Games where you're not just a hero: you're a resident

Games are sometimes all big, intergalactic battles and unstoppable superheroes. Something like this can be a blast to get lost in fantasy action, but sometimes, you might prefer something a little more realistic and low-key. Experiences that are a little more relatable to the average person, just trying to live a peaceful life in their town or city.

That doesn't mean you can't still be a hero, where the situation allows. It's based on something more about just being a part of a community, perhaps performing some relaxing side quests as a resident. These titles, in their own way, allow you to do just that.

6

Shenmue

The life of a yokosu

In games that have a lot of focus on a particular city as a setting, it's important that it doesn't feel limited or get monotonous. Such cities often become characters themselves, vibrant, diverse, colorful, with things to do (ideally an evolving selection such as game progression) and quirky personalities to meet. In this regard, V. ShenmueYokosuka fits the bill perfectly.

It's a real city in the center of Japan, and Sega did a great job making it feel realistic. Probably too realistic. The story opens with the brutal murder of protagonist Ryo's father, and the quest for revenge begins as the killer escapes. It's certainly not a fast-paced, action-packed experience, though some might infer from that point. The gameplay revolves around diving into the life of the city: passing on information that might be useful, engaging in long conversations, and searching for clues in slow, dense detail. You will be very familiar with everyone's routine in Yokosuka, because they all have schedules. Shenmue In some ways is a typical Dreamcast game: an inventive, flawed, experimental piece, underappreciated by many.

5

Personality 5

Two different lives of phantom thieves

Being a Phantom Thief isn't easy. Not only is the initial awakening and transformation clearly difficult to overcome (those cutscenes are quite brutal), but you have to balance your school obligations with all the turmoil and battles that appear in the palace of villains. Still, it means they have a home base to return to in the 'real' world. For Ren Amamiya, better known as Joker, it's bustling Sangenjaya, where Café LeBlanc is located.

The gang meets here to discuss their plans, the Joker hangs out with Sojiro Sakura, and all sorts of stat-boosting activities take place here. Of course, you only have so much time in the day to do these activities, so you should choose based on what you're trying to accomplish at that moment. Outside the cafe's doors, meanwhile, is the sprawling Sangenjaya district, where the clown can shop, take on a food challenge (a big burger), work at his part-time job, or a range of other activities. Like ShenmueThe feeling is being part of a community and working within it, not just moving between activities in the hub world.

4

Kingdom Come: Redemption

The normal life you are denied

in Kingdom Come: Redemption, In Henry's Life Skalitz actually takes a tragic turn very quickly. As he becomes swept up in events after Sigismund's army invades, it's clear that our hero has an important role to play, and a greater purpose that will see him travel widely. He doesn't get the chance to rebuild his broken home, but when the Ashes expansion arrives, it gives the player a chance to do the same in Pribyslavitz.

Henry becomes the bailiff of the village, a huge responsibility that requires him to rebuild it from almost nothing. This allows him to build a personal relationship with the place, though, choosing buildings, gathering the necessary resources and funds, and bringing in more residents as shops and settlements are restored. From his quarters in the town hall, he maintains relationships with the growing population, solving problems and generally becoming a respected and influential citizen.

3

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

This city needs a heroic mayor

The most recent installment in the Animal Crossing series, New HorizonsIt arrived right when it was most needed. Its predecessor, new leafOne was a slightly different beast, a 3DS release in which the player takes on the role of a city mayor. In this capacity, the character is still a resident of the city, but also has the additional responsibility of developing certain buildings and other projects. It includes everything from Club LOL to bridges, benches and all kinds of unique sculptures.

This type of functionality has essentially been completely replaced New Horizons'It was really interesting to see the freedom to put the furniture outside, but give the players a role they didn't have before. It's a slightly different dynamic, but still means the hero is as resident as ever. Shop with the locals, make friends with them, play games with them, write them mail, and otherwise enjoy being part of the community you've created.

2

the moon

Shopkeeper and warrior of the town

Local shops are true pillars of communities everywhere. We can't get far without the stuff we need on a daily basis, after all. If those shops also happen to be adventurers on the moon who destroy monsters in themed dungeons, all the better. There are not many examples of such heroes, however the moon presents us with one: a young man named Will. The family store, Moonlighter, is in downtown Rhino. To keep it stocked, and to earn the funds to develop it, Will takes part in a system of dungeons at night, going through different levels until reaching the boss. There are all kinds of resources to collect, which can be sold during the store's opening (daylight) hours. And so the two different types of gameplay feed into each other.

Combat is relatively simple, with fast, low-powered weapons, slow, heavy, and destructive, among others, and bows for ranged damage. Upgrading your weapons and armor requires certain items as well as money, and so the cycle continues. As the city develops, new residents move in and provide more useful services, while setting prices for each type of item is surprisingly involved if you dive into the systems. It's a charming little town that's fun to be a central part of.

1

Stardew Valley

Where everyone knows your name

Stardew Valley is similar to the moon In voice, presenting a beautiful little pixel art world where you will recognize everyone. You arrived in town as an outsider, now committed to a small farm you weren't entirely sure of. Within a few in-game days, though, this will become your new life.

The game's surprising popularity is due to a number of factors, not the least of which is the way you develop bonds with all the other inhabitants over time. They could just be NPCs who repeat the same two empty lines of dialogue, but instead, they're your friends, neighbors, and one of them is potentially even your spouse. Participating in seasonal events and developing a routine as your farm and your relationships blossom is still as fun as it ever was.