Flight of the Amazon Queen is very fun, and free!

Just noticed Anno 1503 is $6. Very laid back and relaxing game, at least as soon as you've figured out the base mechanics.

I was gonna say the same thing, but I figured I didn't need anyone around here thinking I was more belligerent than they already do. But since you already echoed that sentiment, it makes me feel confident to come out of the Doom closet and admit my blood lust.

I'll also add Morrowind. Adventuring across Vvardenfell while searching for ancient tombs or bandit hideouts was so relaxing. Hearing that great music and passing under giant mushroom trees, they just don't make 'em like that any more.

I was just thinking that, if you want a somewhat unconventional story-based experience, Gone Home might qualify. Of course, the problem is that I haven't played or watched the game, and it's out of your price range ($15).

Undertale, while also out of your price range ($10), is also another good choice, particularly if you take a pacifist approach. (The genocide route, on the other hand, gets rather creepy and unsettling.) (With that said, there's also one particular late-game boss...)

Stardew Valley for me. Always relaxes me after a hard day at work. Light-hearted and easy to play. So you may want to give it a chance.

Also : Steamworld Heist. That game was pure joy, for some reason.

Sorry, I wouldn´t recommend Gone Home in this case. Referring to your first post.

Morrowind is an all time favorite of mine.

add in when you realize your nieces arent 12 anymore but rather mid forties and great nieces getting ready to marry and have their own children............. goes by in a flash


not sure if any are under 6 dollars but any animata design games are super calming, cheerful and whimsical especially botanicula

>What game brightens your day?

Kingdom Come Deliverance certainly has brightened my year. It's nice to explore the forest and shoot bunny rabbits or just look at the scenery. Won't fit your $6 category though. Other then that I tend to like either mindless action or thinking games- those you might find more frustrating though.

Try looking at some of the adventure hidden object games on gog- they are of good quality, 'light' and can usually be finished in a few lunch time breaks. I recommend Nightmares From The Deep- The Cursed Heart.

It's calming knowing I'm not alone in this.

Going through my library, seeing these games puts a smile on my face:

AER - Memories of Old*. Relaxed exploration in a bright world.
Apotheon. Oh, how much I enjoyed this game. Unique in so many ways.
Arx Fatalis. A classic. One of the few games my sister played as well when we were younger.
Descent. Oh, the memories! Must have played this a dozen times. Know many levels by heart.
Morrowind. More childhood memories. Also one played by my sister.
Enclave. A game I replay almost every year. I wish there were more games like this.
Soul Reaver. Another classic.
Prince of Persia 2008*. I love this game so much, unfortunately not many others seem to. Why did this not get any sequels?
Sacred. The college nights I wasted on this one. Big place in my heart.
Jedi Knight 1-3. Obvious thing is obivious.
Thief 1-3. My favorite series of all time. Hope Thief 4 makes it to GOG some day.
Titan Quest*. Another one I wasted too many hours with.
Torchlight 2*. The colorful and bright cousin of Diablo 2. And mods!
Turok 1. Same as Enclave. More games like this please. Also, where is Dark Messiah please?
Unreal. The first egoshooter I ever played. Unparalleled atmosphere.

*Games I deem as undepressing.

I'd recommend the following games:

The Witness - First Person Puzzle "Walking Simulator"
My Time at Portia - Third Person Exploration, Combat, Crafting game
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles - Similar to Portia but well polished.
Submerged - A 3rd exploration game that makes me think of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus meets Waterworld
Infinifactory: Another First Person Puzzle Game, made by Zachtronics (SpaceChem, etc)

Definitely Botanicula. If that doesn't put a smile in your face, I don't know what will.

Juchu :-D

Also, I'll second everything Monkey Island (and add Day of the Tentacle) just for the laughs and Terraria for endless entertainment and sense of achievement.

Edit: I think I hit the one link per line limit in GOG? Gotta love the forum software...