I'm lucky enough to have a husband who balances me out in every way, even when it comes to gaming. While Eric is a huge fan of Japanese-style Role Playing Games(JRPGs), action games, platformers (think Megaman or Mario), and everything Legend of Zelda, there's one genre that usually bores him. Spoiler: it's my favorite.
While I can play the Super Nintendo's Link to the Past for days, I've always had a soft spot for the Harvest Moon games. To Eric's credit, he'll pick them up as a gift when he sees one I don't have. He also started me on the spin-off series Rune Factory, which involves a lot of the same mechanics but includes Zelda-style combat. Unfortunately, between juggling the housework, kids, and part-part-time job, I've barely touched them. Some I've never even put in the system to start a game. I still love the peaceful joy in farming and forming relationships with the characters for friendship rewards, though. When World of Warcraft's Mist of Pandaria came out, I spent soooooo much time in the Heartland working on my farm and getting my reputation with the two dozen characters up to eventually get the title of Farmer. XD
Last week, my sweetheart picked up Stardew Valley for the PS4. I can't put it down.
Well, okay, I can because I have to. Diapers need to be changed and food has to be made. But! It's one of those rare games that is easy to put down and then pick back up when you get the chance. And it's so, so relaxing. You have so many options. After you make your little person (dude or chick), you move away from the busy soul-crushing city life and inherit a farm from your grandpa. You can mine/adventure/kill monsters, you can focus on farming, you can forage, you can raise animals, you can be a fisherman, you can restore the community center... There's so much you can do, and no pressure to do it all in one day. It's genuine and fun. Everything is within your reach with a little love and work.
The one caveat is that you HAVE to get married. But there's a ton of girls and guys, and if it strikes your fancy you can marry the same gender if you want. You can then have (or adopt) children who grow and help you around the farm. Your spouse does too!
It's really cool that this was made entirely by one dude. Yup. He did the eye-pleasing spritework, the programming, the scripts, the gorgeous music... The PS4 version (originally for PC if you have one) comes with a CD of the soundtrack, and it's been in the car nonstop. I love it. It's so relaxing and pretty, without being overly fancy like an orchestra. I love the simplicity of 16-bit-style music.
Not gonna lie, this is what gets me through my late-night-closing shifts. When I get home everyone else is asleep but I'm still wired, so I can play Stardew Valley into the wee hours of the morning and not regret a moment. It's never frustrating or hard, but manages to lift your mood and relax you.
If it sounds interesting, SpaceHamster has a great video on YouTube reviewing it. Bonus: no swearing so it can be watched while the kids are in the room! He's also really funny and reminds me of my brother in law. I don't actually know him, though.