Best Games to Play When High: Exploring the Psychedelic Playground of Gaming

When it comes to enhancing your gaming experience, few things can rival the surreal and immersive journey that playing games while high can offer. The altered state of consciousness can transform even the most mundane gameplay into a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and emotions. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, the right game can elevate your high to new heights. Here, we delve into some of the best games to play when high, exploring how they can amplify your sensory experience and provide a unique form of entertainment.
1. Journey: A Visual and Emotional Odyssey
Journey is a masterpiece of minimalist storytelling and breathtaking visuals. The game’s serene landscapes, coupled with its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, create an atmosphere that is both meditative and emotionally resonant. When high, the game’s abstract narrative and ethereal environments can feel even more profound, as if you’re traversing a dreamscape. The lack of dialogue allows your mind to wander, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a contemplative experience.
2. No Man’s Sky: Infinite Exploration in a Psychedelic Universe
No Man’s Sky offers an almost infinite universe to explore, filled with procedurally generated planets, flora, and fauna. The game’s vibrant colors and surreal landscapes are a feast for the senses, especially when you’re high. The sense of wonder and discovery is amplified, as each new planet feels like a unique, otherworldly experience. The game’s relaxed pace allows you to soak in the beauty of the cosmos, making it a perfect choice for a chill, introspective session.
3. Tetris Effect: A Synesthetic Puzzle Adventure
Tetris Effect takes the classic puzzle game to new heights with its mesmerizing visuals and immersive sound design. The game’s “Zone” mechanic, which slows down time and adds a layer of visual effects, can feel particularly trippy when you’re high. The combination of rhythmic gameplay and hypnotic visuals creates a synesthetic experience that can be both calming and exhilarating. It’s a game that can easily consume hours of your time, as you lose yourself in its pulsating, ever-changing world.
4. Abzû: An Underwater Meditation
Abzû is a serene underwater adventure that immerses you in a vibrant, aquatic world. The game’s lush environments and tranquil soundtrack create a soothing atmosphere that can be incredibly relaxing when you’re high. The act of swimming through schools of fish, interacting with marine life, and exploring ancient ruins can feel like a form of meditation. The game’s lack of combat or high-stakes challenges makes it a perfect choice for a laid-back, introspective gaming session.
5. LSD: Dream Emulator: A Surreal Journey Through the Subconscious
LSD: Dream Emulator is a cult classic that simulates the experience of dreaming. The game’s surreal, disjointed environments and unpredictable events can feel even more bizarre and fascinating when you’re high. The lack of a clear objective or narrative allows your mind to wander freely, making each playthrough a unique and unpredictable experience. It’s a game that thrives on its ability to evoke a sense of unease and wonder, making it a fascinating choice for those looking to explore the boundaries of their imagination.
6. Katamari Damacy: Rolling Through a Whimsical World
Katamari Damacy is a quirky, whimsical game that tasks you with rolling a sticky ball around to collect objects and grow larger. The game’s colorful, cartoonish visuals and upbeat soundtrack create a cheerful, lighthearted atmosphere that can be incredibly enjoyable when you’re high. The simple, yet addictive gameplay is easy to pick up and play, making it a great choice for a fun, carefree gaming session. The game’s absurd humor and surreal scenarios add an extra layer of enjoyment, as you roll up everything from thumbtacks to entire cities.
7. The Stanley Parable: A Meta-Narrative Adventure
The Stanley Parable is a first-person exploration game that plays with the conventions of video game storytelling. The game’s self-aware narrative and multiple endings create a thought-provoking experience that can be even more intriguing when you’re high. The game’s surreal environments and existential themes can spark deep reflections on the nature of choice, free will, and the role of the player in a video game. It’s a game that challenges your perceptions and invites you to question the very nature of gaming itself.
8. Rez Infinite: A Synesthetic Shooter
Rez Infinite is a rhythm-based shooter that combines pulsating visuals with an electrifying soundtrack. The game’s abstract, wireframe graphics and trance-inducing music create a synesthetic experience that can be incredibly immersive when you’re high. The game’s “Area X” mode, which offers a more open, exploratory experience, can feel like a journey through a digital dreamscape. It’s a game that blurs the line between music, art, and gaming, making it a must-play for those seeking a truly unique experience.
9. Minecraft: A Creative Sandbox for the Mind
Minecraft is a game that needs no introduction. Its open-ended, sandbox nature allows for endless creativity and exploration, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed, high gaming session. The game’s blocky, pixelated visuals can take on a new level of charm when you’re high, as you lose yourself in the process of building, exploring, and surviving. Whether you’re constructing elaborate structures, delving into deep caves, or simply wandering the landscape, Minecraft offers a sense of freedom and creativity that can be incredibly satisfying.
10. Elite Dangerous: A Spacefaring Adventure
Elite Dangerous is a space simulation game that offers a vast, open universe to explore. The game’s realistic graphics and immersive sound design create a sense of awe and wonder that can be even more pronounced when you’re high. The act of piloting a spaceship through the cosmos, trading goods, and engaging in space combat can feel like a truly epic adventure. The game’s scale and complexity can be overwhelming at times, but when you’re high, the experience can feel even more profound, as you contemplate the vastness of the universe and your place within it.
Related Q&A
Q: Can playing games while high enhance creativity? A: Absolutely! The altered state of consciousness can lead to new perspectives and ideas, making it a great way to spark creativity in gaming.
Q: Are there any risks to playing games while high? A: While gaming while high can be enjoyable, it’s important to be mindful of your limits. Overindulgence can lead to impaired judgment and coordination, so always game responsibly.
Q: What types of games are best suited for playing while high? A: Games with immersive visuals, relaxing soundtracks, and open-ended gameplay are often the best choices. These types of games can enhance the sensory experience and provide a more enjoyable high.
Q: Can playing games while high improve problem-solving skills? A: It’s possible! The altered state of mind can sometimes lead to more creative problem-solving approaches, though it may also impair focus and attention to detail.
Q: Are there any games that should be avoided when high? A: Games with intense violence, fast-paced action, or high-stress scenarios may not be the best choice when high, as they can lead to anxiety or discomfort. Stick to more relaxed, visually stimulating games for a better experience.