7 Fun & Easy Video Games for Seniors
Have you ever watched your grandkids play video games and thought they seemed fun? Well, guess what? Video games aren’t just for young people! Maybe you want to become a gamer but have no idea where to start. After all, modern-day video games aren’t as simple as Atari or Frogger. They involve a million tiny buttons and hair-trigger reflexes. The good news is that not every video game is a complex sensory overload waiting to happen. Some are simple, relaxing, and easy enough for gamers of all skill levels to enjoy! So, if you’re a senior looking for some video game recommendations, here are 7 you just might want to try out! (Author’s note: I’ve personally played every game on this list and can vouch for their quality and enjoyability!)
1. Stardew Valley
Imagine a world where you can be a farmer, explore mines, and even find the love of your life. That’s Stardew Valley in a nutshell! Stardew Valley is open-ended, meaning that you can tend crops, forage, mine, socialize with villagers, and restore the rundown community center to its former glory at your own pace.
Often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, Stardew Valley is beloved by gamers and critics alike. Best of all, it’s also available on several platforms and even has multiplayer!
Stardew Valley is available on:
2. The Sims games
Creator Will Wright decided to create a “virtual doll house” after he lost his home in the Oakland firestorm of 1991. Thus, The Sims was born. There are four Sims games, each with different gameplay and expansion packs. You can build and decorate a home, create a family, or simply help your Sim reach their life goals. It’s your world, your rules!
While the Sims 1 and Sims 2 are a lot more difficult to play these days, The Sims 3 and 4 are available on a wide variety of platforms, including:
Not sure if you’re ready to invest money into The Sims games without trying it first? No problem! You can give the franchise a little test drive with The Sims™ FreePlay, which is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Personally, though a little outdated by today’s standards, we recommend The Sims 3. It’s held up so well that we prefer it over the fourth game!
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was met with universal acclaim when it first hit the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Like the previous installments in the franchise, this game lets you customize a character who settles into their new life in a community of talking animals. Unlike the previous installments, players are given near-endless customization options! You can craft new items, plant flowers, catch fish and bugs, and make friends with your new neighbors! This game is non-linear, meaning that you can play and accomplish goals at your own pace.
If decorating is more your thing, then you can purchase the downloadable add-on called Happy Home Paradise. IGN rated Happy Home Paradise 9 out of 10 stars, calling it an “exceptional piece of post-launch DLC.” Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available on the Nintendo Switch!
4. Minecraft
Whether you choose survival or creative mode, you’ll have fun on Minecraft! Survival mode requires players to gather resources and defend themselves against monsters. Meanwhile, creative mode will give you unlimited resources, letting you build whatever your imagination dreams up! If you want to play with the grandkids, no problem! Minecraft also has a multiplayer mode.
You can buy Minecraft from the following places:
5. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
This trilogy follows defense attorney Phoenix Wright, who has to prove that his clients are innocent…despite the mountain of evidence against them. All that you need to play this game is your thinking cap and a Nintendo Switch (or laptop)! Every case is an unforgettable adventure with lovable characters and plot twists you won’t see coming. If you aren’t ready to commit to an entire franchise, then we recommend Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, which was also written by the creator of the Ace Attorney series. It has the same spirit (pun intended) as the Ace Attorney games, without the time commitment.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is available on Steam and the Nintendo Store.
6. Professor Layton
If you play through all the Ace Attorney games and want to play something similar, look no further than the Professor Layton series! More Holmes than Matlock, this series is perfect for anyone who loves puzzles and brain teasers. You can play the games on your mobile device, laptop, or Nintendo Switch. Also, if you end up loving both Ace Attorney and Professor Layton, you’re in luck! There’s a game called Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, which you can play if you own a 3DS.
7. The Nancy Drew games
Most of us have read the Nancy Drew books. Maybe you even watched The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries TV show in the late 70s, starring none other than teen heartthrob Shaun Cassidy! What some fans might not realize is that there are also 34 Nancy Drew video games! Loosely adapted from Nancy Drew books, these point-and-click adventure games are perfect for games of all skill levels. The games take place all over the world, including Japan, Germany, and even a castle in Ireland! Better yet, the gameplay is simple, making these games the perfect entry point for a newbie gamer. If you want to introduce your grandkids to Nancy Drew, then you might want to invite them to play with you! Who knows? These games might just spark their interest in the titian-haired detective!
If you’re dying to try out these games, visit the official Her Interactive store or check them out on Steam!
Popular Articles About Hobbies
Originally published June 28, 2024
Author(s):
