Whether you've completed your work and now have some free time on your hands, your looking for a new hobby, or you just need some time away from your everyday stresses, these games are bound to help you forget about life for a moment and step into vast immersive worlds.
While I'm not a hardcore gamer, video games have always been my go-to when I need a bit of a distraction. If you've never played one, and only have the mental image of a guy screaming at his screen after a defeat in some random shooting game, you're in for a surprise because there is a video game out there for everyone. I'm going to share just a few of my favourite story-driven adventure games that will take you out of your everyday desk chair into the unforgettable world of the metaverse.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Starting off strong, we have Horizon Zero Dawn, one of my all time favourite games. This is an action-adventure type game set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans must co-exist with deadly machines. Humanity has gone back to its primitive ways and now live in different tribes across the country.
We play as Aloy, a young outcast from the Nora Tribe, who has been trained to fight and survive in this gruelling world. As you progresses through the game and discover more of the map, so too does Aloy's weapons and skill's grow alongside it. The game's world is packed with insane machines and loveable characters you are able to interact with. The game is also interactive meaning there are questions with multiple choice answers, which affect the way Aloy comes across.
The best thing about this game is that it's open-world! Which means the 4 mile world is free to explore unabashedly! Explore various biomes and the different mysterious tribes within them. Find ruins and ancient structures of the world before the machine uprise, all created in great detail
I also have to dedicate a section towards the graphics, which are truly beautiful. When I first started playing I was blown away by the fact that my footprints appeared in the snow when I walked. Little did I know that it was only the beginning of what the game's mechanics were able to do! From intimidating alpine mountains to tropical verdant forests, to prismatic depths of the sea, the game is able to capture it all stunningly.
Even the machines, the primary antagonists of the story, are designed with such futuristic, life-like detail that encountering one can only feel intimidating. Not to mention the variety of machine designs in the story. Designs drawing from animals, prehistoric creatures, and even mythological beings.
This game has got everything; character design, free exploration, different weapon types and even the option to play at your own pace; peacefully (without fighting machines) or hardcore. The story is so in-depth and fascinating that I would definitely count this as a great game for the perfect escape!
And the best part? There's a sequel with an even bigger map and next-level graphics waiting for you once you finish the first one!
The game is currently available on PlayStation 4 and 5 and PC.
Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Another open-world action adventure game is the popular Zelda: Breath Of The Wild!
If you're like me and aren't well-versed in the Zelda lore but you want to play one of the games, Breath Of The Wild is a great starting place. The game literally starts you off in the perfect place; knowing absolutely nothing!
We begin as Link, the main protagonist, who has just woken up from a long confusing slumber to find his world teeming with strange unknown monsters. We then learn that the world has been taken over by the fearsome antagonist, Calamity Ganon, and that Princess Zelda has been captured and must be rescued in order to restore the world to what it once was.
This game also features an expansive open-world map that players can explore freely, and throughout your gameplay you will travel to various places and meet different types of characters along the way. The game also offers brain-teasers known as Shrines, which are scattered across the world. Each shrine presents a unique puzzle for you to solve. Completing these rewards you with Spirit Orbs, which can be exchanged for an increase of heath or stamina, making you stronger against the monsters!
Your goal is to track down and defeat four powerful guardians located at different points of the map. You'll go to ocean monuments and intimidating desert dunes! Your goal is to defeat them in order to have access to Calamity Ganon and beat the game. This is the main objective simplified, but there are so many other side quests you'll encounter along the way!
The game is similar to Horizon in its quest to cure the world from a monstrous plague, but I'd say Zelda is the simpler game offers a more accessible gameplay in terms of controls.
This game definitely leans more into the fantasy genre. You encounter fish people and their Atlantis-like city, magical horses you can ride, glowing rabbits that drop gems and powerful swords embedded to stones - very Arthurian!
It's also a very aesthetic gameplay, featuring beautiful sunsets, stunning overgrown ruins, vast mountains, autumnal fields with horses, hidden green oases, seaside villages and more!
One of my favourite parts of the game is that it offers you the option to cook. By gathering and trading for different ingredients you have access to over 100 food recipes! These dishes restore stamina and hearts when they are low.
It is unfortunately only available on Nintendo Switch, but if you have one or are able to get one then I highly recommend giving it a go!
Hogwarts Legacy
If you're a massive fan of the Harry Potter films and book series, you'll love Hogwarts Legacy.
If you're a dedicated fan of the Harry Potter films and books, you'll be enchanted by Hogwarts Legacy. Set in the 1800s, this open-world role-playing game allows you to completely customize your avatar and embark on your journey as a fifth-year student at Hogwarts!
Your goal is to uncover the truth about a mysterious ancient power. As you navigate the magical realm, you'll undertake quests, battle various creatures, fight various creatures and explore different lands. The fighting style in this game is really cool.
If you love the magic from the films then you will love this game! You cast various spells and learn magic to ward of creatures trying to attack you. The game allows you to interact with other characters, learn spells, brew potions, and even fly on a broomstick! Which is very helpful when exploring a large map.
Interact with the other students and characters in the game as you develop. As the game goes on you'll discover the depth of your character's abilities. You will also make choices which will affect the overall outcome of the game. Spooky!
While the game is enjoyable all year round, I believe that autumn and winter are the best seasons to play in as the game, just as the films, have a very festive atmosphere.
Luckily the game is available on lots of different platforms, including: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo.
Sky: Children of Light
If you aren't able to play the games above because you don't own a Nintendo Switch, a PlayStation 4/5 or a PC, fear not! This game is one I found while browsing the App Store on my phone, and when I first saw it I was in slight disbelief that this stunning game was free - thats right, a free mobile game!
In this game, you play as a child of light. You start of flying freely through the sky until a frightening bout of lighting thunders through the sky, stopping your ability to fly. You land in a beautiful but haunting field of grass and come across a seemingly abandoned stone village. You learn that your main goal is to find fallen stars and return them to their constellations.
Along the way, you'll find statues scattered across the map. As a child of light, you are able to share your light with these statues in order to give them life again. In turn, this gives you new abilities, emotes, and customisation for your character. Not only are you able to share your light with Spirit Statues, but you are also share them with other players, because thats right, the game is also multiplayer!
Explore and fly through the map with your friends, forming groups, exploring the ethereal landscapes and finding fallen stars to help you unlock cool capes and hairstyles to uniquely decorate your avatar.
The game's graphics are stunningly clear and the ambience of the game is celestial. The scenic images and visually satisfying gameplay are perfect to wind down to after a long stressful day!
The game is available to play on iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and on iPADOS.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, finding solace in the world of video games is a great way to recharge and momentarily forget about your worries! Whether you prefer the action-filled world of Horizon Zero Dawn, the fun world of Zelda, Breath Of The Wild, the magical wizarding world of Hogwarts Legacy, or the peaceful serene and accessible gameplay of Sky: Children of the Light, I hope I was able to help you find a great game to get started with!
Happy gaming!
