Best Games to Play When High: A Journey Through the Psychedelic Playground

blog 2025-01-21 0Browse 0
Best Games to Play When High: A Journey Through the Psychedelic Playground

When you’re in an altered state of mind, the world of gaming transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and experiences. The best games to play when high are those that amplify your senses, challenge your perceptions, and take you on a journey that feels both surreal and deeply personal. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, these games will elevate your experience to new heights.

1. Journey

“Journey” is a masterpiece that transcends traditional gaming. Its minimalist design, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and emotional narrative make it a perfect companion for a high state of mind. As you glide through vast deserts and ancient ruins, the game’s abstract storytelling allows your imagination to run wild, creating a deeply personal and introspective experience.

2. No Man’s Sky

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to explore an infinite universe, “No Man’s Sky” is the game for you. The procedurally generated planets, each with their own unique ecosystems, offer endless opportunities for discovery. When you’re high, the game’s vibrant colors and serene landscapes can feel like a psychedelic dream, making every journey through the cosmos a mesmerizing adventure.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is a game that rewards exploration and curiosity. Its vast open world is filled with secrets, puzzles, and breathtaking vistas. When you’re high, the game’s sense of freedom and wonder is amplified, allowing you to lose yourself in its beautifully crafted world. The game’s physics-based puzzles and creative solutions also provide a satisfying mental challenge that can be incredibly rewarding when your mind is in a heightened state.

4. Tetris Effect

“Tetris Effect” takes the classic puzzle game and elevates it to an entirely new level. The game’s visuals and music are synchronized to create a hypnotic, almost meditative experience. When you’re high, the game’s pulsating colors and rhythmic gameplay can feel like a form of digital art, drawing you into a state of flow where time seems to stand still.

5. Abzû

“Abzû” is an underwater exploration game that immerses you in a vibrant, aquatic world. The game’s stunning visuals and soothing soundtrack create a serene atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxed, high state of mind. As you swim through schools of fish and explore ancient ruins, the game’s sense of wonder and tranquility can feel like a form of digital therapy.

6. Minecraft

“Minecraft” is a game that offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re building elaborate structures, exploring vast landscapes, or simply surviving the night, the game’s open-ended nature makes it a perfect choice for a high state of mind. The game’s blocky, pixelated visuals can take on a new level of beauty when you’re high, and the sense of accomplishment from creating something unique can be incredibly satisfying.

7. LSD: Dream Emulator

“LSD: Dream Emulator” is a game that was literally designed to mimic the experience of a psychedelic trip. The game’s surreal, dreamlike environments and unpredictable gameplay make it a fascinating experience when you’re high. Each playthrough is different, and the game’s abstract visuals and strange soundscapes can create a deeply immersive and introspective experience.

8. Katamari Damacy

“Katamari Damacy” is a game that is as bizarre as it is delightful. The game’s simple premise—rolling a sticky ball around to collect objects—is elevated by its quirky visuals and infectious soundtrack. When you’re high, the game’s absurd humor and colorful world can feel like a joyful, chaotic celebration of life.

9. Rez Infinite

“Rez Infinite” is a rhythm-based shooter that combines music, visuals, and gameplay into a seamless, synesthetic experience. The game’s pulsating beats and vibrant visuals create a hypnotic, almost trance-like state that is perfect for a high state of mind. The game’s “Area X” mode, in particular, offers a free-form, exploratory experience that can feel like a digital meditation.

10. Stardew Valley

“Stardew Valley” is a farming simulation game that offers a peaceful, relaxing escape from the stresses of everyday life. The game’s charming pixel art, soothing soundtrack, and slow-paced gameplay make it a perfect choice for a high state of mind. Whether you’re tending to your crops, fishing by the river, or exploring the mines, the game’s sense of calm and simplicity can be incredibly therapeutic.

11. Superhot

“Superhot” is a first-person shooter where time only moves when you do. This unique mechanic creates a gameplay experience that is both strategic and surreal. When you’re high, the game’s minimalist visuals and slow-motion action can feel like a form of digital ballet, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game’s unique rhythm.

12. Gris

“Gris” is a visually stunning platformer that tells a deeply emotional story through its art and music. The game’s watercolor-inspired visuals and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack create a dreamlike atmosphere that is perfect for a high state of mind. As you guide the protagonist through her journey of grief and healing, the game’s abstract storytelling and emotional depth can create a deeply personal and introspective experience.

13. The Stanley Parable

“The Stanley Parable” is a narrative-driven game that plays with the conventions of storytelling and player choice. The game’s witty, self-aware humor and branching paths make it a fascinating experience when you’re high. The game’s exploration of free will, determinism, and the nature of choice can lead to some profound and thought-provoking moments.

14. Flower

“Flower” is a game that allows you to control the wind as you guide a petal through a series of lush, vibrant landscapes. The game’s simple, intuitive controls and serene atmosphere make it a perfect choice for a high state of mind. The game’s focus on nature and the environment can create a deeply calming and meditative experience.

15. Portal 2

“Portal 2” is a puzzle-platformer that combines clever gameplay mechanics with a darkly humorous narrative. The game’s mind-bending puzzles and witty dialogue make it a great choice for a high state of mind. The game’s sense of humor and creative problem-solving can lead to some truly memorable and laugh-out-loud moments.

16. Inside

“Inside” is a dark, atmospheric platformer that tells a haunting story through its visuals and gameplay. The game’s minimalist design and eerie soundtrack create a tense, immersive experience that is perfect for a high state of mind. The game’s exploration of themes like control, freedom, and the human condition can lead to some deeply introspective moments.

17. Firewatch

“Firewatch” is a narrative-driven adventure game that takes place in the Wyoming wilderness. The game’s stunning visuals, emotional story, and immersive atmosphere make it a great choice for a high state of mind. The game’s exploration of isolation, connection, and the passage of time can create a deeply personal and reflective experience.

18. Celeste

“Celeste” is a challenging platformer that tells a heartfelt story about mental health and self-discovery. The game’s tight controls, beautiful pixel art, and emotional narrative make it a great choice for a high state of mind. The game’s themes of perseverance and self-acceptance can create a deeply inspiring and uplifting experience.

19. Oxenfree

“Oxenfree” is a supernatural thriller that combines a gripping narrative with a unique dialogue system. The game’s eerie atmosphere, branching storylines, and memorable characters make it a great choice for a high state of mind. The game’s exploration of themes like loss, regret, and the supernatural can lead to some truly chilling and thought-provoking moments.

20. What Remains of Edith Finch

“What Remains of Edith Finch” is a collection of short stories that explore the lives and deaths of the members of the Finch family. The game’s unique storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning visuals make it a great choice for a high state of mind. The game’s exploration of mortality, memory, and the passage of time can create a deeply moving and introspective experience.

Q&A

Q: What makes a game good to play when high? A: A good game to play when high is one that enhances your sensory experience, offers a unique or surreal world to explore, and allows for a deep level of immersion. Games with vibrant visuals, soothing soundtracks, and abstract or emotional narratives tend to be particularly effective.

Q: Are there any games that are specifically designed for a high state of mind? A: While most games aren’t specifically designed for a high state of mind, some, like “LSD: Dream Emulator” and “Rez Infinite,” are created with psychedelic experiences in mind. These games often feature surreal visuals, abstract narratives, and immersive soundscapes that can enhance a high state.

Q: Can playing games while high improve creativity? A: Playing games while high can sometimes enhance creativity by allowing your mind to make new connections and see things from different perspectives. Games that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and creative expression can be particularly beneficial in this regard.

Q: Are there any risks to playing games while high? A: While playing games while high can be a fun and immersive experience, it’s important to be mindful of your mental state. Some games with intense or disturbing content may not be suitable for everyone, and it’s important to take breaks and stay hydrated to avoid overstimulation or discomfort.

Q: What are some other activities that pair well with gaming while high? A: Other activities that pair well with gaming while high include listening to music, watching visually stunning movies or shows, and engaging in creative activities like drawing or writing. These activities can enhance your sensory experience and create a more immersive and enjoyable overall experience.

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