My uncle had a stroke two years ago, a really bad one. Long story short, it affected half of his brain and therefore his body. He used to be a very intelligent man and possessed a lot of knowledge about many things, most of it seems to have been lost, though.

Another thing is that he loved video games.

He used to play a bit of what I play. Dragon Age, Mass Effect, strategy games like Age of Empires, FPS with good campaigns, Tomb Raider. But those are a bit too advanced for him to play at the moment.

Half of his body is paralyzed, along with his left arm/hand.

What I really need help with is...
I need suggestions for a SIMPLE game he could play. Even though he got A LOT better over the months, he is mentally debilitated at the moment. To give an example, only a few months ago he started using the buttons of the tv controller correctly. And still it's not easy...


TL;DR

What I am wondering IS...

What games do you think would be best for someone with only one hand available (his right hand), where half of his brain is still recovering?

Take note that reading might also be very hard for him, so I need simple, very simple games to start with.

All help would be appreciated.


Important edit:

I will be sending invites to a few people to enter my group.

I will giveaway Dishonored - Game of the Year Edition to you guys who helped, and might even create a few other group GAs along the way. Thanks!

10 years ago*

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Well, first of all, I'd say which hemisphere you'd like him to focus, maybe both, but for example you could look for artistic/visual games, like those find lost objects, graphic adventures without text/conversations. Would avoid those math/calcule for now.
Games that come to mind like gawhh can't remember the name! it was one with symbols hidden on objects (reckon could be a bit demanding now), cards game like find the match/pair?
Another thing you could try is the steam filter games search, adventure/logic. Heck, even flash games could help, or some GBA (gamevoy advance) ones that be about puzzle. SNES ones too (using emulators you play them on a big screen and all)

Hmm, right hand games, little to no text, what about some of mario on wii? like paper mario, simple and fun games. What else, I'm thinking...
There also sites that allow you create figures/drawings with different colors, could look it up on my FB track (posted it quite a while ago) it could help distract him from stress and also help him overcome the difficulties. Drawing/recognizing and remembering stuff.

Maybe also there's puzzle bubble/arkanoid (could be too fast on reflexes for him now) or better yet Tetris clones, strike blocks by color and shape, could do with 1 hand. Ohh I know! check World of Goo!! it's pretty good and think it may just do!
In case you don't know it, it uses physics, colors, shapes and it's about construction; getting the goo's from point A to B. Kinda like lemmings with way better!

If I think of anything else I'll comeback and edit it!
Best of luck buddy, it sucks what happened to your uncle. Wish him a fast and complete recovery!

10 years ago
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You're not the first one suggesting World of Goo. :D
I also thought of Mario games and might see if I can find some fun ones online for him.
Thanks a lot for the suggestions and wishes, it means a lot. :)

10 years ago
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Maybe something from telltale games? Point and click :3

10 years ago
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They seem simple, so why not. Ty. ^_^

10 years ago
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I'm sorry I can't give any suggestions at the moment that haven't already been given.

I hope he gets better soon, and it does sound like he is on the road to recovery, all the best over the next few months and take care of him ;)

10 years ago
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Thanks, though.
I appreciate the good wishes. ^_^

10 years ago
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maybe I am totally wrong but... I whould go for a Wii (no I have no Wii but thinking about the Situation...) so he could combine games to train Body AND mind by playing...

10 years ago
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Not a bad suggestion, but probably a bit too expensive at the moment. Thanks, though.

10 years ago
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maybe try a mobile game or app? if you want to use a pc game, try one of those simpler games like super hexagon or VVVVVV.

10 years ago
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Will probably give VVVVVV a try. Thanks. :)

10 years ago
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I could see both of those being frustrating, as they require quick reflexes.

10 years ago
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I've never actually personally played those games >.< but they don't seem particularly difficult. So if they end up actually being too difficult, I apologize.

10 years ago
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Have you tried rush or limbo?

10 years ago
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Jack Lumber, can be played on phone/tablet with one finger.

But if his movements are still slow, better stick to point and click adventure games or something else that does not require speed.

10 years ago
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Sounds like a good pick for later on.
Ty.

10 years ago
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The only one I can recall now is Little Inferno. I loved that game and it's really simple. It is also available on Android and I bet it is also available for Apple products.

10 years ago
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It's been suggested before, most likely will give it a try. Thanks. :)

10 years ago
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+1 to that! I never finished it, but I enjoyed the time I spent. Also, there's no real 'wrong' way to play. The worst that might happen is he can't find the right combos to progress and unlock new things to burn on his own, but if you're visiting him regularly you could easily help with that.

10 years ago
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After reading some other comments I'll write down some others I liked:
Bejeweled 3
Faeire Solitare
Audiosurf (music helps more than you would imagine in this cases)
Peggle (this one is awesome)
Plants vs Zombies
The Basement Collection also has some games he could play
COGS (may be difficult)
EDGE (played some stages only, no idea how difficult it gets)
Fortix
Your doodles are bugged! (mouse only)
TURBA
World of Goo
Beat Hazard (the Android version has one mode where you have to move only and it shoots automatically, might need some fast movements, you could try with easy songs)

I hope he gets better soon!

10 years ago
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So he needs some casual games that can be played with 1 hand and don't require fast pacing/timing. That would be something like:

Toki Tori is numbah 1 http://store.steampowered.com/app/38700/
Poker Night? http://store.steampowered.com/app/31280/?snr=1_7_15__13
Tidalis / bejeweled-like games Tidalis
Puzzle Quest 1? (a favorite of mine) http://store.steampowered.com/app/12500/?snr=1_7_15__13
Faerie Solitaire Not Girly
There are a couple of MMO card games like Solforge and Might and Magic Online
And there's some turn based strategy shooters Frontline Tactics if you'd like some guns.

Hopefully any of these help. Good luck!

10 years ago
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Toki Tori and Bejeweled nice, along with the other ones. Pretty much the kind of thing I am looking for. Appreciate all the suggestions,thank you! :D

10 years ago
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Proteus springs to mind. The default control are standard first person wasd, but it should be easy enough to rebind for one hand. It's a lovely experience (the kind that some people don't even like to call a 'game') about exploration, discovery, and change. Abstract and simple enough that it should be accessible to nearly everyone .

10 years ago
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+1 Proteus is pretty short, but really calm and relaxing.

10 years ago
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Seems to be an amazing game and the right one considering his situation.
Thanks a lot.

10 years ago
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Be careful

(SPOILERS) (SPOILERS) (SPOILERS)
The game's ultimate conclusion is the death of the player, although done in a somewhat poetic sense. The player finds themselves hovering off the floor, very slowly getting higher, until eventually they just drift away into nothingness.
(SPOILERS) (SPOILERS) (SPOILERS)

10 years ago
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Guess I'll have to play it first.

10 years ago
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That's open for interpretation. You float off into space, it's not explicitly mentioned to be death. I imagined it as ascending to the next higher plane of reality, represented by the next island the game generates. The trick is to remember that individual play-throughs aren't necessary unrelated. n_n

10 years ago
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PixelJunk Eden http://store.steampowered.com/app/105800/ I think the game is slow pace and relaxing. I hope he keeps gettin better.

10 years ago
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Oh, I got that one recently.
Thanks a lot, I hope so too.

10 years ago
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I doubt he wants to play games. Buy the guy some tug-mags, he only needs one hand for those.

10 years ago
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Trust me, anything is better than sit on a couch and watch tv all day, and he used to play here and then before it happened. He wants to do something he enjoys like anybody, to go back to his old habits. Right now he can't do things by himself, either. He needs to challenge his limitations. A good game might be what he needs to improve his condition and skills. It's very easy to get depressed in his kind of situation.

10 years ago
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The Cat Lady.

10 years ago
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hell no, the game's final "boss", Adam's eye, is not suitable for his/ her uncle at all...

10 years ago
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I'm sorry for your uncle, we all should pray. I think FEZ is a great game for that, it's simple and fun. Limbo could also be the way to go.

10 years ago
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Oh, right! I almost forgot about FEZ!
Added to the list.
Ty.

10 years ago
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FEZ with one hand?....how?

10 years ago
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FEZ is not THAT simple of a game. It has puzzles and it requires some of the more advanced brain functions to understand the faux-3D thing it has going on, but then again, I don't know how bad the situation is at the moment.

10 years ago
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10 years ago
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Despite being an atheist myself, you can't assume God won't help, since you can't be sure he doesn't exist.

Don't slag others' beliefs, I'm sure you wouldn't like him to slag your own.

10 years ago
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Agree with above statement. I'm not a believer myself, but everyone has the right to believe what they want and defend what they want. Not a good idea to come to God only when you need Him, but it's in these kind of situations you're so desperate you turn to God just for the sake of the person you care about.

10 years ago
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Bejeweled 3 and other match 3 games.
Puzzler World 1 & 2
Eufloria is a pretty simple strategy game. It even has a slower game mode.

10 years ago
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I'm curious about your suggestions, I will look into them and give them a try.
Thanks a lot!

10 years ago
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I would say Puzzle Quest 1 and 2. Two is a little easier.

10 years ago
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You're not the first one suggesting it, and those seem indeed interesting. Thanks!

10 years ago
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Giving emphasis to this suggestion.... They may be oldies, but they're Bejeweled with RPG progression elements and lots of replayability. I got completely sucked into the first game during a whole summer, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Hopefully your uncle could have lots of fun with them. Best of wishes to y'all.

10 years ago
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10 years ago
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Snake? Like the old Nokia game?
Reading is a bit out of the question though.

10 years ago
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Peggle, Bejeweled, etc for something simple. Point and click adventure games, or Diablo clones if his left hand ever gains some movement and can press 1-4 for abilities. Walking Dead if you're sure he's understanding what he is seeing (anything with monsters probably should be used with caution).

I could be way off. Good luck!

10 years ago
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Peggle seems nice. Bejeweled was suggested before and The Walking Dead, well... to be honest, I was thinking about that one too. I think he can do it. The parts that require a bit more of exploration I can just play those for him while he's with me.

I really appreciate all the suggestions. Thank you. ^_^

10 years ago
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I'd also suggest Chess or Checkers. They are games that stimulate brains and are generally considered to enhance memory and logical thinking. So they would be both for fun and support the recovery. All the best and prayers for your uncle.

10 years ago
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I think those games are a bit too logical for him at the moment...
Thank you a lot, though. All the help is appreciated.

10 years ago
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I recommend faster than light. You can pause the game and issue commands at any time. Although it is a bit hard.

10 years ago
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Other people recommended FTL, but it's probably too much for him, at least for now.

10 years ago
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True it does take a lot of strategy and quick thinking. I don't personally know how badly he was affected but you have my condolences.

10 years ago
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I would say puzzle/tactics games, easy ones preferabily but a bit challenging, it would be a good feeling for him to solve a puzzle even with his current limitations.

I also wouldn't discard generes just because they usually are played in a different way. When I was a kid my mother used to take away the keyboard and mouse of my computer to ground me without playing, in a short time I was playing half-life with a sidewinter joystick(joystick to aim, round button with 8 directions on top for movement, ...).

Having said that:

Audiosurf: slow songs and easy/normal dificulties. My mother and my grandmother both played it for a while, and my grandmother isn't specially agile.

Portal: give him a mouse similar to a razer naga or something like that and he should be able to play some easy maps.

Scriblenauts: if he's capable of writing.

XCOM EU: The game requires little to no reflexes, has a simple interface and in easy modes should be challenging enough to be entertaining without being frustrating.

World of Goo: the final levels might be confusing for him, but the first half of the game could be fun.

I don't know, there are lots of options that only change depending on to what degree he's physically or mentally impeded, but given the opportunity I would try to make him play something that challenged him a little rather than an easy game just to pass time.

10 years ago
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I added Portal, XCOM EU and Scribblenauts to the list. It's probably too much for him at the moment, but I'll save it for later stages. :) The other ones already were suggested before and I agree with you, they seem to be good choices. Thanks a lot for your help!

10 years ago
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Get him to stop taking statins (Zocor, Lipitor etc). They cause nerve damage so he might not be able to play any games if he keeps taking them.

10 years ago
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monkey island games were always good(point/click)

10 years ago
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You're the second one who suggests it but I never really tried those. Are they available on PC?

10 years ago
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I would not recommed these. They can be quite tricky and frustrating.

10 years ago
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I found Droplitz to be a soothing game to play, though he would be limited to the slower difficulties and smaller boards. The difficulty gradually ramps up over time, so the conclusion is always failure, but it might serve as a small gauge of his dexterity/focus recovery over time.

It all depends on his personal gaming interests. Finding an adventure game that moves at a slow enough pace to ensure he has time to process and interpret what is going on? That'll be pretty difficult. Visual Novels are an option, but rarely have much gameplay beyond a book with branching paths, and if you don't do your research before getting into one, it might have a randomly stapled on erotic element. I wonder if there is any good isometic "tactics" style game knocking around for the PC? Turn-based stuff might be better.

10 years ago
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Something like that would be pretty great, but it's not easy to find. I'm sure he'd love a simple adventure game, all I can do is keep an eye out for them.

Thanks, appreciate all the help!

10 years ago
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Audiosurf 1 and 2 might be a possibility too. Controls can be mouse only.

Throw in some songs he likes, or maybe even some OST's from games he used to play like MassEffect and Dragon Age. He might remember some music from those games and enjoy surfing along those tracks.

If he has trouble recognizing colors, playing Audiosurf on easiest with only one color is probably suitable for someone with his condition.

10 years ago
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Audiosurf has been suggested before but that's indeed a great idea! I'll keep an eye out for soundtracks of games he used to play. Thanks!

10 years ago
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Maybe Wake or Lunnye Devitsy. There isn't much you have to do other than walk around and jump.

10 years ago
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Nice suggestions, thanks!

10 years ago
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Closed 10 years ago by LitzankatSofis.