Tranquility

It's May.  If you're not a teacher, that's probably not something you really care much about.  If you are a teacher then you will understand that May is not only a month, but also the feeling that you've run a marathon and you're on mile 20--the end is near, but not near enough!  You're tired, your patience is running thin, and you just generally want to get the thing over with.  I've completely reached this point (and, thanks to the magnificently snowy, cold El Niño this winter that end has been extended by a week--another 2 miles added onto the marathon) and all I look forward to at the end of the day is coming home and unwinding.  This unwinding includes playing games that would definitively fall into the "casual" and "relaxing" categories.  I have a few go-to relaxers that I turn to when I'm feeling the May crush.

1.) Stardew Valley

For some weird reason I've been spending a great deal of time down on the ol' farm.  I'm not even sure that I have any aims or goals.  At first it was simply about trying to experience the new content that was added to the game during year or so that I hadn't played.  Now, I'm just enjoying the challenge in trying to maximize my production and earn as much money as I can.  I suppose I am working toward building some of the expensive and fancy new magical buildings.

There's something soothing about the daily routine that you find yourself falling into as you play--it's repetitive, but it doesn't feel like a grind.  There aren't many games out there that can manage that exact concept without getting boring very quickly.

If you're finding that you need a little relaxation, I would recommend finding your favorite relaxing playlist and taking a virtual vacation on your happy little farm.

2.) Euro Truck Simulator 2

A glamor shot of my ETS2 truck.  Ain't it purty?

I was extremely shocked by how easily I fell into loving Euro Truck Simulator 2.  It's a game where you drive virtual big rigs around Europe (there's also some lightweight management, but it's more about the driving).  The trucks and landscapes are beautifully detailed so even though you're doing nothing more than maneuvering around the highway there are oodles to take in.  So simple, but so relaxing....definitely worth every penny.

Even though I own ETS2 and it's little brother truck driving game, American Truck Simulator, I will always opt for Europe.  There's something about the difference between the highway systems that makes Europe much more appealing to me.

3.) Viscera Cleanup Detail

Like ETS2, Viscera Cleanup Detail was a game that I never expected to enjoy.  It's a quirky game about cleaning up the grisly remains of science fiction inspired disasters.  For reasons that I can't completely understand there is something very, very satisfying about picking up body parts and mopping up puddles of goo.  Maybe it's seeing a level completely covered with gore and then seeing that same level sparklingly clean?  Maybe it's simply the satisfaction in a job well-done?  Who knows?

I find that listening to some nice, soothing music while playing is a fabulous way to relax.  Being a huge nerd, I usually like to listen to the soundtracks from other games.  I've made playlists that include music from The Witcher series, World of Warcraft, Dragon Age, and a few others.  I also enjoy downtempo or ambient when I'm feeling like something calming.

If you're feeling a little stressed or like you want a break from the intense world of competitive games, check out these three games.  When combined with your favorite low-key tunes they are the perfect formula for relaxation.