Gaming is one of humankind’s earliest hobbies. Archaeological evidence from Ancient China to Ancient Egypt highlights the presence of games like go, mahjong, sennet, and hounds and jackals. Fast-forward thousands of years and the emphasis on gaming remains. In fact, the earliest applications of digital technology included games like the Sword of Damocles and Pong.
Clearly, we like to compete and have a little fun along the way. Sometimes, our pursuits are highly personal, such as hitting a new level in Candy Crush. Other times, gaming is more about creating an experience with friends, from board games like Sorry to mobile titles like Wordle.
Despite the rise of eSports leagues like the Dota 2 Championship, casual gaming is also becoming more popular worldwide. Some die hard gamers stick to a single title with the goal of finishing the game or developing their skills for a future of streaming or eSports, but many simply choose a title based on mood.
After all, choosing the right game might come down to a person’s energy level, how much time they have for a gaming session, and whether they have access to a console, PC, or mobile device. Keep reading for five game suggestions to fit your needs.
1. A Thoughtful Mood: Poker
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The earliest board games, like those mentioned above, were designed to challenge the mind. Poker keeps with that theme, as players will need to evaluate hand rankings, decide on a strategy for each game, and handle unknown quantities from other competitors. Learning the ropes can take time, but the game is highly rewarding in terms of mental exercise.
The game’s popularity means it’s easy to find a quality virtual provider. For example, the PokerStars online platform has been around for over two decades, making it one of the oldest in the industry. The interface is easy to navigate, and the platform even allows for privately hosted games.
2. Pure Energy: Sports Simulation or FPS
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Not everyone will be in the mood for a logic-heavy game like poker. In fact, some gamers just want to blow off some steam at the end of the day. For these purposes, choosing a sport simulation or a first-person shooter are great options.
Simulations like FIFA and Madden let gamers decide whether they’d like to compete against other remote players, gaming friends, or stick to a solo game mode. Meanwhile, FPS titles like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty provide a highly immersive experience that gamers can disappear into. However, FPS titles tend to require more concentration than a football simulation.
3. Playing With Friends: Battle Royale
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Gamers in a social mood will find endless chances to jump into multiplayer titles. Whether on a PC, console, or mobile device, most games today are designed with massively multiplayer online features. MMO titles run the gambit, from survival games like Rust to classics like World of Warcraft to film-based classics like Star Wars: The Old Republic.
4. Relaxing and Casual – Stardew Valley, Journey, MahJong Ways 3 slot
For times when you want to take things slow and easy, the pastoral tranquility of Stardew Valley offers an idyllic retreat. This charming farming simulator allows players to build and manage their own virtual farm, complete with crops, livestock, and even friendly villagers to interact with. The game’s heartwarming narrative and laid-back pace provide a perfect setting for relaxed, leisurely gameplay.
Journey takes the casual gaming experience to another level, transforming it into a breathtaking voyage through a vast desert landscape. The game’s stunning visuals and captivating soundtrack create an immersive, meditative adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
To add an innovative twist to a classic, try MahJong Ways 3 Slot. This game ingeniously merges traditional Mahjong gameplay with the mechanics of a slot machine, offering an engaging and soothing gaming experience.
5. Action and Thrills – Doom Eternal, Devil may Cry 5, Apex Legends
If action and adrenaline are what you crave, consider the demon-slaying chaos of Doom Eternal. This fast-paced FPS game tests your reflexes and strategic prowess against hordes of demons in visually stunning, chaotic battles.
Devil May Cry 5 offers a different flavor of action. Known for its exhilarating hack-and-slash combat, the game lets players unleash stylish combos and supernatural powers against hordes of otherworldly foes, adding a dash of elegance to the blood-pumping action.
Finally, for the thrill of competition, Apex Legends offers a high-stakes battle royale experience. Here, teams of players showcase their shooting skills and unique abilities in a race to be the last squad standing. This game offers a vibrant mix of teamwork, strategy, and action, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
6. Plain Old Boredom: Casual Titles
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It’s not uncommon for a gaming session to happen inside a waiting room or even while on a short flight. For undetermined stretches of boredom, casual mobile titles of all stripes are a great option, as they’re downloaded straight to a smartphone and typically require minimal bandwidth.
Games like Candy Crush and Tetris provide a highly engaging escape from reality, which can be paused easily at any time. A game like the farming simulator Stardew Valley lets the mind tinker with a small-scale puzzle, while a murder mystery like Among Us provides endless intrigue. Just be sure to download your favourite title to enable remote play.
7. A Philosophical Approach: RPGs
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One of the most diverse genres in gaming is the role-player game. The main focus of an RPG is to let gamers interact with characters, themes, settings, and overarching storylines. The game is designed for long-term play, with nearly endless quests and side missions that give more texture to an overarching story.
This is ideal for gamers looking to dive into a new world, much like reading a book or watching a film. The Witcher is ideal for gamers with an interest in fantasy and gothic horror, while titles like Final Fantasy provide a lighter look at open-world adventures and intertwined storylines. Others, like Yakuza: Like a Dragon, combine elements of mob drama and goofy humour.
