Not a True Gamer but Interested in Testing The Waters, Looking for Advice on a Few Games for Exploration Not So Much Fighting

Sunshines bright on 30/11/2021 - 14:49

HI guys and gals

I love the idea of exploration/hunting games.

I do not have very great eye hand coordination and a very terrible memory so help a girl out here.

About 33 years ago I sort of tried zelda on nintendo but do not recall much, I do think there were fight scenes and I was terrible with them always getting very frustrated. I also played another game on the PC but do not recall the name, it too was a search and kill monsters game to get to different levels, again I was shit at fighting. I dabbled in simcity (I think that was the name of it) back in 1990 that was not too bad but it was more about building a city than exploring. I felt like I was learning to be a civil engineer. There was an interesting old game I came across in 1991, zero graphics and all played at the C: prompt where you went hunting for things (hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy maybe???) but it required a decent memory to get anywhere so I did not get far with that game either.

I have a decent quality gaming PC (long story) and so figured I would go on the hunt for something I can play, but there is so much out there and most are for fighting and racing which are 2 things I am not so much interested in or good at. I keep getting overwhelmed scanning through the gaming blogs and such.

Looking for simple, interesting, possibly educational, and explorative; which is easy to play but still challenging?

Are there any out there that would suit my interests and capabilities?

Gaming

Comments

  • avoidfullprice on 30/11/2021 - 14:53
    +3

    Abzu?

    https://store.steampowered.com/app/384190/ABZU/

    Steam has a function that curates games for you based on what you like/dislike from watching trailers. Give that a go?

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:30

      That one was very interesting but steam recommended a controler??? Not sure exactly what that means for me with a keyboard and mouse?

  • Bid Sniper on 30/11/2021 - 15:02
    +11

    Subnautica
    https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/Subnautica/

    Love this game, no killing/fighting/guns. Alien deep water exploration

    • CrispyChrispy on 30/11/2021 - 15:55
      +1

      Great game, beautiful scenery and can be as chill as you want it to be.

      • giftcardinspector on 01/12/2021 - 07:43
        +2

        Great soundtrack too.
        Also scary as hell in places.
        That first voyage to the Aurora o_0

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:31

      checked it out looked cool but I think Abzu looked better, worthy of thinking about though.

  • tallkid123 on 30/11/2021 - 15:04
    +1

    Try Disco Elysium.

    It was just released on console so I'm probably gonna pick it up on PS4 pretty soon.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:33

      It's a bit to grungy for my taste visually. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • PugHugger on 30/11/2021 - 15:24
    +7

    You don't need a decent gaming PC for it, but I have sunk many, many, hours in Stardew Valley.

    It is a farming style game with small fighting components, bits of exploration and I consider pretty easy to play while still presenting a fun challenge.

    • giftcardinspector on 01/12/2021 - 07:44
      +1

      Stardew Valley is so ridiculously underpriced for what you get. Such an amazing little game. So well thought out and easy to churn 100hrs through

      • PugHugger on 01/12/2021 - 07:49
        +1

        100 hours. Cute.

        I honestly cannot share how many hours I've sunk into it. It is just too embarrassing… Suffice to say there is still a one in front but I need three figures after it!

        I agree - VFM it is hands down the best $20.00 I have ever spent.

        • giftcardinspector on 01/12/2021 - 08:00

          Oh I have done far more than 100hrs. The first 100 fly through.
          It's the one game besides Civ V that I keep coming back to for another play through.
          I have it on my tablet and PC.
          Love it.
          I just re-read your comment haha. I don't reckon I've done 1000hrs though hahaha

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:36

      Interesting find thanks

  • Xyzzy on 30/11/2021 - 15:25
    +10

    Portal? https://store.steampowered.com/app/400/Portal/

    It's pretty old now but still good. You have to work out how to get out of rooms by putting portals in appropriate places. Starts off quite easy but the final puzzles are a good challenge. The sequel's good too.

    • Quantumcat on 30/11/2021 - 16:40
      +2

      Portal is one of my favourite games ever

    • Loopholio on 01/12/2021 - 08:59
      +1

      I plan on playing both games again soon with commentary on again. The commentary is interesting and worth a play through.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:38

      It does challenge my brain just watching the videos

  • orangetrain on 30/11/2021 - 15:33
    +2

    Forager, stardew valley, graveyard keeper, dont starve, dysmantle. Look up their tags on steam for related games.

  • Tovers93 on 30/11/2021 - 15:33

    Plants v Zombies - Battle for Neighbourville

    Has a good solo/co-op experience with maybe 20-30hrs gameplay. Mix of fighting and exploration including completion challenges for collecting things
    Then also has online mode v other players

  • Riczter on 30/11/2021 - 15:47
    +2

    Valheim

  • SpiffyTheDog on 30/11/2021 - 15:56
    +8

    Firewatch - thank me later :)

    • CrispyChrispy on 30/11/2021 - 15:59
      +1

      Ah, just beat me to reccomending the game!

    • FireRunner on 30/11/2021 - 16:39

      It's good but very short. I think I got 3.5 hours out of my play through

      • CrispyChrispy on 01/12/2021 - 08:46
        +1

        I've gone through 3 playthroughs, quite a few ways the game can unfold. I've probably explored every corner of the world, lol. The free roam mode is great too.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:46

      Checking it out, looks promising.

  • CrispyChrispy on 30/11/2021 - 15:58
    +1

    Firewatch is a great game, recently went on sale on Steam for a very good price.

    Simple, story-driven game that has amazing graphics and a really good sountrack. No violence or intense themes. One of my faves.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:48

      I was too late for the sale :(

      • CrispyChrispy on 02/12/2021 - 16:52

        Damn, it was at a pretty good price! Maybe next time. Many other potentially enjoyable games out there for you, so don't worry.

  • coray8 on 30/11/2021 - 16:04
    +2

    Outer Wilds

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:52

      Did not find exploring space literally exciting for me, but thanks for the input

  • eman resu on 30/11/2021 - 16:19

    diablo 2 would fit your needs perfectly.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 30/11/2021 - 16:36

      Yeah not much fighting nor monsters in D2…..

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 16:58

      could not locate this in steam? so I googled it and read this "Diablo II is an action role-playing hack-and-slash" hack and slash what sounds like fighting to me? Or I have the wrong game.

  • Quantumcat on 30/11/2021 - 16:27
    +1

    VVVVV!!!!

    I love this game so much. The exploration feels magical, just like games used to feel when you were a kid. It is very simple, all you can do is walk forward or backward and flip gravity.

    It is available on 3DS, Switch and Steam for PC, probably other places too.

    Another game you might like is the trilogy that's 999, Virtues Last Reward and Zero Escape. The puzzles are amazing and the story is mind blowing. I think I have the same tastes as you, I hate shooting games and I'm not coordinated enough for tough platformers. And what I like in games is the magic of exploration, amazing stories and interesting puzzles.

    The three games above are visual novels, so you make choices through the game and discover more about what's going on each time you reach a bad ending. They are in a separate league above any other VN though. I only picked up Virtues Last Reward because I was looking for a new game to play by looking down the Metacritic best 3DS games of all time list. I didn't think it would be my cup of tea (has violence, never played a VN before) but I tried it and it was amazing. It was just a shame that I didn't play 999 first otherwise the reveal at the end would have been much better. Definitely play them in order. 999 is available on DS and Steam, VLR and Zero Escape on 3DS and Steam. I think 999 is best played on DS or 3DS otherwise I don't think the reveal at the end would work (haven't tried it on Steam so don't know how they do it) but the others would be fine on either platform.

    Please let me know if you try it and what you think

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:13

      puzzle like is not quite what I am looking for thanks anyways.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 30/11/2021 - 16:37

    Braid
    Journey
    The Long Dark

    (also being OzB, all on sale cheap on Steam right now)

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:17

      yea, missed all the great sales! Journey looks decent what does online co-op mean and how does it work?

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:21

      The Long Dark says full controller support, does having a controller make a difference won't keyboard and mouse be sufficient?

  • shaybisc on 30/11/2021 - 17:12

    Doink

  • brendanm on 30/11/2021 - 17:16

    The Incredible Machine

  • YeemaiI on 30/11/2021 - 19:01

    If you're open to racing/driving games, the Forza Horizon series is pretty good. Open world, plenty of things to do, customise cars to your heart's content, etc.

    Horizon 3 was even set in Australia, though don't think you can get it anymore :(
    Horizon 5 only just recently came out, haven't played it yet but it looks quite impressive.

  • ddhar on 30/11/2021 - 19:11
    +1

    Skyrim. Large world to explore and its combat elements are relatively easy.

    • brendanm on 30/11/2021 - 19:43
      +1

      Also oblivion. I personally liked oblivion more.

      • Quantumcat on 30/11/2021 - 20:19

        Morrowind is better in some ways but worse in others - I hated missing when you tried to hit something. But the magic of exploration is a lot higher than skyrim or oblivion as no quest marker and no fast travel. Have to figure everything out yourself.

        • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:50

          would a beginning gamer be able to learn to play these? I love the graphics and story and various options available but afraid to make a financial commitment in case I am not able to play them. Wish they had free option to test out one's ability to play before buying.

          • Quantumcat on 02/12/2021 - 18:16
            +1

            @Sunshines bright: Morrowind is tricky but pretty cheap. I got a copy for $10 about 5 years after release. Available for $20 digitally on GoG (comes with elder scrolls 1 & 2 as well). You could probably find it for free pretty easily in less than legal ways.

            • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:20
              +1

              @Quantumcat: Thanks for reminding me, hehe. Had not thought to to there, give partner a new challenge… Find me free games!!!

            • Sunshines bright on 06/12/2021 - 21:26

              @Quantumcat: can't figure out how to run the less than legal games, so far none work for me.

              • Quantumcat on 06/12/2021 - 22:05

                @Sunshines bright: You might have luck running it through dosbox. I haven't actually tried, just assuming

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:29

      I only found this on steam The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, is that what your talking about? https://store.steampowered.com/app/489830/The_Elder_Scrolls_…

      • Quantumcat on 02/12/2021 - 18:18
        +2

        If you have a ps3 you could get Skyrim way cheaper than that if you visit a second hand games shop.

        Also I have a boxed PC version of Oblivion that I tried to sell for ages with no takers. You would be welcome to it if you paid postage. Let me know and I'll try and find it

      • ddhar on 02/12/2021 - 18:57

        Yes. Seems the Special edition contains all the mods and other improvements to the base game since its release.

  • BuyoTheCat on 30/11/2021 - 19:48
    +1

    street fighter 2

  • prsam1 on 30/11/2021 - 21:52
    +2

    Spiritfarer

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:57

      WOW this one has a free demo to try!!!! Wish they all had demos. Gonna give it a try later. THANKS!!

    • bellybama on 11/12/2021 - 17:33

      Such a beautiful, touching experience.

  • giftcardinspector on 01/12/2021 - 07:50
    +1

    Civilization 5, Factorio, Stardew Valley, Oxygen not Included, Subnautica, Raft.
    Those are my faves on PC.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:03

      Civilization 5 looks complicated to play? Kinda reminds me of RISK.

      • giftcardinspector on 02/12/2021 - 18:17

        It is complicated to start but great fun once you have it figured out. I've racked up somewhere near 1500hrs on it

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:12

      Factorio YAY another free demo to try out, not sure I will like the game but at least I can try it first.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:15

      wish this had a demo Oxygen not Included, looks interesting.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:17

      Subnautica and it gets better, so far might be one of my favorites without trying them yet.

      • giftcardinspector on 02/12/2021 - 18:23

        There's a sequel too called Below Zero.
        First one is amazing, definitely recommend

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:24

      And Raft, wow I can try to get my partner to join me once I figure out how to do OnLine PVP or Co-op what ever those mean?????

      • giftcardinspector on 02/12/2021 - 18:33

        PvP is player vs player so you're competing against each other.
        co-op is you're co-operating to achieve the goals together

  • gee-man on 01/12/2021 - 08:33
    +3

    Stanley Parable.

    Cheap, funny, no fighting, great game.

    • CrispyChrispy on 01/12/2021 - 08:47
      +1

      Great fun, super light too so most/all PCs can run it just fine. I think it only requires ~3GB or so as well.

    • Loopholio on 01/12/2021 - 09:04

      Love this game. The Ultra Delux version is getting closer!
      https://crowscrowscrows.com/email/40/

    • Sunshines bright on 04/12/2021 - 22:09
      +1

      Got the Demo; fairly easy to maneuver for me and was interesting, played for 45 mins and did not notice the time go by. I may go on the hunt for this one.

  • Notanordinaryperson on 01/12/2021 - 08:58

    Minecraft is fantastic. Infinite world's to explore and you can set it to peaceful mode so no monsters to fight

  • Rayzorback on 01/12/2021 - 09:10
    +1

    Fallout games, has some fighting/shooting but has a VATS system to make it super easy to fight. Best exploration game imo

    • Loopholio on 01/12/2021 - 09:12
      +1

      Fallout also has god mode cheats.

    • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 18:37
      +1

      looks good the initial 3 games is not to badly priced at steam. going to add to my wishlist!

      • Rayzorback on 05/12/2021 - 09:31

        Get Fallout 3, New Vegas or Fallout 4. The first 2 have aged a little bit too much and don’t play as good these days. New Vegas has awesome story and gameplay

  • Lurk Hartog on 01/12/2021 - 09:44

    Journey
    Abzu
    Ico/Shadow of the Colossus (playstation)

  • Navanod66 on 01/12/2021 - 12:12

    Abzu.
    Raft (still in development but very playable)

  • zrmx on 01/12/2021 - 14:46

    Flight simulator if you want to explore other cities while we can't fly anywhere much 🥲

  • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 11:30

    Thanks everyone!!! When I find some free time I will take a more detailed look at all of your suggestions. I so appreciate all of you for your assistance!!!! I have so much to learn.

  • weezlebub on 02/12/2021 - 11:32

    i just bought deep rock galactic for me and my cousin last night … haven't tried it yet, but looks good

  • Sunshines bright on 02/12/2021 - 17:09

    Looks like I missed all the weekend sales since I was too busy on the day to check all of these out.

    • Ventak on 05/12/2021 - 00:01

      Next big Steam sale is probably the Christmas/New Years sale.

  • Subere on 02/12/2021 - 19:41

    Surprised no one's mentioned No Mans Sky since the entire premise is exploration and regularly goes on sale

  • jonod on 03/12/2021 - 15:41
    +1

    The tomb raider series is good, a small amount of combat but mostly exploration

  • SlavOz on 14/12/2021 - 12:41

    Try Divinity 2: original sin. It's an RPG with a massive focus on exploration, lore, relationships, and some puzzling.

    The combat is tough but it's all turn-based, so there's no hand eye coordination or memorisation required. It's all about strategy and smart thinking.

  • Sunshines bright on 15/12/2021 - 07:36

    My partner came across EPIC Games. So I downloaded a few from there, man are they very difficult to learn to play. I got Core, Warface, Fortnite, Genshin Impact and Valorant. Only tried Core and Warface but got nowhere in a period of time. Too many key options to learn in order to play them and they seem to be online games which is confusing as they took a long time to download. Any one with more info on epic or opinions?

    • Loopholio on 15/12/2021 - 08:45

      Untitled Goose Game - Be a goose and torment everyone
      What Remains of Edith Finch - Simple puzzles with a fantastic story. Very easy to play
      Gorn Home - Walk, listen and click things
      Dear Esther - Walk and listen
      Shady Part of Me - this is a puzzle type of game. It can be tricky

      I have played and enjoyed all of these except Goose Game which I watched Filmcow play.

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