https://store.steampowered.com/app/227200/Waking_Mars

Waking Mars is a small, relaxing, but never boring game that features a pretty fun mechanic and an engaging story about a science researcher that is stranded on Mars.

I got it in a Humble Bundle years ago and I don't want this game to be overlooked or forgotten. If you like space, and the mystery surrounding Mars' past, this is a great game for you. It is available on mobile and Steam!

Give it a try! The Steam version is the best one, the keys are a bit expensive now (they are on sale sometimes) but you may find other ways to get a key. Or maybe you have it lying around from an old bundle? If anyone else has played it too, I'd be happy to discuss it!

https://isthereanydeal.com/game/waking-mars/info/

I used to be a PC-only gamer but the older I get the more I gravitate toward very 'simple' platforms.

Because my gaming time slots can be unpredictable and sometimes short I can't take too much time setting things up.

I was surprised to find that I use the Nintendo Switch a lot because the games are on cartridges (usually few to no downloading needed) and I can continue playing the game when I am away from home. Really surprising, considering I bought it out of curiosity in 2017 and that it is in some ways underpowered compared to my other devices- I never had a Nintendo 'home' console before that.

I thought of adding the PS4 to this mention however recently I've been avoiding playing it due to the constant updates. The worst example was when my SO bought me Red Dead Redemption 2. I sat down, excited to play it, when suddenly it pormpted me to download a HUGE update . It really kind of ruined my first session.

What are your experiences and your preferred devices?

I love the original patientgamers subreddit so I was stoked to find this community. And because lemmy seems to have a more knowledgeable crowd any topic I posted here had great engagement and discussions, despite the small community. I am too busy to be a mod but maybe I can help by sparking this discussion: what would be needed to keep this sub going?

It's kind of sad that one of the greatest video game series is on hold for now.
Conspiracy theories, multiple ways of solving a mission, game lore hidden in computer inboxes...
Are there any (pre-2010) games that gave you the same feeling or do a similar thing?

I want to make a case for Saints Row IV: it is my go-to relaxing game. I have it installed on my PS4. The game has a GTA-esque setting and gameplay style, but where GTA is a clever satire of the real world, SR IV doesn't concern itself with the limits of reality: in fact, You play as the President of the US (with super-powers) and your main opponent is an alien overlord - with a pretty good voice actor. Now a lot of people tell me that SR III is the far better title and I bet it is, but if you haven't played the 4th installment I suggest you give it a try. It has a special feel to it that keeps me coming back. Not for the story, but for the happy accident that produced an almost meditative game. I love running through the city, killing aliens and causing all kinds of mayhem. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this title.

I know we're already in February, but what are you looking forward to playing this year?

I am currently limited to my PS4 and an older laptop as far as big-screen gaming is concerned, and I am going to be playing some sequels:

• The Witcher II - The 3rd part is more famous but I hear 2 has the better story. I am also one of those who really enjoyed part 1!
• Pillars of Eternity 2 - the first one was so good I can't wait
• Red Dead Redemption II - which I got for my birthday. It is absolutely HUGE. RDR1 is in my all-time favorite games list.

As for handheld gaming, I have recently gotten a Nintendo DS Lite and a PSP so I will be playing some:

• Deadeus - a 2D horror game that someone recommended on this thread

• Final Fantasy Tactics funnily enough, I never played this! I did enjoy the GBA version a lot though.

• Jeanne D'Arc apparently it is one of the PSP's best titles.

As someone with a lot of IRL obligations, I will be very happy if I make it through this list.

What is on your list?

I want to tell you about an often overlooked game that I really enjoyed my time with.

The setting is AMAZING, you are in 1960s America trying to contain an alien invasion with your team.

It got a lot of flak because it used the XCOM name while being a completely different type of game and it definitely had some flaws (the gameplay reminds one most of Mass Effect 1) - but if you see it on sale somewhere give it a chance, I think you won’t regret it. If anyone else has played it, do share your thoughts :)

I have a lot of respect for developers who bring new ideas and game modes and are thus keeping such a great game alive

I recently finished The Last of Us 2. My girlfriend sometimes watches me play my games. And while I thought that TLoU would be a great game to follow, it was hard for her to watch (due to the violence). I wonder if there is a game that would be easy or even interesting for her to watch while I play, without it having to be something strictly "family friendly" , that also has fun gaming mechanics and isn't just a walking simulator. Looking forward to any ideas! :)

I am fascinated by games with 2D art that still manage to give you a good scare. I guess what I find interesting is if a game can manage to translate the scares and audio design which we know from 3D environments and movies. I have never really played any though. I would love to hear some suggestions, especially with Halloween coming soon!

I love looking at retro gaming channels and this one caught my eye (I was looking for a Final Fantasy artbook review). He seems to have frequent updates, likes (J-) RPGs and the videos have this calm, relaxing quality (similar maybe to Noah Caldwell-Gervais) which seems to be quite rare on Youtube, where everything has to be loud and exciting.

Disclaimer: I have no connection to this youtuber. Just sharing.

Left feeling a bit empty after playing it for the first time a few months ago(why did I wait so long?) I am afraid no JRPG will be able to surpass it. Would love to have a discussion about similar games that reach the same quality level (Note: I have already played Final Fantasy VI ).