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Untitled Goose Game (Switch eShop)
Nothing like a walk in the country to raise your spirits, hmm? The breakout indie hit of 2019 is a refreshing change for the stealth genre. Gone are the night-vision goggles and dark camo-suits you might expect; here they're replaced by a big white goose with bad social skills. Untitled Goose Game dominated the indie gaming zeitgeist when it launched and conquered the internet. If you're after something light-hearted, give the goose a honk.
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Horizon Chase Turbo (Switch eShop)
Want to jump in a colourful car and burn rubber into the sunset? Horizon Chase Turbo harks back to an arcade past when all you needed for a good time was the top down, a sunset on the horizon and an attractive co-pilot with their hair blowing in the breeze. It's more Top Gear on the SNES than Out Run, but it channels that blue sky feeling beautifully and makes for an exhilarating ride on Switch.
Alternatively, there's always Out Run if Sonic Origins didn't fill your blue sky quota for the year.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch)
With an incredibly mood-lifting soundtrack and 2D gameplay that recalls the classic Donkey Kong Country games, a restorative jaunt through the colourful, bouncy worlds of Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a great way to keep the clouds at bay. The original game was a fun nostalgia trip, but Playtonic's sequel polishes everything and delivers a far better experience overall, one which we heartily recommend.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch)
And speaking of DKC, having topped our ranking of the best DK games of all time it's unsurprising that we love revisiting Retro's most recent Donkey Kong Country game when we're feeling down. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze isn't just a great platformer, it's one of the great platformers and it will help thaw the iciest of moods. Looking and playing better than the series ever has, veteran DKC composer David Wise returned with this sequel, meaning that the music alone is enough to reduce us to tears of happiness. Tropical Freeze is a total joy, and perfect company if you're feeling glum.
A Short Hike (Switch eShop)
A Short Hike is a fat-free indie experience from top to bottom and feels like the very best bits of multiple game genres, stripped of all padding and bloat, mixed perfectly into a delicious video game stew that only gets richer and richer the more you play. An exploration in every sense of the word, and a perfect tonic if you're feeling down in the dumps, A Short Hike is cute without being twee, challenging without being obnoxious, and emotional without being cloying. A landmark game for all ages. Don't miss this one.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Switch)
It's a triple helping of 3D Mario goodness on Switch — what else is there to say? Super Mario 64 is an absolute genre-defining classic, Super Mario Sunshine, for all its flaws, is one of the brightest, bounciest games on any console ever (the Isle Delfino theme alone is worth the price of admission), and Super Mario Galaxy took the plumber to new heights. This limited-time port might not have added many real bells or whistles, but the underlying quality here is immeasurable.
There are still plenty of these knocking around on store shelves across the globe. Get it before it's gone.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (Switch)
There's something reassuring about Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. Yes, it's got all your old favourites like Chess and Four-in-a-Row, and there are hours of familiar fun to be had playing Solitaire, but it also brings back comforting memories of Wii Sports with its Bowling and Golf games. You're sure to discover new favourites in the roster (bead-moving strategy game Mancala — the first of the fifty-one, no less — became a fast favourite for us). It's no accident that we've spent several weekends recently noodling around with these winners rather than hitting our sizeable backlogs brimming with hardcore, 'proper' video games.
Individually, none of the included titles will knock your socks off, but cumulatively they knit together to form a warm fuzzy pair of the aforementioned footwear that'll keep you warm when it's cold outside and there's no kind of atmosphere. Throw in some friends and/or family and it's one of the most feel-good experiences on Switch.
Later Alligator (Switch eShop)
What do you get when you mix Professor Layton with Adventure Time? The comparison doesn't even begin to do it justice, but that's vaguely what to expect from the brilliant Later Alligator. It's a true joy to find a game that doesn't stretch out its stellar moments with long sections of padding. Every minute you spend with this short game is time well-spent, with background details to look at, terrible puns to appreciate, and a noodly jazz soundtrack that's full of bops. It has the highest laughs-per-second (LPS) of any game we've played.
Banjo-Kazooie (N64)
Rare's bear-iest, bounciest 3D platformer is sure to put a hop in your step and a bird in your backpack. Grant Kirkhope's fairytale, Brother's Grimm-style soundtrack for Banjo-Kazooie should be classed as an illegal substance for under-16s, as it will rapidly disperse into every crevice of your brain should you hear it before entering adulthood. Armed with the soundtrack, it took all of five minutes to indoctrinate our own children into the cult of Banjo, and now we're ordered to play 'Banjo Halloween' (Mad Monster Mansion) whenever we get in the car.
And now it's available on Switch via a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription. Worth the price of admission just for this. Breeeeeeee!
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure (Switch eShop)
With so many games featuring death and destruction, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a breath of fresh air. Much like Pokémon Snap, its focus on observation is a welcome change of pace, and it never feels like the underlying message is being shoved down your throat. At 2-3 hours in length, our only wish is that it lasted a bit longer, but with its relaxing tone and simple gameplay, this is one we suspect you’ll go back to again and again.
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Comments 60
tropical freeze? that's the only game that have made me want to throw my switch in rage.
if i want a feel-good platformer i'll return to rayman legends: colorful worlds you can complete at your own pace, great art, funny animations, nice music..
Added A Short Hike and 3D All-Stars.
@dartmonkey can you make a game list to help with anxity plz?
@Snatcher We've got a Relaxing Switch Games list which should fit the bill, and yesterday we discussed some of the team's favourite 'comfort food' games, too.
https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/feature-relaxing-switch-games-chill-games-for-nintendo-switch
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/11/talking_point_whats_your_comfort_food_game
@dartmonkey Thanks.
No Yoshi’s Crafted World? Lunacy
Blue Monday the song is fantastic. Blue Monday the day is utter drivel, manufactured so influencers can say they’re ‘like so depressed’ while people who are actually suffering from depression have to deal with it every single day, not just when ‘science’ tells us to.
Ah, tis' a decent list, Mr. Dartmonkey.
@fco I've lately wondered if I should try funky kong mode, or lower difficulty, since I've barely touched Tropical Freeze for the same reason.
There are countless of those! No Kirby?
Alot of great games on this list, and even though Breath of The Wild may not be my favorite Zelda game, there is something so soothing around roaming around the rolling, windy hills in the first area you start in that calms the nerves. It sends you where your inner peace needs to be.
This list basically just feels like a random assortment of games.
I'd also add Pokemon SS, Rayman Legends, Smash Bros, Monster Boy and Mario Kart. Great games for cheering up.
By the way, I really hope there's a sequel for The Touryst. Great idea, visuals and gameplay, but a little too short and limited. I'd like to see a big expansion of that idea.
Not even that Yoshi game developed bt the company actually NAMED Good-Feel, Yoshi's Crafted World. What gives? I mean I know it's no Island or Woolly World but it still gives some darn good feels. Absolute blasphemy.
Am I broken that I find stuff like Mega Man X or Dark Souls/Skyrim more relaxing? It kinda makes sense to me that a "feel good" game is a game that you are very comfortable with, and hence you can relax into, like ninjutsu.
-2021 NINJAS CAN'T RELAX NINJA APPROVED-
@fco 100% agree
@nessisonett
It is totally a marketing gimmick being the furthest possible Monday away from Xmas but still within the new year vibe thing. Or something.
It's a bizarre, thoughtless trivialisation, considering the hardships some go through for Xmas.
Therefore this list is missing Hellblade and Gris.
But seriously, this list is great. I find Botw really soothing, lynels notwithstanding, and SMO is the right side of difficulty and wonderfully upbeat (despite the generic storyline)
I'd add Kirby Star Allies and BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! to the list. Both of these games gave me that "feel good" vibe while providing me a fun experience.
I'd would add Yoshi's Crafted World to the list, but...yuck, that game's vibe was more tiring and monotonous than feel good, in my opinion
I bought A Short Hike over the weekend and I am still amazed by it. Just the act of flying around the island feels relaxing.
I've also been playing Ikenfell on Xbox (which is also on Switch). I find it really charming so far.
Spiritfarer deserved a mention. A beautiful little game.
Kirby and Yoshi don't get a lot of representation on these lists...Star Allies and Crafted World are essentially the definition of "feel good"
Even though I’d played it so many years ago, I felt rare elation recently showing FFX and X2 on switch to my wife. Going from the generally somber, bittersweet at best FFX to the joy of the perfect ending of FFX2 was wonderful.
Agreed on Kirby, MK8D, Yoshi and the criminally under rated Rayman Legends.
Ring fit was the feel good hit of the summer.
Good to see Horizon Chase Turbo get a mention. It's such a fun game.
For years, Super Mario 64 has been my go to game when I just want to be comforted. It means a lot to me to finally have it on Switch.
Glad it wasn't just me... I found DK Tropical Freeze to be extremely frustrating... poor controls, inconsistent jumps, confusing attacks... I have beat just about every Mario game (and Celeste for that matter) and I gave up quickly on DK.
The list is pretty silly... but 3D World and Yoshi should be on it.
The Touryst is kinda just alright, it was fun enough for a few hours but there's much better pickings here (A Short Hike, Animal Crossing, etc.)
I can agree on Tropical Freeze. Its indeed damn hard at times, but the overall vibe just drags you out of lockdown into this happy colorful mess. Really loved that game.
Best feel good games and nothing from Good Feel? I guess they only have one title on the Switch, though.
Yeah, this is a dumb list.
@Snatcher
Here are games I have found really good for anxiety:
~Hades
~Bastion
~Solitaire
I would place Pikmin 3 above these all, it is an underrated jewel in occident. The only stress you get is returning on time to your ship every night, apart from that , the most relaxing game ever.
I would say Senran Kagura reflexions is a great relaxing feel good game
Its just an excuse to post a load of links which the site will profit from if you choose to buy a game through the link.
fine if the content is good, but this is not- just tacky when its so blatant.
Donkey Kong TF is rage inducing for me. Class game but my god if was quite frustrating it surprises me how many people enjoy such a steep challenge. And I grew on original NES and up games and those were brutal too but seemed more fun then.
Same for The Touryst which haa those GAMEBREAKING levels with the stupid blue ball light jumping levels... my god I hate that game for those. I quit after the second appearance of them I wish I never bought it. What horrible game design.
@Mauzuri My comment was made almost a year ago.
And no, I will not sink more time into a game that I don't find enjoyable.
@Mauzuri
It appears to be a recycled/updated article.
Good list! I have a few to add:
-Mario 3D World (my favorite Mario game, I know my opinion is terrible, but great visuals, great music, great level design, good, clean, multiplayer fun)
-Sonic Colors Ultimate (ONLY because the original soundtrack was patched in, with the wonder and just sheer fun of this game, the original was also one of my first video games, so nostalgia)
-Mario Maker 2 (This game can cause untold amounts of trauma if you play kaizo levels, but if you play popular levels and skip refreshing levels, you’re in for a wholesome ride)
Clubhouse Games and Yoku's are games I recommend to everyone. They both have demos, so please do yourself a favor and try them out. Yoku is often on sale and an amazing concept for thise that enjoy pinball, but maybe not just going for a high score in a pinball sim. It's a whole grand adventure!
In what way is Tropical Freeze a feel-good game?
That's one of the few games that legitimately handed my rear to me and almost made me give up on it. The game's greatness cannot be discussed, though. However, it's only a feel-good game when you can get through without much hassle. Same with Returns.
@JakedaArbok 3D World is great. I have always loved it. I think that people didn't like it because at the time of release, it was just another 3D Land. People were beginning to think that 3D Mario would always be linear.
Now that we have Odyssey, I think that more people appreciate 3D World for its great music and level design and stuff.
Where's the 'feel bad' list for us fine with our depression and want to embrace it? Very feelingist if you ask me...but nobody ever does...
/s
Breath of the Wild frustrates me no end TBH.
Sayonara Wild Hearts is the best feel good game.
@dartmonkey
I can, and shall, obey.
Am I the only one who finds it absolutely hilarious that the article's thumbnail has two Wii U games
Stardew tops the feel good list for me. Read and heard so many amazing personal stories of the game helping people with anxiety and depression, myself included.
The one man developer deserves every cent he gets and then some.
How is Sky: Children of the Light not on this list?
I don't know how Sonic Frontiers will perform on Switch but remember Sonic Origins is also coming!
I'd add in Yoshi's Crafted World. Yoku is a masterpiece. But no game makes me smile like Odyssey!
@dartmonkey
Spiritfarer. Your power is to feed and hug others, and it's amazing.
VERY solid list! Lil Gator Game, A Short Hike, Touryst, Kirby... all personal favorites I frequently turn to when I need a mental/emotional boost. I would add Blossom Tales, Rayman Legends, Lunistice, Runner 3, Guacamelee, OlliOlli World, Heave Ho, Floor Kids, Chicory, and Flynn: Son of Crimson.
the Retro Studios Donkey Kong Country games are really overrated for me.
I’Ve never played a Switch game that didn’t make me feel good.
Tropical Freeze? Man best of luck to whoever read this list that suffers from anxiety and picked up that game. Yeesh.
Enter the Gungeon always makes me forgot all my troubles, and since you can't just finish the game like with Captain Toad, Kirby, Mario, etc. it's always a good game without getting repetitive.
Though I think Switch Sports should be on the list too, since it always feels good to get up move around and team up with others to beat the crap out of online opponents.
@DartMonkey
Isn't today the second Monday in January?
Even so... I can, and shall, obey. 😉
EDIT: And I have just realised that I used that line last year too!
It is one of my favourite lyrics, though.
How super Mario world snes isn’t on this I do not know .
Just the starting theme tune is enough to cheer me up on a miserable day.
Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze absolutely should be on this list!
It requires commitment in order to complete it. You have to farm the lives from the first World, and then stick with the game for a good 2 hours per day for a solid week. You start to get in the rhythm and it clicks into place.
Besides, the game dishes out extra lives for fun and you reload from death super quickly so you can practically brute force your way past the main game anyway.
The temples and the secret bonus levels are also all doable, but you do need a lot of patience and lives with those!
B*llocks to blue Monday and help those less fortunate than yourself, as I have by donating my dry January beer/wine money to a local cancer charity (as I do every year and have done for the past 3). And inbetween getting out and going for a walk, play TMNT Shredders Revenge and anything with Mario in it! PS or own a staffie, as my dog cracks me ups with all her antics!!
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