By Mike Loder  

In the early months of 2023, I found myself under an increasing amount of pressure at work. 

The company was thriving, but with its success came a heavier workload, and each day seemed to bring more responsibility.

Skipping ahead to what my brother-in-law now refers to as “The Incident,” I ended up taking six months of medical leave to recover from what became one of the most challenging periods of my adult life some good old fashioned "Burnout".

During that time, I turned to one of my oldest comforts: video games. While many titles helped me through, there were a select few that truly stood out—games that felt less like escapism and more like a form of healing.

If there's interest in more of my story maybe I'll share down the lie (I know we all have our struggles from time to time...) 

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows 

Developer: Scavengers Studio 

This meditative adventure became a personal refuge. Exploring a beautiful, dying world while documenting its culture and landscapes gave me a sense of quiet purpose. 

The game’s poignant atmosphere and journalling mechanic was a lovely example of something I'd like to bring into my life a little more. 

Medical/Wellness experts are always talking about the importance of journalling and whilst I have done so on and off over the years it remains something I'd like to get better at. 

The game has a beautifully simple sountrack and the flow of riding my bike around the lush landscapes reminded me of the importance of savoring the present, even as things inevitably change.

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One 

Developer: Dovetail Games 

There was something deeply therapeutic about controlling and managing trains across realistic routes from around the globe. 

As a fan of Thomas the Tank Engine I had to download the "Spirit of steam" expansion and fly across the english countryside and learning the basics of driving one of these beasts. 

The detailed simulation offered a sense of control and focus that I desperately needed as well as the relaxing countryside scenery.

It was crisp and calming—exactly what I needed in the moment.

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Mac operating systems 

Developer: Skrollcat Studio 

This little gem was one I had in my wishlist for a little while and became available on sale through the Playstation store. 

With its gorgeous and ghibli inspired visuals this game brought several serene environments to life. Players are tasked with guiding a tiny fairy through tranquil, nature-inspired puzzles was a gentle reminder of the beauty in slowing down and appreciating the little things. It also featured a curious twist in setting towards the end of the game which was a pleasant surprise. 

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Xbox Series X and Series S  

Developers: Ubisoft 

Sometimes, you just need a bit of chaos to process your own!

In Far Cry 6, I found a cathartic outlet. Overthrowing a brutal dictator and igniting a guerrilla revolution might be a far cry (pun intended) from real life, but the open-world freedom and explosive gameplay were a perfect release.

I am a fan of Giancarlo Esposito and havedn't played a Far Cry game in years, so it felt like a good time to do so. I picked up the Rambo expansion pack so I could utilise my favourite weapon from movies - the M60 (Insert Lord of War movie quote: "Can you bring me the gun of Rambo"). This one was also fun to play in Spanish due to the setting I felt I could actually pick up some of the launguage through osmosis. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Developer: Nintendo 

Some might say that the released of this game and my time away from the office was a strange coincidence - But I promise you it was simply luck in a few ways. The game is an awesome continuation of Breath of the Wild offering an expanded world of exploration (Through the depths - Shocking me upon discovery) and creativity (Through the new mechanic of fusing objects/weapons). There is little else to say about this title other than It is one of my favourites! 

Platforms: Game Boy Color, Nintendo 3DS 

Developers: Game Freak, Creatures Inc. 

As the Nintendo Eshop support dropped for the 3DS and WiiU I remembered that I had nabbed a download of Pokemon Crystal! Returning to the Johto region in this second-generation classic felt like reconnecting with an old friend.

Capturing Pokémon and taking on trainers became a nostalgic and comforting ritual, reminding me of simpler times which I woud play before bed - The 3DS has an awesome battery life for titles like this so I was very much under the covers just like when I was a kid leveling up and battleing gym leaders. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Developer: Moon Studios 

This was perhaps the most surprisingly emotional journey of all. With its breathtaking visuals and poignant story of love and sacrifice, Ori and the Blind Forest just felt so right to play. 

The challenging gameplay sucked me right in and had me really rooting for the little forest creature. The stunning animation and captivating gameplay had me twisting my switch, getting frustrated and celebrating when I accomplished something. 

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Mac operating systems, Classic Mac OS

Developer: Studio Fizbin

This one caught me off guard. A beautifully hand-drawn puzzle adventure which felt like stepping into a melancholy storybook. Minute of Islands tells a deeply personal tale of duty, isolation, and the weight of responsibility, themes that resonated with me at the time. Its somber atmosphere, haunting music, and introspective storytelling made it an emotional but therapeutic experience—one that helped me process my own struggles while guiding its protagonist through hers.

These games weren’t just entertainment; they were companions during a time when I felt overwhelmed and psychologically disconnected. Each one offered something unique—peace, distraction, nostalgia, or catharsis. Looking back, I’m grateful for these experiences and how they helped me navigate such a difficult chapter. Gaming has always been a part of my life, but in 2023, it became a lifeline.