nonetheless, I do have a relatively big list of games that I did enjoy a lot.
Disclaimer: many of these are not finished because, as I already mentioned, I tend to switch between hobbies. I'm also an adult with a job that strains my eyes a lot and a graphic design hobby that are taking all of my free time, so most days I just don't have the energy to finish them, regardless of how much I'd like to.
Why I'm writing this: I find it hard to surf through game recommendations and search for things that I will actually like. I also love to hear from other Zevists on their experiences and their own recommendations.
Personal favorites
Journey: Wonderful game, was mind-blowing to me. Maybe I just have low standards, but it deeply affected me. I always end up returning to it. Not for those that don't enjoy walking around with little actual action, but I think most Zevism would very much appreciate the theme it explores. The music is also incredible.
Stardew Valley: Farming simulator, yes. However, I have yet to find a game that brings as much comfort to me as this one. For me, it represents the idea of quiet solitude and life enjoyed in nature. The ideal of defeating capitalism in one way or another is also an attractive one. You can romance others, but I've never focused on that aspect of the game. [Have yet to finish it because I play with 300+ mods and each time the developer breaks said mods with an update I have to reinstall them all.]
Spiritfarer: There's Charon in it. And a cat. That makes it incredible. On a more serious note, the game is very pleasant to the eye and heavily targets the subject of grief.
Travelers Rest: You keep a tavern and hit unruly patrons with a broom. There's been a lot of additions lately that have expanded the game.
Other games
Crime Scene Cleaner: Surprisingly relaxing. Good story. Great sense of humor.
Cult of the Lamb: I'm unsure how other Zevists feel about this game. I usually take the least violent route, given that you can be as bad or as nice as you want with your play style. Enjoyed the aesthetics and music a lot. I did jump out of my seat when I saw Father Satan's symbol and the name of our Gods.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Great games, favorite was "House of Ashes". Relatively good for the horror genre.
Fields of Mistria | Sun Haven: Very similar to Stardew Valley.
House Flipper: Satisfying game. Might trigger your motion sickness.
Little Witch in the Woods: Similar to Stardew Valley, but you're a witch. Relaxing, easy-going, aesthetically pleasing.
Need for Speed Heat: I'm ashamed of having this game and enjoying this so much. But I did like it (car and motion sickness make it impossible for me to drive in real life).
Pools | Liminalcore: Incredible liminal games with a very strong atmosphere. Best played with someone to keep you company and laugh at you.
Sid Meier's Civilization V & VI: Can break friendships.
Beholder 1 | Beholder 2 | Beholder 3: "1984" + "Papers, please" = this. Interesting game. Can be quite depressing.
Not My Neighbor: Tests your sense of perception. Cheap, can be challenging on the nightmare mode.
Not Tonight: Game similar to Beholder but a bit more modern.
American Truck Simulator | Euro Truck Simulator: I very much enjoyed playing this game while listening to my podcasts. Beware of playing online if you get road rage. Spoiler: it's not pretty.
Buckshot Roulette: Russian Roulette but with a twist, up to 4 players. Might break some friendships.
Heart of Iron IV: Great game, could not get past the tutorial because I am illiterate with anything combat. I love watching gameplays for it though.
Chef RPG: Cute, futuristic, retro game that involves cooking. Pleasant aesthetic and relaxing.
Sticky Business: You make stickers. It's cute. That's it. That's the game.
Red Dead Redemption 2: I experienced huge surprises with this game [including being ran over by stags when I least expected it]. I appreciate the open world dynamic. Wish I could say more, but I was mainly distracted by the astounding scenery and random quests on the map. I personally thought it was overrated after hearing so many people constantly praise it, but it was mainly deserved in my opinion.
Death Stranding: Very heavy game due to the theme it explores. Might feel as boring to some people due to the "delivery man" dynamic. Got called a walking simulator by many. Checked it out because of Mads, kept on going because of the game itself.
Don't Starve Together: Not so relaxing. Got to Year 2, rage-quitted after my base got destroyed. The game itself is quite challenging and has a lot of content.
Content Warning | Lethal Company: Great to play with friends if you like the horror genre.
Tiny Glade: Relaxing builder simulator targeting medieval architecture.
Star Wars The Old Republic: A game that I've played for years on and off. Only MMO for Star Wars, as far as I can tell. Very well-made, if a bit outdated. As someone that's obsessed with space, I adore this one.
World of Warcraft: After playing SWTOR, this one fails on expectations a lot. Unless you like a heavy challenge, I don't recommend picking it up. It's not newcomer-friendly, people are assholes, the expansions are ridiculously complicated to complete and overpriced, and they somehow made the human race look like ogres.
Most of these games I play while listening to something and that I've added to my library since becoming an adult (I did not have the opportunity to play them as a child and teenager). I'd love to hear what others enjoy when they have the time for it.
