In what is perhaps the greatest piece of gaming criticism ever produced, Soulja Boy broke down Jonathan Blow’s Braid as a game that was “for people who smoke or people who drink.” While I’m not sure if Blow would agree with his dissertation, it has always struck a chord with me. So, with Soulja Boy’s criticism in mind, here are some other games that are worth playing when under the influence.
Best Psychedelic Games – Braid
I’ll just let Soulja Boy explain this one. “It’s about this little guy in a suit and he walks around. There ain’t no point to the game, you just walk around jumping on shit. It look like Mario in the future. It’s Mario in a business suit with his hair dyed orange and a tie on. He just walking around jumping shit, but the funny part is that you can go back in time. You about to die and you’re like, ‘Oh shit, I’m going to die,’ and then you [rewinding noise]. What’s so funny about it is that you don’t ever run out of the going back in time potion, so you can just go back in time forever… Ain’t no point to the game. This shit stupid as hell, man.”
Best Psychedelic Games – Tetris Effect
While VR will certainly get the best effect, there’s no denying that playing Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s take on Tetris will provide a trippy experience. It features some of the coolest visuals in any game made this past decade with some slick visuals that are enjoyable not matter your sobriety.
Best Psychedelic Games – Seaman
This quirky Dreamcast title has players caring for a unique fish-type creature that has a human head. It’s truly one of the strangest games ever made, and watching the Seaman evolve from a Mushroomer to Frogman is… well, it’s something. This might actually wind up being a bad trip, but I guarantee it will be a memorable one.
Best Psychedelic Games – Panoramical
Described by Finji as an “interactive sensory journey,” Panoramical is all about the experience. Players can manipulate over a dozen different dreamscapes in a variety of ways ranging from look to sound. It’s a complete audiovisual experience, and features some truly incredible moments.
Best Psychedelic Games – Everything
Irish artist David OReilly is best known for his short films, but Everything is just as captivating as his cinematic work. Not only is the game itself quite captivating, as players can move between micro and macro layers in order to truly control everything from a single-celled organism to an entire galaxy, but there are also some fantastic philosophical quotes that may force the player to confront how they live life from day to day.
Best Psychedelic Games – LSD: Dream Emulator
This original PlayStation title was truly ahead of its time when it released in 1998. There are no real objectives, and players are free to explore surreal environments at their own leisure. It’s all the brainchild of Japanese artist Osamu Sato, who also produced ambient and acid techno music. There is also a PC remake called LSD Revamped available if you don’t want to go through the trouble of finding the rare title.
Best Psychedelic Games – Rez Infinite
Arguably Mizuguchi’s greatest contribution to gaming, Rez Infinite is one of the coolest shooters available on current systems. Not only is it a fantastic remake of the original title, but the virtual reality aiming helps it play better than ever before. The new Area X level is one of the most intense experience in all of gaming, as it can produce a euphoric sensory overload.
Best Psychedelic Games – Katamari Damacy
Keita Takahashi is one of gaming’s most creative minds and no game displays it quite as well as Katamari Damacy. Players are tasked with rebuilding the stars by rolling up everything from small objects to even mountains later on into a gigantic ball. It’s a hilarious game and full of personality that shines from start to finish.
Best Psychedelic Games – Octodad: Dadliest Catch
I hope you’re sitting down because what I’m about to say might shock you. In that screenshot above the handsome groom is actually an octopus in disguise. That’s the premise of Octodad, and players will have to live out their hilarious double life while making sure nobody suspects them for being a sea creature like they really are.
Best Psychedelic Games – D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die
Swery’s incredibly weird episodic adventure game D4 never got finished, but it’s still a joy to play through the opening episodes. From some hilarious Boston accents to some incredible eating habits displayed by the characters, this slice of Americana needs to be experienced to be believed. It’s undeniably weird, but it’s a fun enough time for all especially for those who smoke or drink.
