In this new period of curfew, it has never been so important for the spirit to escape. If many media allow this, starting with literature or audiovisual, we should not forget the great interactive media that is the video game. Here is a selection of games conducive to escape, exploration and relaxation.
Obviously, this selection of 10 games is only a tiny sample of the possibilities, where it has already been difficult to make choices. Obvious titles like Minecraft or Stardew Valley, or lesser-known little pearls like A Short Hike (also already mentioned in our selection of essential PC games), were not retained for lack of space, but not forgotten.
Likewise, we have intentionally set aside all promising games still in early access. The same goes for titles conducive to escape, a change of scenery and exploration, but perhaps a little too focused on action (hello, by chance, the very nice and recent Assassin's Creed Valhalla), horror or anguish (hello, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter) to act as a real moment of relaxation.
In short, here is our small selection which, we hope, will help you to spend a more relaxed confinement, and why not come out of it with stars in your eyes.
Read also:The 20 games on consoles essential during confinement
Abzu
Difficult to start with anything other than Abzu. Because it is one of the best games in this selection, first of all, but also and above all because this list is sorted in alphabetical order. In short. After Flower and Journey (the latter is also mentioned below), this is the penultimate title overseen by Matt Nava of the Giant Squid studio (since the latest, The Pathless, has just been released).
Aptly billed as “Journey, but underwater,” Abzu is an ode to free exploration. Only a few visual elements and the sounds of the fauna and flora and the formidable music of Austin Wintory guide the player to a minimum, in a colorful and contemplative world where he will have to find his bearings and navigate at his own pace to try to break through the mysteries along the way.
Astroneer
Many of the games in this selection can only be played solo. Luckily, here comes Astroneer, which also supports up to 4 player co-op play.
Exploration and remodeling of planets, construction of bases or even vehicles, these are the few possibilities offered by the rich title of System Era Softworks. Still updated almost 2 years after its early access release, the game should satisfy those who prefer to wander for fun as well as those who seek to unravel the mysteries of this universe with its good-natured artistic direction.
Firewatch
While we're still awaiting news of its movie adaptation, Firewatch is still a great game to make for anyone who would like to isolate themselves and become a ranger in Wyoming.
Certainly, the heart of the game conceals a mystery not necessarily ideal for relaxing, but its sound and visual atmosphere, its music, its very high quality voice dubbing or its movement system which invites exploration, make that, good there you go, play Firewatch.
Goat Simulator
Because exploration and the beauty of the world are fine for two minutes, what better way to truly relax in this complicated period than to embody a goat capable of destroying everything for fun?
With its maps to explore and ruin using deliberately broken physics, its low-key humor assumed and its many objectives and additional content, Goat Simulator is not new but remains a timeless entertainment that should tear you away fat laughs and make you forget your miserable human condition.
Journey
A selection of the best exploration/walking simulator games without Journey? Impossible. Available since this year on PC, the title revolutionized video games in 2012 on PS3 and is still one of the main references of the genre today.
Just like Abzu, but in a more desert environment, the player must wander in a world that gives him only a minimum of indications and where he can meet other players at random to walk together, silently. Often described as poetic or dreamlike, Journey is an invitation to travel and exploration, where only the player's curiosity and motivation will act as the driving force.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky has changed a lot since its initial release in 2016. Today, Hello Games' title is as rich as it is loved by fans of space exploration, survival, and journeys into the unknown.
With its infinite galaxy made up of thousands of planets generated and populated in a procedural way, this title is an endless source for those who like to fly randomly for the simple pleasure of discovery. Those who like to be guided at least should also find their account there thanks to a central quest which pushes them to always improve their character and their ship to go further.
Outer Wilds
Completely opposite to the abundant previous title, Outer Wilds offers him a fixed universe, made by hand, which evolves over time. But to hope to unravel its strange mysteries, on foot or aboard your spaceship, you will have to be curious and efficient.
Indeed, Mobius Digital's in-game solar system undergoes a regular reset. This forces you to start from your starting point, but always richer in information and elements to advance in your quest for understanding. Regularly cited among the best games of 2019, Outer Wilds will especially appeal to patient players who like to set their own goals.
Sea of Thieves
So yes, there is a bit of combat in Sea of Thieves, against creatures or other players. But Rare's game is such a generator of adventures and memorable moments that it was unthinkable not to find it in this selection. Alone or with up to 4 players, the game allows you to embody the pirate you've always dreamed of and offers you to carry out the missions of your choice (treasure hunt, extermination of skeletons, scripted missions, etc.).
In addition to its vast map where each island is a joy to explore, where each sunset is a renewed pleasure for the retina and where the slightest sound of wood creaking in your boat on a stormy sea is a model of immersion and atmosphere, SoT had the good taste to add content over the months to make the fun last.
Subnautica
By skillfully blending exploration, survival, construction and investigation, Subnautica is undoubtedly one of the strongest recommendations in this selection. Provided of course that you have nothing against spending your time alone in the water.
Rich and beautiful (and occasionally terrifying), Unknown Worlds Entertainment's game world is sure to keep you busy for quite a while, and what you prefer is just taking a dip among colorful fish, unraveling the mystery of this aquatic planet, or well build a gigantic underwater base.
And if you've already spent a lot of time on the base game, remember that the Below Zero expansion is still available in early access.
What Remains of Edith Finch
To be completely honest, What Remains of Edith Finch is the game that I hesitated the most to keep in this selection. The title of Giant Sparrow, which tells several stories, is indeed regularly depressing and has an atmosphere that can undermine you. But that would be missing out on so many other things.
Since its release in 2017, no walking simulator has given me the same slap in the face. Brilliant in its storytelling and staging, the game has dozens of memorable passages and incredible ideas. It's one of those handful of jaw-dropping games that just have to be done.
And you, what are the games you prefer to browse to escape?
