heywood on 12/8/2019 at 21:58
My kids were introduced to gaming on the Wii, but they've suddenly become really interested in the PC games I play after they go to bed, and they want to play them too. They seem to be really keen on first-person exploration. The problem is that the first-person games in my library that have hubs to explore also have a lot of bad guys. Even if you play as a pacifist, there is more violence, attitude, and strong language than I'm comfortable with at their age. I think they would like a first person walking sim, with some easy quests and puzzles, set in a detailed world with NPCs to interact with. And I think they would appreciate a near real-world setting rather than fantasy or cartoon animation. Any recommendations? Or should I just get The Sims?
Renzatic on 12/8/2019 at 22:08
I thought Firewatch was all around excellent, as was The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, though the latter does have some violence, and a bit of disturbing imagery. I've heard a lot of good things about What Remains of Edith Finch as well.
There are also games like Night in the Woods and Oxenfree. I wouldn't classify them as walking sims exactly, but they're cut from the same cloth.
Oh, and if you feel the need to go for the Sims for some reason, go with Cities Skylines instead. Kids love towns!
Judith on 12/8/2019 at 22:51
Firewatch? That does have some uncomfortable scenes and themes. Gone Home, Edith Finch (can be sad and disturbing too), Proteus. Ethan Carter - nope, too much crime/horror. Talos Principle? Might be too hard with the puzzles at some point, same thing with The Witness.
Starker on 12/8/2019 at 22:52
I guess Portal is too complicated for the walking sim parts to really work? Slime Rancher might be fun to explore for a while even without the farming stuff. Similarly, Proteus or Flower might engage them for a bit. The Witness looks pretty, but the subject matter is probably a tad boring to kids.
Can't really think of many first person games that aren't either horror or violent action.
Renzatic on 12/8/2019 at 23:06
Quote Posted by Judith
Firewatch? That does have some uncomfortable scenes and themes. Gone Home, Edith Finch (can be sad and disturbing too), Proteus. Ethan Carter - nope, too much crime/horror. Talos Principle?
Firewatch and Gone Home do have their moments, but nothing a kid wouldn't see in your average 1980's era PG rated movie. Ethan Carter would probably be too much for a kid though, I'll admit. I thought back on it after my initial recommendation, and it does get really gory in places.
Gryzemuis on 12/8/2019 at 23:40
I've only played a few minutes of Journey. Just to check it out. I want to play the game some time later. It seemed like a nice, friendly, bright game. A bit mysterious. Maybe I am completely wrong. Did others play it, and finish it ? I have no idea what the game is about. Would it be suitable for children ?
Of course it's not first-person, there might not be NPCs to interact with, and it might lack other qualities that Heywood is asking for. :) But from the first few minutes that I played, I got the impression that it might be a nice game for kids.
Starker on 13/8/2019 at 00:36
If you don't mind introducing your kids to the equivalent of crack cocaine, maybe Minecraft?
qolelis on 13/8/2019 at 01:42
I'm going to go out on a limb here and, if not recommend, then at least mention a game I haven't yet played myself, (
https://store.steampowered.com/app/715560/)
Eastshade. I've had it on my wish list for a while. One thing that makes me hesitate is the anthropomorphic animal NPCs, who might be a bit uncanny valley like, and the voice acting seems to be a little annoying in part. I have played their previous game,
Leaving Lyndow and liked it, seeing past the NPCs, who were, in part, slightly creepy (something with their eyes), and it being a tad bit short. I really liked the exploration and environments, which is why I'm looking at Eastshade, which is in the same style and will have more exploration and interaction plus a painter mechanic.
For a purer walking sim, maybe (
https://store.steampowered.com/app/642610/Shape_of_the_World/)
Shape of the World; no violence or strong themes, some, although limited, interaction with the creatures you meet (no spoken dialogue) and light puzzles (mostly exploration-based where you have to find the way forward) and some platforming. Patience and a drive to explore on your own is required. Might or might not be the best walking sim to start with for someone who is new to the genre.
For any other FPEs I could recommend, they are probably either too dark or too empty for what you are looking for.
Nameless Voice on 13/8/2019 at 01:46
What about Infra?
First-person exploration game, a few puzzles, absolutely no violence (other than a few ways you can die.)
Extremely long. I guess some of the readables later in the game do mention people dying in accidents IIRC.
qolelis on 13/8/2019 at 02:01
Forgot to mention Aporia: Beyond The Valley; great exploration and light puzzles, although I played it some time ago, so my memory of it is a little foggy now.
I'm seconding INFRA as it is one of the best exploration games (if not the best), although I'm not sure how kid-friendly it is as it does feature lots of drug-related humour. Also gets darker as it progresses. The first third is pretty mild, though, and all about the exploration.