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Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

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331–340 of 452 posts

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#331
Check out Abzu and Journey. I almost always play fighting games and found Abzu such a breath of fresh relaxing air that I started digging into the makers and realized they had been doing really cool things like tying in the lore from other videos games they made into each other, releasing their orchestral compositions, etc.

Another one I haven't played but I've seen a lot of; Stardew Valley.

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#333

Subnautica is fantastic. A very nice mysterious story and amazing atmosphere. I think you might be able to kill the sea creatures, but I didn't as it is really not the point. If you don't have Thalassophobia yet, you will by the end!

Seconded, Subnautica was an amazing experience. One of my all time favorites, though I'm not sure if it's a good fit to play with your kids (or even with other people in general). The best part of the game is the atmosphere it creates, which means the best way to enjoy it is to really immerse yourself in the experience.

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#335

I tend to not like story, so the following might fall short of the story aspect: * Fez * Overcooked * Animal Crossing * Untitled Goose Game * Baba is You (maybe?) * Snakebird * Stephen's Sausage Roll * The Witness * Rock Band (or it's ilk) * Bernband (haven't played but looks interesting) * Slime Rancher * Mini Metro * Journey I would recommend "Unrailed" but there is a bit of violence with the robbers that come in t…

Slime Rancher is great. The sequel should be out soon.

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#336
post #88
post #74

I play a lot of games with my 6yo, our top suggestions: 1. Chuchel (point&click about a funny creature in pursuit of a cherry) 2. Donut County (drop things into a hole that gets bigger) 3. The Henry Stickmin Collection (classic multiple choice 2D animated Flash game extended, funny) 4. Superliminal (very imaginative space distortion puzzle, adult help needed)

Along the Chuchel, the rest of the production of Amanita design comes to mind: Machinarium, Botanicula and the Samorost series especially. https://amanita-design.net/games.html

Machinarium is a masterpiece.

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#337

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Tangent: The Witness is an outstanding non-violent game as well, but unfortunately for recs here, doesn't fit due to lack of story.

I loved it too. I actually don’t agree there’s a lack of story, but it’s certainly subtle. More “poem” than “novel” in a way.

I loved the Witness, but the story seemed straight up pretentious. I just stopped listening to the audio logs after a while because they were just too long and the VAs went too hard, it was distracting and had 0 to do with the gameplay.

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#339

I am surprised that no one has mentioned Kerbal Space Program. Send little green women (and men) into space! You learn about physics, celestial bodies etc

Yeah, but sometimes their spaceship explodes with them still in it, and OP didn't want any violence /s

Re: Ask HN: Non-violent video games with great stories?

#340
Tacoma was a fun FPS adventure story thing without killing.

Infinifactory is kinda like factorio-meets-minecraft and is enjoyable.

System Shock 2 is an oldie - there can be some combat if you want, but you can also avoid it depending on your style. Good story.

Talos Principle was also special. So atmospheric. Highly recommended. I guess kinda "adult themes" though that might not be suitable for kids (not porn, not sex, not violence - more like existentialism)

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