By Heidi Edwards.
Video games are hugely popular and have been for decades now. Mario, Zelda, Call of Duty, their longevity will never be in question. That said, fun as they are, they’re not the only players in the game, so to speak. When it comes to online gaming, there truly is something for everyone, no matter your age, interests, or passions. Here are our top five favorite online gaming alternatives for you to check out.
Anti-Stress Puzzle Games
These games do double duty. They not only help with cognition and mental stimulation, but they’re also very soothing for a stressful day. There are dozens of these kinds of games on Google Play or the App Store, some you can even play on your PC as well as your mobile device. Generally, they’re all quite similar. There is a soothing, colorful interface with different loops and shapes that need to be sorted to solve the puzzle. The stakes are low, the soundtracks are calming, and the distraction of creating order out of chaos helps you put a bad day behind you as you organize the shapes and defeat the puzzles. Some of the more popular games include Infinity Loop: Relaxing Puzzle, Shapes: Anti Stress Therapy, and Energy: Anti Stress Loops. One thing to note, however, is that if you don’t shell out a couple of bucks for the full version of the game, you will have some ads with which to contend. If finding your inner chill is what you’re looking for, two dollars might just be worth it.
Word Games
There’s a reason Wordle is still going strong. People love their word games! There are plenty of them out there to choose from. Many are free, in exchange for some ads, whereas others charge a small fee for a more streamlined experience. Perhaps the best aspect of these games is their complete diversity. There are games you can play with friends, like the aptly named, “Words with Friends,” and there are others that are more solo-based, like “BrainBoom.” There are variations of Scrabble, Boggle, and Hangman, not to mention dozens of crosswords and word searches. It’s a great way to not only have fun but keep your vocabulary sharp while you’re at it.
Online Casino Games
This is probably one of the more popular genres of online gaming these days. It’s an easy way to have fun and maybe even make a little money while you’re at it. One of the best parts is you can access it all remotely. No need to drive to a casino miles away and waste gas money, especially for those who live far away from brick-and-mortar-based gambling establishments. There are all kinds of online casino games, pretty much everything you’d find in a traditional setting, plus it’s all accessible on your mobile device. That said, be sure to gamble responsibly, set limits, and properly research your local gambling rules and regulations as they can differ per country, state, or province. Casino enthusiasts based in Ontario, Canada, for example, can explore some of the best online casinos in Ontario if you need a good place to start, and the experts at Maple Casino will explain all the ins and outs of casino gaming in the province.
Trivia Games
Not just for Sunday nights at your local bar or your favorite TV game show, trivia is now more available than ever, even from your phone. There are more popular variations, such as Millionaire Trivia, based on the hit game show, and several others ranging from broad topics to specific genres for those interested in particular areas. Even Netflix has a couple of trivia games you can play on your television. Trivia has been around for decades, and if anything, interest has only gained momentum. It’s a great way to learn new things, stimulate your mind, and have fun learning interesting facts that you can always break out to spark conversation.
Music Games
These are another great alternative to traditional video games. You can learn to read and play music from your phone. There are plenty of apps to choose from, some even training you on specific instruments, like the piano. Using animations, games, and other activities, you can learn things like rhythm, musical hearing, hand coordination, and how to read music. These lessons are broken down into small, fun chunks so you don’t get overwhelmed and you can learn at your own pace. The format makes it fun and rewarding when you grasp the concepts correctly, yet you’re learning a useful skill at the same time.
Conclusion
Video games are amazing, but there are lots of other fun types of games to explore too. Whether it be educational, teaching you a skill, or even just helping you destress after a terrible day at work, there truly is something for everyone.
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