Nonviolent Video Games

sleevel

sleevel

League 1
Joined
6 November 2024
In my younger years, I had no problem with violence in video games (hell, I even played Manhunt) but as I grow older, it really bothers me. Unfortunately, this rules out about 90% of video games. Outside of sports games, what are your recommendations of nonviolent video games? Retro or current, either is fine. And I’m fine with “comic mischief” type violence, like Mario jumping on someone’s head, but nothing graphic or realistic.
 
sleevel said:
In my younger years, I had no problem with violence in video games (hell, I even played Manhunt) but as I grow older, it really bothers me. Unfortunately, this rules out about 90% of video games. Outside of sports games, what are your recommendations of nonviolent video games? Retro or current, either is fine. And I’m fine with “comic mischief” type violence, like Mario jumping on someone’s head, but nothing graphic or realistic.
Click to expand...

I have the same feelings as you and unfortunately it is hard to find good non-violent games these days. One game I would definitely recommend is Outer Wilds, but please don’t confuse it with Outer Worlds.
 
Martan said:
Europa Universalis? You can kill milions but inderctly and you don't see it. Does it count as non-violent? :D
Click to expand...
I have fond memories of playing Civilization II on a laptop hooked up to a 120V power inverter in the back of my friend’s dad’s minivan on long drives. Used to dig that and Age of Empires ~30 years ago.
 
Is the first version of 'Plants vs. Zombies' considered violent? 🧟‍♂️🌻
After all it's zombies eating vegetables and being hit by seeds. Being hit by a seed is hardly violent, is it?
And Zombies are technically already dead so it's not that you can really kill them.
 
If it is about not having blood and gore there is a lot of great games to enjoy. Biggest recommendation for RPG would be Dragon Quest 11. For Jump and Run Yooka Replaylee Puzzle Game: Tetris Effect, for building games something like Two Point Museum. There is a lot of great non violent games out there
 
subtra3t said:
What kind of games do you typically like?
Click to expand...
I recently completed (at least finished each level once) Super Mario Odyssey. I have tried Outer Wilds and No Man’s Sky. I didn’t really get sucked in.

I think what I liked about Odyssey is it was simple enough to pick up and play, linear enough that I knew what to do next, open world enough that I felt some sense of freedom, excellent visuals and music, and with enough variety to not get repetitive.
 
You should try out Astrobot then, I think you'll like it a lot.

If you used to play a lot of PS2/PS3 exclusives the experience would be even better since the game references a lot of PS exclusive franchises, but even if you don't really get the references the game is still really good.
 
subtra3t said:
You should try out Astrobot then, I think you'll like it a lot.

If you used to play a lot of PS2/PS3 exclusives the experience would be even better since the game references a lot of PS exclusive franchises, but even if you don't really get the references the game is still really good.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendation. Looks to be PS5 only - I’ve still got PS4.
 
Oof, I'd recommend the LEGO Star Wars: Luke Skywalker collection then. It's one of the better LEGO games, the playtime's a bit padded by some optional (and sometimes repetitive) side missions but it's a pretty good game. It's an open world game but it's not very overwhelming.
 
I just played and finished Portal. Wow what a game. I bought it almost a year ago, and it was on sale and finally played it.
 
You could try retro games.
All the point and click games from the 90s are some of the best games ever made.

Monkey Island, Indy: Fate of Atlantis.
So many to choose from and none are violent, unless you fight like a dairy farmer.
 
bsmaff said:
You could try retro games.
All the point and click games from the 90s are some of the best games ever made.

Monkey Island, Indy: Fate of Atlantis.
So many to choose from and none are violent, unless you fight like a dairy farmer.
Click to expand...
I play on a Legion go, without a mouse, so that might be challenging. It does have a touchscreen. Also, are there compatibility issues playing on Windows 11?
 
sleevel said:
I just played and finished Portal. Wow what a game. I bought it almost a year ago, and it was on sale and finally played it.
Click to expand...
LOL, because firstly read as a Postal :PINKS:.

P.S. Just a one letter and already different meanings ...
 
Last edited:
FCDallas_Fan said:
My go to relaxing (aka nonviolent and not racing/sports) games are:
  • Sim City 4
  • Stardew Valley
  • Station to Station
There are a lot of others as well that I really enjoy, but the three above are my most played.
Click to expand...
SimCity 4 and Stardew valley are amongst my favorites too. We have a similar taste! (Actually i was gonna comment Simcity 3000 and 4 as some of my favorite all time games!

One of my favorite games that feature conquest but not gore/actual on screen violence is the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series! (Lots of role playing elements). Im actually quite sympathetic to this approach as I personally find modern "gore" games a bit off-putting. Just personal preference.

Cool thread :TU:

images (14).jpeg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom