Games where you are not a hero: you are a villager

The games are sometimes about massive intergalactic battles and unstoppable superheroes. It can be really exciting to immerse yourself in such fantastical action, but sometimes you might prefer something a little more realistic and low-key. It is an experience that is more relatable to the average person trying to live a peaceful life in their town or city.

This doesn't mean you can't still be a hero when circumstances allow it. It's just that there's something a little more grounded in being part of a community, perhaps doing comfortable side quests as a resident. This title allows you to do so in a unique way.

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Shenmue

Yokosuka Life

In a game set in a specific city, it's important that it doesn't feel limited or identical. The best of those cities are almost characters themselves, vibrant, diverse and colorful, full of things to do (ideally choices that evolve as you progress through the game) and quirky personalities to meet. In this regard, ShenmueYokosuka fits the bill perfectly.

This is a real city in central Japan, and Sega did a great job of making it feel realistic. Perhaps too realistic. The story begins with the protagonist Ryo's father being brutally murdered, and when the killer escapes, his journey for revenge begins. But it's definitely not the fast-paced, action-packed experience some might expect at that point. Gameplay revolves around diving into city life. It's about finding sources with useful information, engaging in long conversations, and finding clues in slow, meandering details. Everyone's daily life in Yokosuka will become very familiar as everyone has a timetable. Shenmue In some ways, it's a pretty typical Dreamcast game. It's creative, flawed, and experimental, but underrated by many.

5

persona 5

Two different lives of the Phantom Thieves

Becoming a ghost thief isn't easy. Not only is your initial awakening and transformation a painful process (the cutscenes are quite brutal), but you also have to balance your school obligations with all the chaos and battles that unfold in the villain's palace. Still, it means that there is a home base to return to in the ‘real’ world. For Ren Amamiya, better known as Joker, this is the bustling Sangenjaya where Cafe Le Blanc is located.

The gang meets here to discuss their plans, Joker lives here with Sojiro Sakura, and it's also where you can see all kinds of stat-boosting activities. Of course, there are only so many hours in the day to do these activities, so you have to be picky about what you want to achieve at that moment. Meanwhile, outside the cafe's doors is the larger Sangenjaya district, where Joker can shop, attempt food challenges (giant burgers), work part-time, and a variety of other activities. likewise ShenmueThe feeling is not simply moving between activities in a hub world, but being part of a community and acting within it.

4

Kingdom Come: Salvation

The normal life you've been denied

in Kingdom Come: Salvation, henry's life Skalitz takes a tragic turn very quickly indeed. As he becomes embroiled in the events following the attack on Sigismund's army, it's clear that our hero will have an important role to play and a larger purpose that will see him travel quite extensively. He never got the chance to rebuild his destroyed home, but when the From The Ashes expansion arrived, players got the chance to do just that in Pribyslavitz.

Henry becomes the town's bailiff and takes on the enormous responsibility of rebuilding the town from almost nothing. This allows him to build a personal relationship with the place, including selecting buildings, gathering the resources and funds he needs, and bringing in more villagers as shops and residences are restored. From his quarters in City Hall, he maintains relationships with the growing population, solves problems, and generally becomes a respected and influential citizen.

3

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

A heroic mayor this town needs

most recent installment animal forest series, new horizonsIt arrived right when I needed it most. Its predecessor, new leafIt was a slightly different beast, a 3DS release where players took on the role of a town mayor. In this capacity, the character is still a resident of the town, but also has the additional responsibility of developing certain buildings and other projects. This includes everything from Club LOL to bridges, benches and all kinds of unique sculptures.

This kind of functionality has essentially been completely replaced by: new horizons'There's the freedom to place furniture outdoors, but it's very interesting to see players being given roles they haven't had before. It's a slightly different dynamic, but still means the protagonist is still a villager. Shop with locals, make friends, play games, write letters, or just have fun being part of the community you create.

2

moonlighter

Village merchant and warrior

Local shopkeepers are true pillars of communities everywhere. After all, we wouldn't be able to go far without our daily necessities. It would be better if those shop owners also moonlight as adventurers slaying monsters in themed dungeons. There are not many examples of such heroes, but moonlighter Let me introduce you to one person. This is a young man named Will. The family's store, Moonlighter, is located in the village of Rynoka. To maintain inventory and gain development funds, Will dives into the dungeon system at night and fights his way through various levels until he reaches the boss. There are all kinds of resources you can collect while you're there, and you can sell them during store opening hours (daytime). So the two different types of gameplay affect each other.

Combat is relatively simple, using fast, low-powered weapons, slow, heavy, and destructive weapons (some in between), and bows for ranged damage. Upgrading weapons and armor requires not only money but also specific items, so the cycle continues. As village development progresses, new residents move in and provide additional useful services. Surprisingly, looking into the system, it involves setting prices for each item. This is a charming little town where you'll enjoy being central.

1

Stardew Valley

Where everyone knows your name

stardew valley Similar to moonlighter It presents a beautiful little pixel art world that everyone will get to know. You arrived in town as an outsider, now committed to a small farm you weren't entirely sure about. But within a few days within the game, it will be your new life.

The game's incredible popularity can be attributed to a variety of factors, not least the way it creates bonds with all the other residents over time. They may simply be NPCs repeating two lines of empty dialogue, but instead they are your friends and neighbors, and one of them could potentially even be your spouse. Attending seasonal events and developing routines as your relationship with the farm blossoms is still as fun as it ever was.