To me, a comfort game is one I completely memorised the mechanics and just play it again without having to do a challenge run/speedrun, at my age and time at my disposal, it becomes harder to memorise something completely new
I agree, sometimes I just walk around Whiterun, talk to NPCs, and just vibe with the music for like an hour. There’s something so unexplainably cozy about Bethesda games that always has me coming back.
ME trilogy is just one of those video game things that will never happen again in our life times. I'm sad that that's the case, but it's always there for me to replay again.
I never replay a game. Every fall I get in the mood to replay Bloodborne, but there’s always something new (to me) to experience. I’m the same way with tv, movies, and books. There’s too much other stuff to experience that I can’t bring myself to do something again.
Funny how people differ, I often prefer to spend my time rewatching what I know is an all time favorite of mine than waste time on something new that looks bad. If not for doing it just to hang with family I'd watch almost no new tv lol
@@WordsOfTheTeacherI'm the same, I love replaying games a lot more than playing new ones. I think it's because I'm very picky when it comes to games so knowing I love a game makes me enjoy it more.
Monster Hunter World Iceborne and Dark Souls 3 are my comfort game, whenever I feel lost, I can boost up these game and have a good time regardless playing alone or with friends, these game are home to me especially MHW
@Tenpouin nice! Didnt know it was a remaster just a port. Might try it out. Would love 8, 9, 10 remakes. Or even full 3d remakes of the old games would be really cool..
Many of my comfort games are Wii games or old ps4 games I played when I was younger. It’s to the point where I completed them so many times I felt like I was at home.
Like A Dragon. Wandering around, do some Karaoke, pick up some cans, karting…..then finish off by failing immediately at the True Final tower. Good times.
Metal Gear V The Phantom Pain is a huge one of mine. Reinstalled again recently and realised I've nearly 300 hours in it. Just love exploring and infiltrating bases, collecting supplies, upgrading mother base. Never thought it'd be my biggest comfort game.
Man, that was really close to my story when you were talking about Mass Effect. That first one with the ethereal atmosphere, the music (especially when you're first landing on the Citadel and Vigil) and the time in my life in my 20s of being unemployed too. Great vid
My #1 comfort game is Spyro the dragon. I've played the original and the remake multiple times. Running around collecting all the treasure, I can turn my brain off and just relax collecting everything in a familiar level. Atelier Ryza is another comfort game where I can just chill and relax, collecting materials to craft things with. AC Odyssey is possibly another one as I have played it twice and find myself gravitating to replay it whenever I get the chance.
The original Ace Attorney trilogy are my comfort games. Even knowing all the mysteries and twists, I love to see how the story unfolds and the truth is revealed. Going back to Wright & Co law offices feels like seeing old friends again.
It's always been a really interesting juxtaposition to me: My "comfort games" recently have been Cyberpunk 2077 and Armored Core 6. They're not remotely good worlds to exist in, but there's a comfort to just vibing to the radio and driving through the neon streets of Night City, or booting up AC6 and S-ranking a mission you've S-ranked countless times. Going even further back? I've got Destiny and AC: Black Flag, Hollow Knight and Nier Automata... none of the worlds I reside in have been particularly hospitable (and are even downright miserable in many regards), but there's a safety in them that I can't describe. I always know my mental health is falling off a cliff if I find myself playing in these inhospitable places constantly. Then there's Minecraft. I don't *get* Minecraft, and I haven't kept up on its updates for years now, but I can always boot a world up for 2-3 weeks a year and get lost. It's such a special game, because I don't largely care for sandbox games, but this one always beckons me in. If Minecraft was a person, I would have no qualms with letting them give me a hug. Finally, and arguably the safest of the bunch... Super Mario Galaxy 1. It's a maximalist thing, each frame capable of being a painting. Then you have the quiet moments, filled to the brim with existential melancholy. As someone that's been clinically depressed for a long time, it's comforting to know that even a beautiful universe (like the one shown in this game) can be quiet and melancholy... and not always okay. That even the most beautiful works of art, and even the greatest people you know (who are galaxies within themselves) have felt how you feel, and that you're no quite so terribly alone. If I could distill SMG1 into a single sentiment... Some guys will literally gather 120 stars *before calling their mom and asking for a hug.* If you couldn't tell, I only play Super Mario Galaxy when I need a hug.
It’s good that you know what works for you. Gaming can be such a boon to our mental health when we approach it the right way. And to be fair I love most of the games you’ve listed here too 👍
Mass effect trilogy and red dead 2 are my comfort games. Playing as shepard and reliving her journey and meeting my squad never gets old. While rdr2's world feels lived in that i want to spend my time just living in that world as well. Taking my time to hunt and explore every nook and cranny while making sure the camp is well fed.
the og RE4 is my ultimate comfort game since I was a teenager till this day. It's a huge reason why I can't stand the remake when it first came out, took me a solid year to turn around and try it again. Now I ended up loving both games and will sure keep playing them until I'm old lol
Half-Life opposing force I found a copy at my local game shop when I had some Christmas money (I was obsessed with half-life) so I bought it and took it home and I played it over and over during a time in my life where anything else was a horrible place to be. When I replay OP4 now it still shuts my brain off the any stresses I have going on
I think Jrpgs make for the ultimate comfort games, something about the vibe, the adventure, the lack of skill-based challenges. though many times they demand too much attention or have too much text/cutscenes. I think Chrono Trigger is my favorite, and then other games, some of which you mentioned like DS1/DS3 (for most people, once you know a game like the back of your hand, difficulty becomes a non issue and replaying becomes a zen experience), Bully, Resident Evil 4, and a LOT of dungeon crawlers, just going through the motions and seeing numbers go up is comforting
Such a wholesome video during stressful times. Thanks! Subscribed. My backlog of hobbies in general, not just games, is way too big for me to be replaying this so i actually never really do so. Maybe one day I will find enough comfort to do so, you sure make it sound like a nice experience!
Oh it’s for sure borderlands series for me and has been since the pre sequel release. From when I was younger and had to take a break from raging at fifa or now when I need a break from trophy hunting, just starting a casual new playthrough of picking up where I left off feels so damn nice every time
My comfort games are stardew valley, animal crossing new horizon and pokemon (currently scarlet). I can play them while having youtube in the background and that makes it nice to just relax. There is also no time restrain, I know what is going to happen or I know I am not in any "danger" by not being fully present with the game and I like that, kind of like listening to music in the background.
Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly is definitely up there for me, might even be first place if I really thought about it. I played it a lot as a kid, don't exactly remember if I ever beat it then. Played it again a month ago via emulation, and the second I loaded into the hub world and heard the music + nature ambience again after 18+ years, it felt like home. Got 100% it in like a week and a half/2 weeks. Minecraft and Genshin Impact are very comforting for me too. Can spend hours in both without even realising it, just getting lost in their worlds and gameplay. I also adore Bloodborne to death (even if I haven't replayed it yet since beating it a year ago). Something about it's hopeful tone in the face of existential depression really speaks to me, and I actually plan on getting a tattoo of the doll with a ribbon with the text "may you find your worth in the waking world" right underneath my semicolon tat.
my comfort game is monster hunter, especially world. it's something that I can play now without a care what monster I'm fighting - either the last endgame boss or the easiest first monster I encountered . I always go back to this game whenever I want to waste my free time or literally have nothing to do.
My favourite comfort game is the Raid Mode for Resident Evil Revelations 2. I have over 400 hours in it. It's just a Fun Loot based Arcade Shooter with great controls and awesome gunplay.
I dont have a comfort game. But FF12ZA is one of my all time favorite game. I will never forget when i got my platinum throphy of FF12 and tried to talk my back log and instead i keep just playing more FF12 with a different party class layout. I dont have a comfort game because i am a busy day and am lucky to get one hour of gaming time a day/week. So when i do get time to play games i play the game last game i was working on in my back log. Comfort games now seem to me and a luxury i no longer get.
The games that I like replaying pretty often are: - GTA series from 3 to 5 - Resident Evil from 1 to 4 - Halo 3 and Reach - Mass Effect Trilogy - both Star Wars KOTORs, Battlefront 2 (2005) and Jedi Academy - Left 4 Dead 2 - Diablo 2 - Warcraft 3 - Starcraft 2 - Devil May Cry 3, 4, 5 - Command & Conquer franchise, from Red Alert 2 to Red Alert 3 - Monster Hunter World and Rise - Persona 4 and 5 - Final Fantasy X - Witcher 3 It's a pretty long list, so I'm not gonna give explanations, these are simply the games that I'm always in the mood for.
My comfort game is FFXIV. I started playing in 2018 and have never canceled my subscription to this day. I also have a backlog that I am slowly trying to get through but there’s those days where I’m not in the mood to try and beat Elden Ring or start a new game I’ve never played like Perfect Dark so I just boot up FFXIV. I run a few daily roulette’s, level up some jobs, or do some weekly activities just cuzz it doesn’t take much brain power and I can talk with my girlfriend on the couch or talk with friends on discord. At the same time, it always makes me feel like I’m progressing in the game with the currencies that I get or experience I receive to level up. It’s nice to always have a comfort game for when you have time to game but you also have distractions.
100% with you on dark souls 3 being a comfort game it's my favorite of the series and I've beat the game several times, their really is just something to expecting what you are going to get.
Assassin's Creed 1, Revelations and III, along with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Sniper Elite III, Quest for Glory I and The Last of Us 1. These were the titles that quickly came to mind as I watched this video.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. I have played that game more times than I can count, to the point that I can finish the game with all bosses in about five hours. That with no speedrunning techniques, glitches, or anything else, just playing the game. The Castlevania: Advanced collection releasing on Switch was like an extra-special birthday present. The first time I played through it on the Switch I also did an "all souls" run, which I finished in about 8 hours total. (That stupid centipede soul was one of those hours on its own.) My other comfort games are Minecraft, Skyrim (really, any of the ES 3-5), Fallout: New Vegas, and Halo.
I cackled at the Alien Isolation comment 🤣 As much flack the Sims gets (and rightfully so), I find it a comfort game. There's no pressure to be 'good' to progress and I can play whatever kind of character I like, creating a home and appearance to match the personality I give them. Its great for making OCs or even playing alternate universe ideas with other characters or celebrities!
For me, the whole Soulsborne series is one huge comfort game, though Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring I'm probably most comfortable with. I kinda still want to be engaged by the gameplay even when I want comfort more than anything, so between setting up small challenges for every run and my deep familiarity with the gameplay loop, it is achieved. But also just re-exploring all the areas top to bottom, appreciating the storytelling in the details and art direction. I've played the ME trilogy a fuck-ton, too, but (and I'm sorry) I can't bring myself to say that ME1 is as comfortable for me as its sequels; there are just too many annoyances, mostly small but everpresent. The God of War games, both old and new, also have that place in my heart. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne also belongs here. Admittedly, narrative games with little gameplay I just can't find comforting after the first time, even if I still love them. As games, I need a level gameplay engagement to truly find them a comfort on replays.
No apologies required my friend 😂 I’ve made a lot of friends through a shared love of mass effect and I always seem to be in the minority for 1 being my favourite 😂 100% agree on narrative games also.
The souls trilogy will always be a comfortable place for me to come back too. Recently, i found the halo campaigns to be new comforting games that i always jump back into.
Good video. It's a interesting topic. I should really replay some games I find comforting. Skyrim is one that comes to mind. Though recently I've been replaying Fallout 4 and that's been incredibly comforting.
Gotta admits, playing the first BioShock has me feel comfort just because how familiar I felt playing it. Despite how dark the game is, I felt like I strangely comfort, is also probably because I beat it multiple times, even on hard mode. With Survivor Mode being the only one I haven't tried it yet. Another comforting game I had was Legend of Mana with the whimsical art, the pixel art looks so amazing, the looked gorgeous for a PS1 title. Made me so glad to see it get a Switch remastered port. Having to get it physically since I wind up getting the Korean import with English support since the US didn't have that, only digitally. Looking forward to getting Visions of Mana when I get the chance of getting it. I'm glad that the Mana series is still continues. The Mana titles I got the chance to play has always cheer me up.
visual artist and game designer play big role on this, take a look on final fantasy 12 as example, many mmorpg or other rpg used it as reference template for world building including the introduction of ecology and climate of the monster for example, story-telling through worldbuilding about lost civilization, modern civilization, and so on without making player feel overwhelm.
My comfort games are A Link to the Past and Super Metroid. These two games may be simple by today's standards but that's what I like about them. Sometimes simplicity is better.
The Arcana, BG3, and Mystic Messenger (i feel like ive sort of outgrown MM its super noatalgic for me so i always find myself coming back to it every few years or so.)
Mass Effect is my comfort "lore" somehow.. I can spend hours just think about all this stuff x) And Skyrim is also comforting. Just sit at a camp and enjoy the music during an aurora borealis
they are genshin, total war (any of them), or squad. They are my comfort game, depending what i need (if i need brain dead moment - genshin, if i need some thinking - total war, if i need to "socialize" - squad)
Something about AC Odyssey and Days Gone for me. They're nowhere close to being my favorite games, but something about existing in those world's is very comforting to me. Not sure why those in particular.
My favourite games of all time are the soulsbourne games, but they aren't my comfort games. My comfort game would either have to be subnautica or immortals fenyx rising. I love subnautica, nut what's weird is that I don't really think immortals fenyx rising is a good game. So I honestly have no idea why it became one of my comfort games. My only guess is that it might be because I played it right after subnautica and I maybe subconsciously associate ifr with it. This was avery interesting video, it was really eye-opening. I gotta drop a sub afterwatching this. Great video man!
OMG never i imagine that could relate to any video game experience, and this video gave me that feeling. although, we might have different comfort games, but the understanding how we relate the game align with our real life situations is so real. my comfort game is skyrim, and FF XII ZA. i could never delete those games from my PC even though i beat those games so many times. DMC 3 used to be my comfort game to, but i don't think it survive the test of time. it feels limited, cause the new ARPG mechanic are so advance compared to the old one. skyrim combat is "bad" compared to the new game but i couldn't find better "role playing" game.
At one of my lowest points I got into the yakuza/like a dragon series, and I’d consider them all comfort games but in particular Yakuza 0 is my favorite as it’s the first I played, It felt like the perfect game made for me and I feel like a learned a lot while playing it.
I love going back to Skyrim. I think I’ve sunk a few dozen hours or so in the same game at least once a year for the past 8 years and I still feel like there’s more to do. 😅
My comfort games: Mega Man X3 and X4, Metal Gear Solid, Def Jam FFNY, Bloodborne, Crash Bandicoot Warped, Castlevania SOTN, Jet Moto, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and probably others I can’t think of right now.
I have a few. Jak 2, San Andreas, Spyro and THUG are my old comfort games. I played all of those so much that sometimes I would see their levels and streets in the real world😆. Now it's AC Odyssey and watching my son play his comfort game, Bugsnax.
Ironically my main comfort game is also FF XII: TZA. It's not my favorite FF per se, but it's the one I can easily just hop into and enjoy wandering around in, both due to the very automated gameplay via Gambits, and it having IMO the most fleshed out and detailed world in the series.
I have a lot of different games I go back to, but the most impactful comfort game I’ve experienced is Skyrim. I never ever get tired of living in that world
Not even kidding but Dark Souls is my comfort game. Iv played it so many times its easy for me now, i know every enemies attacks and placement so its all just sort of automatic for me.
I'll mention a pretty obscure game that I'd consider a comfort game. The Wonderful 101 Remastered, a game made by PlatinumGames. It's really hard to get into. The tutorial pop-up windows are small and doesn't grab your attention, so it's easy to miss when I'm in the middle of combat. On top of that, the windows slide to the next one without waiting to see if you're ready to read them or not which resulted in me missing a few important mechanics that I didn't know about. Then there's the controls. You draw your weapons like you're drawing things in Okami. Takes a while to get used to. The reason I was able to push past the huge barrier of entry was due to the presentation. It's basically a campy Saturday morning superhero/power rangers cartoon with an art style that makes them look like toys. And because it was a campy Japanese action game, it was of course really over the top and epic. Thankfully there is a free demo of the game that I had to replay 3 times in order to click with it.
GTA, any of them since GTA3. Load it up, get in a car, turn on the radio and go for a drive, before committing war crimes. Pokemon, again, any of them. It's about knowing what to expect and still enjoying it. Rocket League, load up Spotify and play game after game after game for a couple albums. Latest one may be Persona, I started 4 Golden after Christmas and I've beaten that and 5 Royal. The gameplay loop is very satisfying.
My comfort games are the PS1 and PS2 mascot character games. Crash Bandicoot Spyro the Dragon Ratchet and Clank Sly Cooper Jak and Daxter I can play any game from any of these series and I'll be happy even the weird or portable ones.
Stardew Valley is my ultimate comfort game, Ive got hundreds of hours, own it on 3 different platforms, and have over 10 save files. With that one it's because I know what to expect but every playthrough is just a little different depending on teh rng and my choices. Next would be horizon zero dawn because the apocalypse story buried in there is my favourite across any media. Genshin impact because it's massive and the exploring and collecting is amazing, oh and waifus 😅. A few years ago I would have said breath of the wild too, but every time I try and replay it the magic is gone. Oh and probably Skyrim because I have some of my best gaming memories with it. Waking up before my partner, making coffee and gaming in the early hours of our weekend's, soooo good.
Can you help me get into Stardew Valley? I always play for 20-30 minutes and uninstall. I wanna like it cuz I really like the pixel art style of it and looks cozy. I never even plant the first seed you get the parsnip I think. Whats the point of growing plants in the game do i sell it for cash? But then what do you buy or need money for ?
A few of my favourite comfort games are Mario 64, sonic adventure 2 battle, kingdom hearts, fable 2, the elder scrolls, dragon age origins, Rayman, legend of Zelda link between worlds, ff10.
Secret Of Mana & Persona 4 Golden are probably my ultimate comfort games. Mana simply based off nostalgia, It's beautiful pixel art and absolutely incredible OST, I got so many memories from childhood to adulthood playing through this game. At any time i can pick it up and feel right back at home. P4G for the feel good vibes, From it's small town aesthetic to its unforgettable cast of characters, Hands down my favorite cast of characters in any game, I've grown so attached to them that they really feel like close friends, So many hilarious and memorable moments, Very lighthearted tone overall despite having a murder mystery story. I would put Persona 5 Royal up there as well, Such a long, Epic & unforgettable experience, One of my favorite games of all time next to Metroid Prime & Bloodborne. There's tons of games that give me peace, Just bring familiar feelings & Help me cope with life, I feel Chrono Trigger, FFIX, Omori & Breath Of Fire 3 deserve a shout-out as well.
I only have one comfort game. Its an old game, but i can rely on it no matter what I'm going through, even when not many people play it these days - russian roulette.
This is such a nice topic for a video. Do you have any thought about cozy games marketed as comfort game? I feel like a lot of the newer "cozy" games failed to capture what makes a comfort game with their art style and low stake gameplay loop.
I have 100+ games in my backlog, I play half an hr per game and it seems to work so far. Straight up needed to get laid off to finally play through it.
If you also see FFXII as a comfort game you have good taste. Personally I love FFXII because I love the characters and it can bring me back to the days when I gobbled up MMOs but without having to actually put up with MMO nonsense these days.
Mine used to be Heroes of the Storm. Haven't played for years though. Then it was Binding of Isaac and Vampire Survivors. Which I also haven't played for ages. Don't think I have any comfort game these days. With two small kids every gaming session needs to be "effective/productive". But simple games with few tutorials and intuitive controls/mechanics are great. E.g. Spider-Man 2. Can't get into complex games with lots to keep track of. It'll probably come back at some point.
@@backlogbaldie Agreed. It took a while to adjust to the new life style with small kids 😅 but luckily my son's showing some interest in some games. Thinking of introducing him to something to play in a year's time or so :) Cheers
I never really understood what it means to call difficulty "punishing." The game doesn't take my money or hurt me in real life. At its absolute worst, even assuming a bad hitbox or unfair instakill or whatever... it just asks me to play some part of the game again. And I like the game! That's no punishment.
If you're on PC download the "X no more" mod to remove Mr. X from the Resident Evil 2 Remake. It makes the game way more fun on replays and the game still works completely!
To me, a comfort game is one I completely memorised the mechanics and just play it again without having to do a challenge run/speedrun, at my age and time at my disposal, it becomes harder to memorise something completely new
This guy gets it
skyrim is my comfort game fs, that game and elder scrolls games in general all just have such a cozy vibe to them that’s so relaxing
I agree, sometimes I just walk around Whiterun, talk to NPCs, and just vibe with the music for like an hour. There’s something so unexplainably cozy about Bethesda games that always has me coming back.
ME trilogy is just one of those video game things that will never happen again in our life times. I'm sad that that's the case, but it's always there for me to replay again.
This 💙
Witcher 3, Red Dead 2 and Mass Effect. These stories, worlds and characters just keep pulling me back in, and embody what games should be for me.
I never replay a game. Every fall I get in the mood to replay Bloodborne, but there’s always something new (to me) to experience. I’m the same way with tv, movies, and books. There’s too much other stuff to experience that I can’t bring myself to do something again.
Funny how people differ, I often prefer to spend my time rewatching what I know is an all time favorite of mine than waste time on something new that looks bad. If not for doing it just to hang with family I'd watch almost no new tv lol
I'm 100% like you, man
@@WordsOfTheTeacherI'm the same, I love replaying games a lot more than playing new ones. I think it's because I'm very picky when it comes to games so knowing I love a game makes me enjoy it more.
Monster Hunter World Iceborne and Dark Souls 3 are my comfort game, whenever I feel lost, I can boost up these game and have a good time regardless playing alone or with friends, these game are home to me especially MHW
FFXII is absolutely a comfort game! One where the story can take a back seat and you can set up your gambits to go on auto pilot and relax
Exactly this 😊
I'd love to play through these games. Hopefully, they all get remade or remastered at some point.
@@JTsavage7577 8, 10 and 12 all got remasters for PS4 🤓 go go go!
@@JTsavage7577 FFXII already has a remaster, released in 2016. The Zodiac Age
@Tenpouin nice! Didnt know it was a remaster just a port. Might try it out. Would love 8, 9, 10 remakes. Or even full 3d remakes of the old games would be really cool..
Many of my comfort games are Wii games or old ps4 games I played when I was younger. It’s to the point where I completed them so many times I felt like I was at home.
Like A Dragon. Wandering around, do some Karaoke, pick up some cans, karting…..then finish off by failing immediately at the True Final tower. Good times.
The platinum struggle on that game is real 😂
Metal Gear V The Phantom Pain is a huge one of mine. Reinstalled again recently and realised I've nearly 300 hours in it. Just love exploring and infiltrating bases, collecting supplies, upgrading mother base. Never thought it'd be my biggest comfort game.
YES!!! Absolutely adore that game. I’ve lost entire weekends living in that world.
Man, that was really close to my story when you were talking about Mass Effect. That first one with the ethereal atmosphere, the music (especially when you're first landing on the Citadel and Vigil) and the time in my life in my 20s of being unemployed too. Great vid
I’ve made a lot of friends through mutual Mass Effect love. It’s a very special game.
My #1 comfort game is Spyro the dragon. I've played the original and the remake multiple times. Running around collecting all the treasure, I can turn my brain off and just relax collecting everything in a familiar level.
Atelier Ryza is another comfort game where I can just chill and relax, collecting materials to craft things with.
AC Odyssey is possibly another one as I have played it twice and find myself gravitating to replay it whenever I get the chance.
Spyro does come up a lot in these conversations 😂
And AC Odyssey for sure! I found it a lot more chill compared to other entries.
Hell yeah bro! The first spyro on ps1 was my first game i played as a kid. Went back and platinumed the remake trilogy recently!
The original Ace Attorney trilogy are my comfort games. Even knowing all the mysteries and twists, I love to see how the story unfolds and the truth is revealed. Going back to Wright & Co law offices feels like seeing old friends again.
It's always been a really interesting juxtaposition to me: My "comfort games" recently have been Cyberpunk 2077 and Armored Core 6. They're not remotely good worlds to exist in, but there's a comfort to just vibing to the radio and driving through the neon streets of Night City, or booting up AC6 and S-ranking a mission you've S-ranked countless times.
Going even further back? I've got Destiny and AC: Black Flag, Hollow Knight and Nier Automata... none of the worlds I reside in have been particularly hospitable (and are even downright miserable in many regards), but there's a safety in them that I can't describe. I always know my mental health is falling off a cliff if I find myself playing in these inhospitable places constantly.
Then there's Minecraft. I don't *get* Minecraft, and I haven't kept up on its updates for years now, but I can always boot a world up for 2-3 weeks a year and get lost. It's such a special game, because I don't largely care for sandbox games, but this one always beckons me in. If Minecraft was a person, I would have no qualms with letting them give me a hug.
Finally, and arguably the safest of the bunch... Super Mario Galaxy 1. It's a maximalist thing, each frame capable of being a painting. Then you have the quiet moments, filled to the brim with existential melancholy. As someone that's been clinically depressed for a long time, it's comforting to know that even a beautiful universe (like the one shown in this game) can be quiet and melancholy... and not always okay. That even the most beautiful works of art, and even the greatest people you know (who are galaxies within themselves) have felt how you feel, and that you're no quite so terribly alone. If I could distill SMG1 into a single sentiment... Some guys will literally gather 120 stars *before calling their mom and asking for a hug.*
If you couldn't tell, I only play Super Mario Galaxy when I need a hug.
It’s good that you know what works for you. Gaming can be such a boon to our mental health when we approach it the right way. And to be fair I love most of the games you’ve listed here too 👍
For me its as simple as a good, streamlined and understandable UI. So many games are just too busy.
This! I tried Wo Long Dynasty the other day and there was just waaaay too much happening
Mass effect trilogy and red dead 2 are my comfort games. Playing as shepard and reliving her journey and meeting my squad never gets old. While rdr2's world feels lived in that i want to spend my time just living in that world as well. Taking my time to hunt and explore every nook and cranny while making sure the camp is well fed.
I started rdr2 recently and I have to say it is really amazing
the og RE4 is my ultimate comfort game since I was a teenager till this day. It's a huge reason why I can't stand the remake when it first came out, took me a solid year to turn around and try it again. Now I ended up loving both games and will sure keep playing them until I'm old lol
Loving og re4 and hating the remake is such a sad thing im glad you appreciated it, they are both so good
Half-Life opposing force I found a copy at my local game shop when I had some Christmas money (I was obsessed with half-life) so I bought it and took it home and I played it over and over during a time in my life where anything else was a horrible place to be. When I replay OP4 now it still shuts my brain off the any stresses I have going on
Emotional comfort games are so good for quiet brain time
I think Jrpgs make for the ultimate comfort games, something about the vibe, the adventure, the lack of skill-based challenges. though many times they demand too much attention or have too much text/cutscenes. I think Chrono Trigger is my favorite, and then other games, some of which you mentioned like DS1/DS3 (for most people, once you know a game like the back of your hand, difficulty becomes a non issue and replaying becomes a zen experience), Bully, Resident Evil 4, and a LOT of dungeon crawlers, just going through the motions and seeing numbers go up is comforting
Such a wholesome video during stressful times. Thanks! Subscribed.
My backlog of hobbies in general, not just games, is way too big for me to be replaying this so i actually never really do so. Maybe one day I will find enough comfort to do so, you sure make it sound like a nice experience!
Oh it’s for sure borderlands series for me and has been since the pre sequel release.
From when I was younger and had to take a break from raging at fifa or now when I need a break from trophy hunting, just starting a casual new playthrough of picking up where I left off feels so damn nice every time
My comfort games are stardew valley, animal crossing new horizon and pokemon (currently scarlet). I can play them while having youtube in the background and that makes it nice to just relax. There is also no time restrain, I know what is going to happen or I know I am not in any "danger" by not being fully present with the game and I like that, kind of like listening to music in the background.
Definitely gonna look into finding a cosy game once the backlog is finished
Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly is definitely up there for me, might even be first place if I really thought about it. I played it a lot as a kid, don't exactly remember if I ever beat it then. Played it again a month ago via emulation, and the second I loaded into the hub world and heard the music + nature ambience again after 18+ years, it felt like home. Got 100% it in like a week and a half/2 weeks.
Minecraft and Genshin Impact are very comforting for me too. Can spend hours in both without even realising it, just getting lost in their worlds and gameplay.
I also adore Bloodborne to death (even if I haven't replayed it yet since beating it a year ago). Something about it's hopeful tone in the face of existential depression really speaks to me, and I actually plan on getting a tattoo of the doll with a ribbon with the text "may you find your worth in the waking world" right underneath my semicolon tat.
my comfort game is monster hunter, especially world.
it's something that I can play now without a care what monster I'm fighting - either the last endgame boss or the easiest first monster I encountered . I always go back to this game whenever I want to waste my free time or literally have nothing to do.
Silent hill 2, metal gear solid 2, resident evil 2 remake and chrono cross are ones that come to mind
The original Jak and Daxter for me. At least once a year since 2001, I play that game to 101% and have a blast every time
Likewise man.... Except it's Jak 3 for me.... It's still the only game that I've plantinumed ...
My favourite comfort game is the Raid Mode for Resident Evil Revelations 2. I have over 400 hours in it.
It's just a Fun Loot based Arcade Shooter with great controls and awesome gunplay.
Ahhh I used to love that too! The first one tho, always been a huge Jill fan.
I dont have a comfort game. But FF12ZA is one of my all time favorite game. I will never forget when i got my platinum throphy of FF12 and tried to talk my back log and instead i keep just playing more FF12 with a different party class layout. I dont have a comfort game because i am a busy day and am lucky to get one hour of gaming time a day/week. So when i do get time to play games i play the game last game i was working on in my back log. Comfort games now seem to me and a luxury i no longer get.
The games that I like replaying pretty often are:
- GTA series from 3 to 5
- Resident Evil from 1 to 4
- Halo 3 and Reach
- Mass Effect Trilogy
- both Star Wars KOTORs, Battlefront 2 (2005) and Jedi Academy
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Diablo 2
- Warcraft 3
- Starcraft 2
- Devil May Cry 3, 4, 5
- Command & Conquer franchise, from Red Alert 2 to Red Alert 3
- Monster Hunter World and Rise
- Persona 4 and 5
- Final Fantasy X
- Witcher 3
It's a pretty long list, so I'm not gonna give explanations, these are simply the games that I'm always in the mood for.
That’s a good list! I’ve been obsessed with more than a few of these 😂
My comfort game is FFXIV. I started playing in 2018 and have never canceled my subscription to this day. I also have a backlog that I am slowly trying to get through but there’s those days where I’m not in the mood to try and beat Elden Ring or start a new game I’ve never played like Perfect Dark so I just boot up FFXIV. I run a few daily roulette’s, level up some jobs, or do some weekly activities just cuzz it doesn’t take much brain power and I can talk with my girlfriend on the couch or talk with friends on discord. At the same time, it always makes me feel like I’m progressing in the game with the currencies that I get or experience I receive to level up.
It’s nice to always have a comfort game for when you have time to game but you also have distractions.
FFXIV does look really good tbf 👍
100% with you on dark souls 3 being a comfort game it's my favorite of the series and I've beat the game several times, their really is just something to expecting what you are going to get.
Og RE4. Solid gameplay and soundtrack. The replay ability allows me to jump in essentially whenever without missing a beat.
When I was younger I watched a lot of Disney movies, kingdom hearts brings back comforting nostalgia
I always come back to Skyrim, battlefield 1, hitman 3 and call of duty zombies.
The whole Monster Hunter series and Metroid Prime are my comfort games. I can go back to those games again and again and never get tired of them
Assassin's Creed 1, Revelations and III, along with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Sniper Elite III, Quest for Glory I and The Last of Us 1. These were the titles that quickly came to mind as I watched this video.
Mine are Fallout New Vegas and The Witcher 3. Neither are my "favorite" games, but I never uninstall them.
Love how this video starts off with the dancer fight
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. I have played that game more times than I can count, to the point that I can finish the game with all bosses in about five hours. That with no speedrunning techniques, glitches, or anything else, just playing the game. The Castlevania: Advanced collection releasing on Switch was like an extra-special birthday present. The first time I played through it on the Switch I also did an "all souls" run, which I finished in about 8 hours total. (That stupid centipede soul was one of those hours on its own.)
My other comfort games are Minecraft, Skyrim (really, any of the ES 3-5), Fallout: New Vegas, and Halo.
my two comfort games (Animal Crosssing: New Horizons and Baldur's Gate 3) could not be more different from one another. It's all about the vibes lol
I’m excited to eventually get to BG3
FF12 is my favorite game. I always come back to it. Dark souls 3 is also one of my favorites. Sometime I’ll start it up just to play the first level‼️
I cackled at the Alien Isolation comment 🤣 As much flack the Sims gets (and rightfully so), I find it a comfort game. There's no pressure to be 'good' to progress and I can play whatever kind of character I like, creating a home and appearance to match the personality I give them. Its great for making OCs or even playing alternate universe ideas with other characters or celebrities!
No shame in some Sims comfort my friend 😊
Mass Effect 2 for me. It's when the series peaked in both gameplay and story, and it has romanceable Tali, to me it's the perfect game
my comfort game is definitely metal gear V. Everything about that gameplay is perfect to me and i can just play forever and feel good
For me, the whole Soulsborne series is one huge comfort game, though Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring I'm probably most comfortable with. I kinda still want to be engaged by the gameplay even when I want comfort more than anything, so between setting up small challenges for every run and my deep familiarity with the gameplay loop, it is achieved. But also just re-exploring all the areas top to bottom, appreciating the storytelling in the details and art direction.
I've played the ME trilogy a fuck-ton, too, but (and I'm sorry) I can't bring myself to say that ME1 is as comfortable for me as its sequels; there are just too many annoyances, mostly small but everpresent.
The God of War games, both old and new, also have that place in my heart. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne also belongs here.
Admittedly, narrative games with little gameplay I just can't find comforting after the first time, even if I still love them. As games, I need a level gameplay engagement to truly find them a comfort on replays.
No apologies required my friend 😂 I’ve made a lot of friends through a shared love of mass effect and I always seem to be in the minority for 1 being my favourite 😂
100% agree on narrative games also.
The souls trilogy will always be a comfortable place for me to come back too. Recently, i found the halo campaigns to be new comforting games that i always jump back into.
Good video. It's a interesting topic. I should really replay some games I find comforting. Skyrim is one that comes to mind. Though recently I've been replaying Fallout 4 and that's been incredibly comforting.
I always come back Diablo 2. Even after the stellar remaster, I boot up the classic game because it feels right.
Gotta admits, playing the first BioShock has me feel comfort just because how familiar I felt playing it. Despite how dark the game is, I felt like I strangely comfort, is also probably because I beat it multiple times, even on hard mode. With Survivor Mode being the only one I haven't tried it yet.
Another comforting game I had was Legend of Mana with the whimsical art, the pixel art looks so amazing, the looked gorgeous for a PS1 title. Made me so glad to see it get a Switch remastered port. Having to get it physically since I wind up getting the Korean import with English support since the US didn't have that, only digitally. Looking forward to getting Visions of Mana when I get the chance of getting it. I'm glad that the Mana series is still continues. The Mana titles I got the chance to play has always cheer me up.
I totally get the Bioshock thing. Think it’s the vibes of rapture rather than all the messed up stuff going on 😂
Dragon quest 8 and 11 are in a league of their own for me
Truth! DQ XI was a full on addiction for me
Infamous Second Son, The Witcher 3, and of course... Skyrim are my top 3 comfort games.
visual artist and game designer play big role on this, take a look on final fantasy 12 as example, many mmorpg or other rpg used it as reference template for world building including the introduction of ecology and climate of the monster for example, story-telling through worldbuilding about lost civilization, modern civilization, and so on without making player feel overwhelm.
FF12 definitely doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
My comfort games are A Link to the Past and Super Metroid. These two games may be simple by today's standards but that's what I like about them. Sometimes simplicity is better.
There is a lot to be said for simplicity
Little Nightmares. I can’t explain it but I’ve replayed it more times then I can remember. Great video, can’t wait for your next!
The Arcana, BG3, and Mystic Messenger (i feel like ive sort of outgrown MM its super noatalgic for me so i always find myself coming back to it every few years or so.)
Mine are god of war 2018 and days gone and both last of us games replayed these more times than I’m willing to admit
Mass Effect is my comfort "lore" somehow.. I can spend hours just think about all this stuff x) And Skyrim is also comforting. Just sit at a camp and enjoy the music during an aurora borealis
Current comfort game is Remnant 2. Between the collectathon of items and weapons, and the random worlds and bosses. Easy to get into.
Ohhhhh that’s on my list of games to start this year. Really excited to try that one 🙏
they are genshin, total war (any of them), or squad. They are my comfort game, depending what i need (if i need brain dead moment - genshin, if i need some thinking - total war, if i need to "socialize" - squad)
Something about AC Odyssey and Days Gone for me. They're nowhere close to being my favorite games, but something about existing in those world's is very comforting to me. Not sure why those in particular.
I totally get Odyssey. It’s got such a good vibe to it.
My favourite games of all time are the soulsbourne games, but they aren't my comfort games. My comfort game would either have to be subnautica or immortals fenyx rising. I love subnautica, nut what's weird is that I don't really think immortals fenyx rising is a good game. So I honestly have no idea why it became one of my comfort games. My only guess is that it might be because I played it right after subnautica and I maybe subconsciously associate ifr with it.
This was avery interesting video, it was really eye-opening. I gotta drop a sub afterwatching this. Great video man!
Glad you enjoyed it 😊 I have a lot of issues with ubisofts open world design but I honestly loved Fenyx 😂 it was just so charming.
OMG never i imagine that could relate to any video game experience, and this video gave me that feeling. although, we might have different comfort games, but the understanding how we relate the game align with our real life situations is so real. my comfort game is skyrim, and FF XII ZA. i could never delete those games from my PC even though i beat those games so many times. DMC 3 used to be my comfort game to, but i don't think it survive the test of time. it feels limited, cause the new ARPG mechanic are so advance compared to the old one. skyrim combat is "bad" compared to the new game but i couldn't find better "role playing" game.
At one of my lowest points I got into the yakuza/like a dragon series, and I’d consider them all comfort games but in particular Yakuza 0 is my favorite as it’s the first I played, It felt like the perfect game made for me and I feel like a learned a lot while playing it.
I never got around to 0 but have to admit like a dragon was very special indeed 😊
For me it is Spider-Man 1 and 2 (Insomniac) for the swinging or combat, but also Infamous Second Son and Just Cause 3 or 4.
I love going back to Skyrim. I think I’ve sunk a few dozen hours or so in the same game at least once a year for the past 8 years and I still feel like there’s more to do. 😅
My comfort games: Mega Man X3 and X4, Metal Gear Solid, Def Jam FFNY, Bloodborne, Crash Bandicoot Warped, Castlevania SOTN, Jet Moto, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and probably others I can’t think of right now.
Some classics there my friend 👍
Watch dogs 1 and 2 definitely... completed them multiple times and still return to them quite often
I have a few. Jak 2, San Andreas, Spyro and THUG are my old comfort games. I played all of those so much that sometimes I would see their levels and streets in the real world😆. Now it's AC Odyssey and watching my son play his comfort game, Bugsnax.
Haha gotta love that real-world crossover 😂
Ironically my main comfort game is also FF XII: TZA. It's not my favorite FF per se, but it's the one I can easily just hop into and enjoy wandering around in, both due to the very automated gameplay via Gambits, and it having IMO the most fleshed out and detailed world in the series.
Why is that ironic?
@@douglasdimmadome3104 I thought it was because it was one of the ones mentioned in the video.
Perhaps I misspoke.
Textbook irony, you’re good 👍
I have a lot of different games I go back to, but the most impactful comfort game I’ve experienced is Skyrim. I never ever get tired of living in that world
I was gonna try Skyrim but arrow knee joke goes here 😉
Not even kidding but Dark Souls is my comfort game. Iv played it so many times its easy for me now, i know every enemies attacks and placement so its all just sort of automatic for me.
Totally get this 👍
I'll mention a pretty obscure game that I'd consider a comfort game.
The Wonderful 101 Remastered, a game made by PlatinumGames. It's really hard to get into. The tutorial pop-up windows are small and doesn't grab your attention, so it's easy to miss when I'm in the middle of combat. On top of that, the windows slide to the next one without waiting to see if you're ready to read them or not which resulted in me missing a few important mechanics that I didn't know about. Then there's the controls. You draw your weapons like you're drawing things in Okami. Takes a while to get used to.
The reason I was able to push past the huge barrier of entry was due to the presentation. It's basically a campy Saturday morning superhero/power rangers cartoon with an art style that makes them look like toys. And because it was a campy Japanese action game, it was of course really over the top and epic. Thankfully there is a free demo of the game that I had to replay 3 times in order to click with it.
You had me at power rangers
Sly cooper 3 and chrono trigger are my comfort games.
GTA, any of them since GTA3.
Load it up, get in a car, turn on the radio and go for a drive, before committing war crimes.
Pokemon, again, any of them. It's about knowing what to expect and still enjoying it.
Rocket League, load up Spotify and play game after game after game for a couple albums.
Latest one may be Persona, I started 4 Golden after Christmas and I've beaten that and 5 Royal.
The gameplay loop is very satisfying.
My comfort games are the mass effect trilogy and the last of us 2. They are just amazing.
Vanquish, Ico, Digital Devil Saga and Demon Souls just to name a few ❤ nice video !
Love Demons Souls
I played shadow of Colossus.... the spiritual successor of Ico and absolutely enjoyed it
My comfort games are the PS1 and PS2 mascot character games.
Crash Bandicoot
Spyro the Dragon
Ratchet and Clank
Sly Cooper
Jak and Daxter
I can play any game from any of these series and I'll be happy even the weird or portable ones.
Finding someone sharing my love for Mass Effect 1 made me feel so happy
N7 for life
Souls games and Resident Evil are definitely my comfort games
This 👍
Stardew Valley is my ultimate comfort game, Ive got hundreds of hours, own it on 3 different platforms, and have over 10 save files. With that one it's because I know what to expect but every playthrough is just a little different depending on teh rng and my choices.
Next would be horizon zero dawn because the apocalypse story buried in there is my favourite across any media. Genshin impact because it's massive and the exploring and collecting is amazing, oh and waifus 😅.
A few years ago I would have said breath of the wild too, but every time I try and replay it the magic is gone. Oh and probably Skyrim because I have some of my best gaming memories with it. Waking up before my partner, making coffee and gaming in the early hours of our weekend's, soooo good.
Coffee and gaming when you have the house to yourself is the best 👍👍
Can you help me get into Stardew Valley? I always play for 20-30 minutes and uninstall. I wanna like it cuz I really like the pixel art style of it and looks cozy. I never even plant the first seed you get the parsnip I think. Whats the point of growing plants in the game do i sell it for cash? But then what do you buy or need money for ?
Breath of the Wild and every 3d Mario game
I really need to give Zelda another try
Mass effect 1-3 are just way to amazing. 1 still being my favorite.
Dead space 1 would be one of mine.
Excellent picks 👍
I think my comfort games would be Elden Ring, Dead Cells, Sekiro and any of the Dishonored games
Great video. Really enjoyed this one. But of a cliche, but I can drop into the beginning game loop of starting a new Minecraft map anytime.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
A few of my favourite comfort games are Mario 64, sonic adventure 2 battle, kingdom hearts, fable 2, the elder scrolls, dragon age origins, Rayman, legend of Zelda link between worlds, ff10.
Respect for the classics 👍
Yep it’s making me feel old. Most of my fav games are like 20 years old now.
@@Bubblegum-tg5bg This! 😂
Secret Of Mana & Persona 4 Golden are probably my ultimate comfort games. Mana simply based off nostalgia, It's beautiful pixel art and absolutely incredible OST, I got so many memories from childhood to adulthood playing through this game. At any time i can pick it up and feel right back at home. P4G for the feel good vibes, From it's small town aesthetic to its unforgettable cast of characters, Hands down my favorite cast of characters in any game, I've grown so attached to them that they really feel like close friends, So many hilarious and memorable moments, Very lighthearted tone overall despite having a murder mystery story. I would put Persona 5 Royal up there as well, Such a long, Epic & unforgettable experience, One of my favorite games of all time next to Metroid Prime & Bloodborne. There's tons of games that give me peace, Just bring familiar feelings & Help me cope with life, I feel Chrono Trigger, FFIX, Omori & Breath Of Fire 3 deserve a shout-out as well.
Some excellent games listed there! I’ve just started Persona 4 Golden for my backlog project and it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved 👍
I only have one comfort game. Its an old game, but i can rely on it no matter what I'm going through, even when not many people play it these days - russian roulette.
Trials of Mana is becoming my comfort game.
Solid choice 👍
UA-cam finally recommended something i like
Glad you enjoyed 😊
This is such a nice topic for a video. Do you have any thought about cozy games marketed as comfort game?
I feel like a lot of the newer "cozy" games failed to capture what makes a comfort game with their art style and low stake gameplay loop.
I’m not sure I’ve played one tbh. Interesting thought tho 🤔
Witcher 3 has become a confort game for me. The combat is easy enough that i can just wander from quest to quest with almost no end in sight
One day I WILL get around to Witcher 3 😂
Mine are Factorio, No Mans Sky, Elden Ring and farming simulator 22.
I have 100+ games in my backlog, I play half an hr per game and it seems to work so far. Straight up needed to get laid off to finally play through it.
My favorite comfort game, I think, is Civilization VI. Every time I boot it up, I'm sure I'll spend at least 3 hours on it.
If you also see FFXII as a comfort game you have good taste. Personally I love FFXII because I love the characters and it can bring me back to the days when I gobbled up MMOs but without having to actually put up with MMO nonsense these days.
I’ve never dared to try an MMO but I have been told FFXII is pretty damn close 😂
high effort, high quality, high likelihood of me liking and subscribing
High praise! Thank you 😊
Mine used to be Heroes of the Storm. Haven't played for years though.
Then it was Binding of Isaac and Vampire Survivors. Which I also haven't played for ages.
Don't think I have any comfort game these days. With two small kids every gaming session needs to be "effective/productive".
But simple games with few tutorials and intuitive controls/mechanics are great. E.g. Spider-Man 2.
Can't get into complex games with lots to keep track of. It'll probably come back at some point.
I always love comments like this. Prioritising your kids over gaming is absolutely the right thing to do my friend 👍
@@backlogbaldie Agreed. It took a while to adjust to the new life style with small kids 😅 but luckily my son's showing some interest in some games. Thinking of introducing him to something to play in a year's time or so :)
Cheers
I never really understood what it means to call difficulty "punishing." The game doesn't take my money or hurt me in real life. At its absolute worst, even assuming a bad hitbox or unfair instakill or whatever... it just asks me to play some part of the game again. And I like the game! That's no punishment.
I’m actually researching this for a potential future video
If you're on PC download the "X no more" mod to remove Mr. X from the Resident Evil 2 Remake. It makes the game way more fun on replays and the game still works completely!
Sekiro is my comfort game of choice
Amazing game 👍