What Casual Games Provide for Me

Occasionally, I stumble upon a game that despite its casual nature becomes something I cannot stop playing. A game where there is no end goal, where simplicity is key, and where the style verges on being art. In the past games like Flow, Peggle or Flower have made me stop and think about what makes a video game, and what is it that casual games mean for me. This past week on my lunch break I found another great casual game Music Catch.


What the point of the game is is unimportant, and the picture above will more likely confuse than anything else. I first began playing the game out of curiosity, but found myself unable to pull away due to the extreme sense of relaxation it provided. The game is incredible in its ease, something that hard-core gamers could sneer at since this means a largely casual audience will play it. The style was beautiful and eye-catching, and the soundtrack was great. After spending a fair amount of time with the game I began to wonder why I had played it at all considering I am someone who prefers games with 12 buttons, incredible production values, and longevity.

What I came to realize is that the game was simply fun, and more importantly relaxing. I usually play games online, something where speed and nerves are required. However, this can lead to frustration and tense muscles for me (especially when I feel its my connection, lame I know). Casual games, oddly enough are a good break from regular gaming, something that goes to the core of what video games should be. At the end of it all, games are a form of entertainment, something I often forget.

While I am no fan of the Wii, its many half-hearted games, or most casual games, I do think there is something to be said for the few where time, effort, and thought have been put into them. They might be the purest form of video games out there. Something where you don't think, but rather just have fun.