People will go to great lengths to avoid boredom. In today’s digital world, there are more options than ever before to keep yourself entertained. It might be spending time on a social networking app, exploring new recipes on an exciting blog, or simply FaceTiming a loved one to catch up.
Regardless of how you prefer to spend your downtime, it probably involves the internet. And while you may not realize it, a simple browser app is all you need to gain access to even more ways to pass the time. Today, we’d like to focus on one of the coolest ways to use that browser function: gaming.
Many games require access to a PC, console, or handheld device. This can create obstacles for those who simply want to try out a new type of game. If you’re interested in passing the time with some casual browser gaming, then explore our list of suggestions below. Each is designed to engage your brain and stoke a sense of intrigue.
Poker
Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games—and for good reason. Many are familiar with Texas Hold’em and similar variants. While there’s a bit of a learning curve in terms of hand rankings, rules, and strategies, it’s a hugely popular way to pass the time. In fact, some players develop enough to transition from online play to an in-person tournament through what is known as a satellite event. For those looking for a particularly heady hobby to dive into, start with poker.
A Dark Room
This is a text-based role-playing game, which simply means that players navigate by clicking and typing. As they advance, they must piece together a mystery—one which starts with them spawning in a dark room. As time passes, players can start to collect resources and forge into the wild—where they’re faced with even more questions as they attempt to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. This title is great for those who want to slowly piece together a mystery.
City Guesser
Poker takes players into a highly complex mental game, while A Dark Room is more about solving a mystery. In City Guesser, players are taken directly into the action. Simply navigate to this site, choose a region to focus on, and then get started with a video showcasing a random street in a city. Watch the video play out, then make your assessment by placing a dot on a map. Whether alone or with a group, this game is endlessly playable.
Linerider
Anyone with a physics background will immediately see the appeal of Linerider. This game tasks players with drawing a track with a single line, and then watching how a simulated boy on a sled travels down that slope. Given the game’s emphasis on real-world physics, getting the sled from Point A to Point B takes a bit more than a steady hand. Still, the more unrealistic and wild the paths, the more fun.
Tetris
Similar to poker, Tetris is a hugely popular title—and one that’s worth reminding others about. While this game might not seem to tap into the mind, it enables players to get into a ‘flow state’. This flow state defines a period of time in which a person is entirely focused on an activity that they disengage from reality. With its simple setup and adjustable difficulty settings, Tetris is a simple and pleasing way to pass the time.
Slow Roads
Let’s stick with the concept of getting into the flow for our final suggestion. Slow Roads offers a highly relaxing driving experience. As players navigate country roads, they’ll drive through differing weather conditions and natural scenery. There’s also an auto-drive mode, which highlights the true function of Slow Roads—which is all about relaxing with a little road trip. Keep in mind that this title is very straightforward in terms of its mechanics, which means you don’t need a background in racing games or real-life driving.
