Of course, Android games differ in terms of the mood they translate. Some are more rewarding than others, that’s for sure! The five video games below, for instance, are super different in everything but one thing — they all make you feel better than you did before you started playing.
#1 Caves of Lore by Red Plume
This is, first and foremost, for retro fans. It combines strategic role-playing with a rich narrative (you’ll read quite a lot). Here, you navigate through intricate lore and encounter diverse characters, some of which are pretty funny. And, of course, there are challenging enemies.
The game’s turn-based combat isn’t super simple. It requires you to be thoughtful and strategic and that’s a plus, actually. When you win, your victory always feels rewarding. And yes, it’s a pixel game.
#2 Wildfrost by Chucklefish
Can you feel happier playing in post-apocalyptic settings? The example of Wildfrost shows you can. Perhaps because your mission is pretty optimistic — you battle the cold to bring back the sun.
Quite unexpectedly (or perhaps not), this is a card-based game. You’ll collect cards, companions, power-ups, and all that. It may resemble Inscription a bit, but the art style is more of a cute kind, and the music is more soothing.
#3 Skul
Now, we finally have a platformer here. You’ll play as a heroic skeleton who can swap skills by changing heads. Each head grants different powers. As you’ve guessed, the gameplay is pretty dynamic.
By the way, it’s another pixel graphics game on the list. It has an absolutely hard-hitting soundtrack that keeps the adrenaline flowing. Skul is fast-paced so you can use it as a quick distraction.
#4 Loop Hero
In Loop Hero, the game mechanics is pretty engaging. Players craft their adventure loops. Each loop completed equips the hero with better gear to survive against monsters. But don’t think it’s all super intense. There are idle elements, too.
A curious thing is that it’s a card game with retro graphics but it still looks pretty modern. You do get your portion of a nostalgic charm, but meanwhile enjoy something fresh and well-made.
#5 Teeny Tiny Trains
Teeny Tiny Trains are gentle and soothing. Don’t let them deceive you, though! The game is super addictive! But what exactly do you do here? You design and manage train routes. You need to be effective, always strive for optimization, and do whatever is necessary to grow your rail empire.
The game’s miniature-style graphics are absolutely delightful (not to everybody’s taste, though). Tasks feel like playful puzzles. This game is ideal for unwinding when you want something to occupy your mind but not overwhelm it.
Who Knew? Why Are Games So Good for Mood?
Why exactly do we feel happier after playing a game? Well, it must be 90% magic and 10% science-based reasons such as…
- Stress reduction — Games require concentration and when you concentrate, you divert attention away from stressors and towards achieving in-game goals.
- Increased dopamine — The brain releases dopamine in response to all pleasurable activities (gaming is no exception), and dopamine gives us a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
- Social connections — Some games help us to build connections with others so that we feel less lonely.
- Cognitive engagement — Puzzles and problem-solving games engage the brain and give us a distraction from negative thoughts.
- Control — In games, we control the environment, and in life… well, not always.
All in all, playing a game is perhaps the healthiest way (okay, we don’t take sports into account now) to quickly lift your mood. Their beauty is in that they are immediately accessible. You don’t go anywhere, don’t buy anything (many games are free, right?), and don’t spend hours on preparation.