10 Games To Help Make Things Feel A Bit Less Crap

2020 may now be behind us, but for lots of the world 2021 isn’t shaping up to look much better. Sure that’s a pretty glum outlook to share so early into the year, but with the UK back into full lockdown and many other countries also still suffering from recent world events, the planet is looking just as bleak today as it did six months ago. In light of that, we’ve collated 10 video games to help try and make things feel just a little less crap, if only for a couple of hours.

Good Pizza, Great Pizza

image from Good Pizza Great Pizza
Credit: TapBlaze

The only thing better than good pizza is great pizza, and while both are sure to get you smiling, TapBlaze’s Good Pizza, Great Pizza is guaranteed to alleviate at least some of your woes. The premise is simple: you own a pizza parlour and it’s your job to create the pizzas requested by your customers. A lot less stressful than Overcooked! and a lot more addictive than you’d imagine, Good Pizza, Great Pizza is a relaxing yet challenging game with a wonderful art style and soothing sounds. It’s not groundbreaking, but it definitely makes the world feel a little less crap. Grab it on PC, mobile and Nintendo Switch.

Horace

image from horace
Credit: 505 Games

Described as “the best platformer of 2019,” Horace tells a story which is genuinely heartwarming and well worth your time. Horace’s sense of humour is charming and genuinely funny, with a combination of pop culture references, witty writing and fun platforming which will have you coming back again and again. A simply story about a robot just trying his best to be reunited with his family, Horace is sure to delight and sweep away some of the negativity we’re all facing right now. If you’re looking for games to make things feel less crap, play Horace on PC and Nintendo Switch.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

Image from Assassins Creed Valhalla
Credit: Ubisoft

While it’s not exactly a wholesome game, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla does an excellent job of making the world feel a little less bleak thanks to its addictive gameplay. This open-world Viking game will keep you entertained for 100 hours or more if you let it, making it a great option if you’re looking for a time-sink to engage your busy brain. Plunder, pillage and drink your way across the huge map as Eivor, building your settlement and raiding the locals as you go. If you’ve been lucky enough to grab an Xbox Series X|S or a PS5, Valhalla has been optimised for the consoles, so you’re going to get a pretty solid run of your new gadgets. It’s also available on PC.

Stardew Valley

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Credit: ConcernedApe/GameByte

Ah Stardew Valley. The classic farming sim with RPG elements offers players the chance to live their best lives away from the pandemic. Make friends, build your farm, get married, raise slimes and battle through caves as you strive to make your grandpa proud. The game has just received one of its biggest updates ever, making now the best time to dive into one of the greatest indie titles out there. Stardew Valley is guaranteed to whisk you away from the horrors of reality as you farm, craft and explore, plus it’s available on basically every platform out there.

Journey

Image from Journey
Credit: thatgamecompany

I’ve been raving about thatgamecompany’s Journey since it launched way back in 2012, and I’m going to continue to do so right here. A game free from combat, death and complexity, Journey is a simple tale of a nameless being striving to reach the mountain peak. Play online and meet other gamers with whom you’ll have to communicate through a series of musical notes (or by writing in the snow), and together explore and enjoy the magical soundtrack of one of the best video game experiences of all time. With more heart and soul than you could shake a stick at, this is one game which will really make you believe there’s some good left in the world. Play Journey on PS4 and PC.

A Short Hike

A Short Hike Screenshot
Credit: adamgryu

If you’re lamenting the lack of holidays you’ve taken this year then A Short Hike might be a good option for you. This charming adventure lasts as long as you want it to as you explore Hawk Peak Provincial Park at your own pace. Make friends, take part in activities like fishing, rock climbing, beach stickball and generally just enjoy the scenery. Your job is to reach the peak, but it’s up to you how you achieve that. Relaxing, absorbing and very peaceful, A Short Hike helps to make the world feel a little more normal. Definitely one of our go-to games to make things feel less crap, play it on Nintendo Switch and PC.

Resident Evil 2 Remake

image from resident evil 2 remake
Credit: Capcom

Probably not a game you’d expect to see on this list, Resident Evil 2 Remake definitely isn’t known for being life-affirming in any way, shape or form. It is, however, an excellently crafted horror game which creates an immersive experience believable – and terrifying – enough to distract you from the real world for a good nine or so hours. I take a lot of comfort in horror games and movies when I’m feeling blue, because nothing overcomes self-doubt and anxiety like sh*t-your-pants horror, and RE 2 Remake definitely fits the bill. It’s also a reminder that the global pandemic could be a lot worse, but let’s not go there. Play it on PS4, Xbox One and PC.

Subnautica

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Credit: Unknown Worlds Entertainment

If the current state of the world has you feeling a little trapped, Subnautica will definitely help to accommodate your sense of adventure. Set in an alien underwater world, Subnautica is an adventure game with limitless possibilities for discovery. Featuring everything from fascinating creatures and beautiful bioluminescence, to alien ruins and lost secrets, Subnautica is just awaiting exploration. You’ll have to craft, manage resources and escape from predatory creatures as you go, giving you the chance to truly put your survival skills to the test. Play it on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

fall guys
Credit: Devolver Digital

The global pandemic has caused a lot of heartache for millions, but with Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout you can become the jelly bean of your dreams as you compete against your friends to scoop the golden crown. Available on Steam and PS4, Fall Guys is a cute, quirky and competitive battle royale which is best shared with your loved ones. Whether you’re passing the controller between your household (sadly there’s no couch co-op) or if you’re playing online with your pals, Fall Guys is guaranteed to get you grinning – and shouting – your way to the top.

Final Fantasy 7 (Original)

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Nostalgia is a fantastic way to make the world feel a bit less crap, and it doesn’t get more nostalgic than replaying one of the best games of your childhood: the original Final Fantasy 7. While the 2020 remake wowed fans (and scooped a Game of the Year win from us), there’s something heartwarming and incredibly special about revisiting the 1997 classic which stole our hearts as kids. It’s available to play pretty much everywhere now, including Android devices and Nintendo Switch.

So there you have it, 10 video games which will hopefully help to make your world feel a little less crap and a little more normal. And even if you don’t agree that these games can fix anything, at least we’ve given you some solid choices to kick off the new year in style!

Featured Image Credit: TapBlaze/Unknown Worlds Entertainment/adamgryu/505 Games/thatgamecompany