5 Happy Video Games That Will Lift Your Spirits

We all need that well-deserved rest every now and then — just the same as we all need a video game to keep us ticking over for whenever the rain hangs over us. Of course, gaming has been a strong substitute for escapism ever since the notion came to fulfilment back in the 70s. Only now, with titles twenty times the size and experiences far more ambitious than before, even the most ambivalent collective can gradually find happiness through a video game.

Escaping through the medium of gaming has never been easier thanks to the likes of Game Pass and PlayStation Now. Titles can be swapped in and out without breaking the bank, and little to no effort is required to spool through the many libraries that connect to the industry. But all of that aside, there are certain titles that gravitate towards a rather specialist subject that not many can pull off — and that's comedy. Or, happy-go-lucky games, to broaden the term just a smidgen. Now, if we had to submit some of the best in the business — then it'd have to be these five.

5. Flower

It doesn't always have to be glitz, glamour and Glocks in order to be a smashing success. Sometimes, if executed in the right way — it can be as simple as watching a flock of flowers bloom. And that's pretty much where Flower hits the nail on the head. There aren't any nail-biting segments or riveting bullet storms to bolster, or anything like that. It truly is, without any room for unnecessary growth — a simple concept with a phenomenal impact.

Flower puts you in charge of the very winds that sway the tides of nature. Having the ability to traverse the vast meadows and luscious grasslands, you're only real goal is to witness an ocean of petals pass through the course of life. With a truly mesmerizing soundtrack to accompany your tranquil journey, Flower stands as an experience you'll want to re-visit again and again just for the simplicity and soothing sounds that back it flawlessly.

4. Tearaway Unfolded

It's almost impossible to fend off a happy twitch when unravelling the origami-filled universe of Tearaway. Thanks to its neatly crafted environment and happy-go-lucky charms that spread between every crease and crevice, this popular nugget of joy can quickly immerse you in its eternal wheel of wonders. Of course, Tearaway does act as a work of art in its own right, with plenty to soak up and admire without ever having to branch out from your own secluded starting position. But then, on top of the art also lies a genuinely compelling storyline.

It seems rather odd, witnessing what can only be described as a flipbook of wild creations approach an actual plot of sorts. Only, Tearaway provides a lot more than quirky characters and cooky clippings. That being said, it is a journey best experienced first hand, with twice the wonders to behold for newcomers. But you'll just have to trust us on that one. You won't regret it.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

There's something awfully satisfying about carrying out the most basic of tasks without having to drudge over the details, isn't there? After all, it's not very often we're simply left to do as we please without the burden of reality slumping us down. And that's why we absolutely adore Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Even if it's just a platform to engross in for an hour with nowhere to go, New Horizons offers you that tranquil homestead that never demands a shred of skill to play.

From building your home to submitting fossils to your museum, fishing for snapping turtles to fleshing out your village with sand and seashells — Animal Crossing literally gives you the keys to an endless flow of freedom, without the ties to hold you back. Pick it up whenever you see fit, pick a few weeds, build a new shop — do whatever you please, so long as it's your own vision lighting the way.

2. It Takes Two

If buddying up and wreaking havoc is more to your liking, then Hazelight's latest co-op adventure will definitely keep you satisfied. Flourishing from unpredictable twists, turns, and tongue-in-cheek humor, It Takes Two puts you in the driver's (and passenger) seat for an enormous journey that will keep you smiling from beginning to end. With no two obstacles the same, Hazelight's unorthodox creation aims to keep you second-guessing from the moment you cross the threshold to the second the curtain closes.

Packed full of wondrous landscapes, thought-provoking puzzles and happy-go-lucky tomfoolery, It Takes Two will have you rolling back wave after wave until your heart's content. Of course, having a buddy to team up with is a major part of the overall experience, though not essential to harness a few laughs and long-lasting memories. But that's entirely up to you and how you play. Of course, you could always use a second controller and board the challenge of playing both roles…if that's what you want? Either way, you're in for one heck of a ride.

1. Dreams

Now, there's a reason why we're putting Dreams at the top of our list. Naturally, the game does go on to employ a lot more than your box-standard standalone video game. And that's just putting it lightly. Dreams, although looking rather confusing at face value, is an entire platform dedicated to creative minds, in which they can use the resources to establish unique worlds and playable experiences. Whether it be a simple platformer or a fully-fledged title with a boatload of influences to boot — Dreams holds the power to unlock your true potential and paint it on an open canvas with ease.

Of course, with a game that holds so many ambitious titles, it's no wonder we're happy to put it at the apex of our list. Not only does the platform brew some of the oddest creations known to the community — but also the most remarkable. And it's because of this, that locating a slew of titles that aim to keep you grinning from ear to ear really isn't that hard. In fact, it's incredibly simple. Happiness idles in Dream's finest collection, and it's all yours for the taking. So, what are you waiting for? Be happy!

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