10 Feel-Good Games to Play While Listening to The Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album is officially out and the full 31 songs of The Anthology version are a listening experience! If you’re anything like me, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) will be on repeat for the next month or two or 13. So while it plays in the background, and because a lot of the album is quite sad and emotional I thought some feel-good games would offer a little balance. Plus, with references to Grand Theft Auto in this latest work of art, the worlds of Taylor Swift and video games have already officially collided. Here are the 10 best relaxing games to play right now while soaking up all of the beautifully poetic lyrics of TTPD.
10) Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
There’s something so mesmerizing about swinging between buildings and kicking bad guy butt. With songs like Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me, you’ll be boppin’ around the city in quick order. Graphically, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a masterpiece, and between that and the carefully crafted combat and boss battles you’ll be grinning from ear to ear while you feast on waves of bad guys. What’s not to love about being the funny, loveable hero anyway?
9) Pokémon Legends: Arceus
For over 25 years Pokémon has been changing people’s brain chemistry. One could argue Taylor’s music has been doing the same since 2006. Combining the two seems like an easy decision here. Whether you’re searching to catch ‘em all or you’re looking to let the animation and nostalgia take you away, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest installment of the franchise. Jump into your Pokedex, level up your Pokémon, and take on battles before gyms were even a thought.
8) Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is an indie RPG game that’s colorful, full of whimsy and rich story-telling. If you’re a Swiftie I’m sure you can see the parallels already. It’s a game that features amazing 16-bit characters and art, pays homage to the retro games (like Chrono Trigger) that came before it, and offers well-crafted traversal and combat mechanics. It’s the perfect game for bringing your spirits up if you’re listening to LOML.
7) Cocoon
If you’re a fan of Little Big Planet, Sack Boy, or Astro’s Playroom – games where you get to go on playful adventures, discovering new things along the way, Cocoon is absolutely going to be up your alley. It’s a short game that’s chock full of charm. The puzzles are fun, yet increase in complexity as you continue playing. This means you’ll be in the best headspace while playing this game to figure out some of the easter eggs left in Taylor Swift’s songs!
6) Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps will have you laughing and crying throughout and will absolutely melt your heart. In fact, it’s maybe a perfect representation of The Tortured Poets Department. It’s a platform-adventure Metroidvania that is absolutely stunning. Take on a new adventure as Ori in a world that comes to life with gorgeous hand-painted artwork and an emotional story. It’s hard to pick what stands out here with all the pieces of the game working so perfectly together to create a masterpiece.
5) Super Mario Bros. Wonder
At a time when we’re learning new lyrics, trying to piece together easter eggs and the storylines woven into TTPD, a good ‘ol classic is appreciated. Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings the peace of the classic and nostalgic Super Mario games while offering up new worlds, new abilities, and different playable characters. It’s just as charming and colorful as ever and is guaranteed to brighten your day.
4) Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a peaceful farming sim that will have you making friends with the locals and watering your crops until your heart’s content. If you liked Runescape or Minecraft, you’re sure to enjoy this. There’s no real restriction to how long you can play, though the game does cycle through day and night, and seasons run on a 28-day cycle. Raise animals, craft machines, go fishing, mining, etc. Rinse and repeat. It’s mindless fun that’ll suck you in through its charm and cutesy gameplay. It’s perfect when listening to TTPD on repeat throughout the day.
3) Stray
There’s an obvious and immediate connection to Taylor here. The cats, of course! Stray is a third-person cat adventure game where a stray cat must find its way back home through a colorful, yet mysterious cybercity. It’s a wonderful story about companionship and finding your way in the world. And if that isn’t exactly the type of feel-good and relaxing game you need to jump into while listening to TTPD, I don’t know what is.
2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Much like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is cute, wonderful, and utterly peaceful. You don’t have to think too hard about any of the gameplay mechanics here and you can fall in every aspect of the game as you create it from scratch. Make your own special paradise on a deserted island in this social sim and feel the smile on your face grow with each delightful sunset on the beach or new decoration you create for your house. Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers escapism from your heartbreak as you listen to The Tortured Poets Department.
1) Bugsnax
This enchanting and vibrant world is like Pokemon but even more whimsical and charming. Take on Snaktooth Island and discover all 100 species of Bugsnax while you search to find Elizabert who’s gone missing. Completing side quests, collecting decorations, and putting hats on your favorite snax are all just part of the fun here. What better way of lifting your spirits when you’re listening to Taylor Swift’s latest masterpieces like So Long, London, or the Manuscript?
Bonus) Madden NFL 24
Okay, so maybe this one isn’t THE MOST relaxing game but it’s no secret why it’s on the list. Travis Kelce, AKA Taylor’s boyfriend, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Even more than that, Taylor and her dad were big football fans long before this. Jump into a quick game, and play as Travis or his brother Jason (or whoever your favorite player/team is). This is, without a doubt, the perfect game to get lost in while you listen to new tracks like The Alchemy and So High School.
Have you listened to Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department? What do you think? Are there any relaxing or feel-good games you’ll be playing while you listen? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook or X.