Relaxing games with a lot of depth?

[slugg]

Hey guys. Can anyone recommend some laid back, relaxing games with some depth to them? For example, I really enjoyed the Myst series. You couldn't die, you didn't have to hurry or be frantic, it was simple to play, looked great, and had an interesting premise.

Games like Plants versus Zombies and Peggle are cool and all, but they're not quite as relaxing and don't have any depth.

I'm basically looking for something that I can kick back on my laptop and spend some time, all while keeping my heart rate low. Something I can play while I'm tired, but don't want to get all riled up.

Maybe I'm getting old?

 

[linthat22]

The Longest Journey?

 

[Albatross]

http://www.adventuregamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19960

 

[Craig234]

Chess

I know this isn't a game, but the music I'd suggest to go with it is Enigma's first CD. Check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Mcmxc-D-Enigma/dp/B000002URV

For games... one idea is the Heroes of Might and Magic series, probably HoMM 3. Available for the complete game at gog.com on sale for $5, a steal.

 

[FalconHorse]

Amnesia. /end of thread




Seriously, maybe Anno 1404 (Dawn of Discovery)? I've heard Risen is laid back for an RPG. Haven't yet played it myself, though.

 

[SZLiao214]

Amnesia is something you should take a look at. Lots of exploration and puzzles.

 

[AFurryReptile]

Amnesia is something you should take a look at. Lots of exploration and puzzles.

I hope this is sarcasm.

I'd usually consider most RPG's to be fairly relaxing (aside from an occasional boss fight). The Witcher 2, Skyrim, Divinity 2 are all good examples.

Or a city builder/god game like Anno 1404 or Tropico.

 

[you2]

civilizatin 5 ? as a turn based game; no hurry - and it is a bit scaled down from civ 4 - or so folks say...

 

[Dankk]

Seriously, maybe Anno 1404 (Dawn of Discovery)? I've heard Risen is laid back for an RPG. Haven't yet played it myself, though.

Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery is actually a very good suggestion. It's kind of a "light city builder", if you will. Strongly recommended.

 

[thm1223]

X3 Series. Basically the deepest/most immersive space simulator on the market. And it is incredibly beautiful if you've got the hardware to max it.

 

[Kalmah]

This is probably going to sound lame, but I actually enjoy designing houses in The Sims 3. *cough*

 

[DaveSimmons]

King's Bounty The Legend (get the bundle with Armored Princess) - battles are turn-based so you can take your time

 

[HeXen]

OutCry? great game if you like Myst games. nice haunting atmosphere, yet relaxing at the same time. Tales of Monkey island shouldn't be overlooked either.
Kings' bounty that davesimmons suggested is also very good...but i didnt like armorrd princess.

but for me, when i want a relaxing game i play either Chess or wheel of fortune on my Ipad.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Go www.kiseido.com About as deep and relaxing as you can get in a game.

 

[Wardawg1001]

Someone made a thread about how relaxing Civ 5 was to play a while back. I think he was trying to make a poor attempt at insulting how 'dumbed down' it is compared to previous Civ games, but it strikes me that Civ4 or Civ5 might be what you are looking for, very deep and complex strategy games (Civ4 more so than Civ5), but they are turn based so you control the pace. Personally I don't find them that relaxing to play because I'm always trying to squeeze the most out of my strategies or pull off something ridiculous, but on lower difficulty levels and the right attitude it could definitely be the relaxing yet complex game you are looking for.

 

[mmntech]

This is probably going to sound lame, but I actually enjoy designing houses in The Sims 3. *cough*

Nothing wrong with Sims 3. It's a very good game. Sim City 4 is a perennial classic if you like construction games. Tropico 3/4 is another good choice.

 

[Motavian]

SimCity or Zoo Tycoon would be fun and relaxing.

 

[Craig234]

X3 Series. Basically the deepest/most immersive space simulator on the market. And it is incredibly beautiful if you've got the hardware to max it.

I just started that for the first time. So far, the first mission to dock on autopilot has led to two crashes into the station, no idea how to dock.

 

[Baptismbyfire]

I just started that for the first time. So far, the first mission to dock on autopilot has led to two crashes into the station, no idea how to dock.

Just use the autopilot command (forget what it is), and let the computer do the work. Even though sometimes the game has quirky waypoints leading you to crash, most of the time you are okay.

And if I remember correctly, you have to first use the comm channel to ask the station for permission first. You have to get close to the station first for the "asking permission" option to appear in the comm menu. Once they give you permission, there will be like a line of lights marking the path for your landing. That's if you want to take the manual approach to landing.

 

[FalconHorse]

I hope this is sarcasm.

Would have been funny if everyone responded Amnesia and the TS naively played it without looking into it first, lol.

 

[CPA]

rollercoaster tycoon

 

[Craig234]

Just use the autopilot command (forget what it is), and let the computer do the work. Even though sometimes the game has quirky waypoints leading you to crash, most of the time you are okay.

And if I remember correctly, you have to first use the comm channel to ask the station for permission first. You have to get close to the station first for the "asking permission" option to appear in the comm menu. Once they give you permission, there will be like a line of lights marking the path for your landing. That's if you want to take the manual approach to landing.

I did all that twice, using auto pilot - then my ship drives into the station and explodes. Hm.

 

[Bonesdad]

agree with first reply...The Longest Journey and it's sequel Dreamfall. among the best adventure games ever with great story and characters.

 

[ImpulsE69]

X3 Series. Basically the deepest/most immersive space simulator on the market. And it is incredibly beautiful if you've got the hardware to max it.

I actually picked up X3: Terran Conflict and the new expansion. It looks and sounds cool as hell, and very deep. Reminds me alot of Eve, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what I'm supposed to do so far.

 

[Craig234]

OK, I got autopilot to work and docked and landed and got the mission. Then after undocking I ejected - no achievment. Tried it again, still no achievment.
I haven't even determined how to throttle.

The menu for controls doesn't seem to show.

Edit: OK, found the flight trainer... and got further, but after a number of combats, finally got one that said 'the ship is yours' implying he ejected, still no achieve.