12 Games That Play Well With A Trackpad

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through the digital landscapes of various games, I must say that the list you’ve compiled is nothing short of a treasure trove for those seeking engaging and immersive gaming experiences. Each game on this list offers a unique blend of strategy, simulation, and adventure that caters to different playstyles and preferences.

Gaming has evolved into a universal language, transcending age, experience, and even hardware barriers. While the gaming world loves the ease of controllers, the tactile satisfaction of keyboards, or the immersion of console setups, there are some situations where a trackpad is the only present accessory.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not always need a fancy gaming mouse or a console controller to enjoy thrilling gameplay. There is a growing selection of games that are not only accessible but surprisingly enjoyable when played with a trackpad. There are a host of games, from strategy simulations to fast-paced action titles, which can astonish players when played with a trackpad, and here are a few of them.

12. Syberia: The World Before

A Tale of Two Journeys

  • Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now · See more
  • Developers: Microïds, Koalabs, Microids Studio Paris
  • Genres: Puzzle Video Game, point-and-click adventure
  • Release date: March 18, 2022

This is the fourth edition of the Syberia game series, where you control two main characters on an adventure spanning different continents and time periods. The initial character, Dana, is a pianist whose life will be dramatically altered by the onset of World War II, while the second protagonist, Kate Walker, becomes a salt mine prisoner who embarks on a quest to discover her real identity following a devastating incident.

This part offers plenty of adventuring and problem-solving, showcasing numerous famous characters and breathtaking landscapes, a trait it’s renowned for.

11. Deponia Doomsday

Parallel Worlds, Endless Possibilities

  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Amazon Luna
  • Genres: Adventure game, Puzzle Video Game, Indie game, Adventure
  • Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
  • Release date: March 1, 2016

Deponia Doomsday is a sequel that follows the conclusion of the Deponia series, maintaining its traditional point-and-click adventure format. The main character, Rufus, journeys through various locations, investigating, gathering objects, and advancing the storyline from Goodbye Deponia.

In this game, NPC characters are made more engaging, allowing for conversational exchanges with Rufus. The game continues to include a variety of puzzles, some of which require collectible items to be solved in order to progress and resolve the narrative. Additionally, it offers optional minigames that add diversity and keep players engaged.

10. Civilization 6

Conquer History with Precision

In simple terms, “Civilization 6” is a strategic game played in turns where you guide the development of a civilization, starting as a small settlement, and watch it expand and thrive over countless centuries to become a mighty empire.

In simpler terms, players work towards fulfilling one of the game’s victory requirements by expanding their cities, establishing new settlements, progressing with technological innovations, and bolstering their defenses to safeguard their towns. Players may opt to compete against AI or human opponents, striving for their objectives either through negotiations and peaceful means, or through conflict and warfare.

9. The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Interactive Sci-Fi at Its Best

The “Telltale” series, created by Telltale Games and Deck Nine, is renowned for its ventures in episodic adventure games that prioritize storytelling above all else. This new version does not delve into the backstory of the highly successful TV series “The Expanse”.

As a fervent admirer, I’d say it immerses me in a thrilling first-person journey, following from behind Camina Drummer, the commanding officer of Artemis – a spacecraft that’s my home away from home. The narrative is engaging and skillfully crafted, allowing my decisions to mold the twists and turns of this gripping tale. Mostly, I find myself scouring derelict spaceships for survival essentials and navigating intricate movement puzzles in a zero-gravity setting – a cosmic adventure that never fails to captivate me!

8. Football Manager 2023

UEFA Glory Awaits

Football Manager has rapidly grown into one of the most prominent sports games ever made, providing immersive experiences in managing a football team via its exceptional simulation capabilities. This ranges from training sessions to board discussions, player transfers to strategy planning, and no other tactical sports game can compare.

In contrast to its predecessors, which were exclusively playable on PC and Xbox, Football Manager 2023 marks a change as Sports Interactive and Sega have made it accessible on PlayStation platforms as well. A notable difference is that this version includes UEFA club competitions, with the UEFA Women’s Champions League set to be introduced in the next iteration of the series.

7. This War Of Mine

Civilians in a War-Torn World

Instead of concentrating primarily on battles at the forefront as seen in games like “Call of Duty,” “This War of Mine” presents an alternate viewpoint, portraying the hardships and trials endured by civilians during such turbulent periods.

In this game, players guide a band of non-experienced survivors in navigating a city ravaged by war. The characters under the player’s control lack survival or military skills, making them vulnerable to the harsh conditions that prevail. As there is no truce yet, it’s crucial to monitor their nutrition, mental wellbeing, and physical health to ensure their continued existence.

6. Hollow Knight

A Metroidvania Marvel

Drawing inspiration from classic platformers such as “Zelda II: The Adventures of Link” and “Mega Man X”, the game “Hollow Knight” narrates the journey of a knight delving into a decayed kingdom, which is mysteriously afflicted by a sickness dubbed as ‘the infection’. This 2D universe offers rich lore, adventure, companionship, adversaries, and bosses that captivate and test players in various engaging ways.

The fight mechanism drew considerable acclaim, combining close-quarters fighting and spellcasting for long-range attacks. Its debut was met with global approval, and the creators, Team Cherry, expressed gratitude by offering four complimentary updates. (In this paraphrase, I’ve aimed to maintain the original meaning while using simpler language and rephrasing some elements to make it more conversational.)

5. Celeste

A Tale of Heart and Precision

Celeste is another game in the platformer genre, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros III, and has been carefully crafted to be both simple yet engaging. The protagonist, Madeline, is a character grappling with emotional and mental health challenges, embarking on a journey up Celeste Mountain. Along her path, she encounters various characters who aim to hinder her ascent, including a personification of her self-doubt, known as Badeline.

This game is essentially two-dimensional, offering minimal constraints on movement. It features items that enhance Madeline’s capabilities. Additionally, it comes with a helpful mode designed to offer continuous aid, allowing players who may struggle to progress through levels to do so effortlessly.

4. The Sims 4

The Ultimate Life Simulator

The Sims has earned widespread recognition as a gaming staple, providing top-tier social simulation adventures for more than ten years now. In the latest version, you’ll find it just as engaging when it comes to designing characters, observing interactions, and overseeing their personal lives and relationships.

The improved house-building system, character creation, and personality systems are some of the few things The Sims 4 has over the previous entries in the series. Although it was initially developed to be an online multiplayer, SimCity‘s bad reception was enough to convince Maxis and Electronic Arts against the idea.

3. Slay the Spire

A Deck-Builder Like No Other

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: In the world of gaming, I’ve found myself climbing a towering Spire in a captivating indie game called “Slay the Spire.” Instead of controlling a soldier or knight, I guide a unique character through each level, engaging in intense deck-battles against formidable enemies. With every conquest, I gather new cards to enhance my strategy and deck, aiming to reach the pinnacle of the Spire!

In the game of “Slay the Spire”, swift reactions aren’t necessarily needed to enjoy it. Instead, players are granted ample time to ponder each move, making it comfortable for users of trackpads. Regarded as one of the finest indie games ever made, “Slay the Spire” is still worth trying out, even if deckbuilding isn’t typically your genre of choice.

2. Crusader Kings 3

Medieval Intrigue Meets Modern Strategy

In a nutshell, grand strategy games such as Crusader Kings 3 provide flexibility for players to progress at their chosen speed, and it’s built by Paradox Interactive. Essentially, it operates as a dynasty simulator where you pick a medieval country and assume leadership as its ruler. Upon the death of this character, you then guide the successor in continuing the rule.

In this game, you navigate a intricate tapestry of courtly intrigue, strategic marriages, diplomatic discussions with neighboring territories, and full-blown conflicts. To prevent monotony and ensure balance, each new ruler brings unique abilities and flaws. This means no one can dominate too much, as every solution must be tailored to the specific issues at hand. However, it’s not always easy deciding the best course for your dynasty when generations of rule may suffer from inherited incompetence.

1. Rimworld

Trackpad-Compatible Survival Sim

constructing a spaceship, discovering the Archonexus, or harnessing the power of the Void.

The primary hurdles for reaching your destination primarily revolve around governing the colony’s inhabitants, locating resources to boost technological progress, and defending against hostile assaults. In the game Rimworld, everything from the map layout to resource spots, enemy attacks, and world events is generated procedurally. Additionally, players can choose an AI narrator at the start of each mission, with each one providing a distinct touch to the procedural generation. What makes it even more appealing is that you can pause the game whenever you want, making it playable with a trackpad.

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2024-12-04 11:54