In this edition of Dear Polygon, a reader asks for games that are interesting, but don’t spike their adrenaline too much. We highlighted three great first-person shooters that will feel engaging but not overwhelmingly violent.
There are a lot of video games out there. Some might say there are too many. So we here at Polygon have taken it upon ourselves to offer guidance to the wayward souls looking for their next favorite game, genre, or pastime. Welcome to Dear Polygon, the internet’s preeminent advice column about life and video games.
Dear Polygon,
I recently had a health issue that, for lack of better words, put my fight or flight instincts onto high alert. I’ve pretty much had to re-teach my body what things are normal stressors and that not everything is trying to kill me. Games are generally a point of release and relaxation for me (except when they’re so intense that I catch myself slowly moving from the couch to pacing in front of the TV – but that’s a good thrill usually). Unfortunately, high stimulation environments like playing games are still bit too much [for] me still. I tried playing GT7 and my adrenaline kicked in so hard that I had to turn the system off and go for a walk just to cool off.
I’ve been able to play less action packed games such as Pokémon SoulSilver and Sword without any issue. Today tried picking Miles Morales back up and felt my body go less crazy than when racing, but still only felt comfortable for about a 20 minutes session, which had a bit of cutscenes in it. So I ask, is there some kind of recommendations for easing myself back into the action?
Glitch in the Matrix
Hi Glitch in the Matrix! First off, I’m sorry you’re dealing with that. That sounds like a jarring and maybe scary change to experience, and I hope I’m at least able to help you with some solid recommendations.
