u/SunCrux

What are the games where you put it down after a session, go on with your day, and the game tends to cross your mind?

For me, I first felt this with Persona 4 Golden. I would theorize on the mysteries, think about my hangouts with the cast, or just find myself humming the music.

I'm currently feeling this with Triangle Strategy where I'll be doing my work and then think about some of the politics and motivations of the kingdoms within the game.

I love how some games really sit with you after maybe an hour of playtime and can permeate through your day. Sometimes it's the story, the characters, the music, or the gameplay.

Curious about what game is like that for you?

I’m looking for a game that captures the feeling of quietly becoming a mage/scholar/master of a craft over time.

Things I’m looking for:
- A feeling of study, learning, experimentation, and growth
- Beautiful art direction / music / nature
- Mature tone
- The feeling of becoming wiser and more skilled over time
- Ideally some kind of magical/alchemical/academic fantasy

I’m NOT really looking for:
- Constant combat/action
- Overly cute aesthetics

Closest emotional references are things like Frieren, Witch Hat Atelier, cozy towns, rainy libraries, peaceful mastery, etc.

Games that partially hit aspects of this for me:
- Fields of Mistria (coziness / community but doesn’t lean into that learning and mastery I’m looking for)
- Atelier Ryza (coziness / learning alchemy but overall just felt too surface level in the alchemy)

Would really appreciate any recs!
I own a Steam Deck, Switch 2, and PS5.

Thank you!