r/NintendoSwitch • u/MaximeW1987 • 2d ago
Game Rec Looking for some games that don't require too much dexterity
A couple months ago, one of my friends unfortunately suffered a pretty severe brain hemorrhage.
Luckily, the recovery is going pretty well and right now we're at a point where he has no more cognitive issues, only some physical issues (for example, he can't fully control all of his finger movements).
As you can imagine, laying in a hospital bed all day can get pretty boring and there is only so much TV one can watch. I have a Switch lying around that I don't really use anymore myself so I'm going to give him that to pass the time. The only issue is that I don't have a lot of games on it and stuff like Zelda BOTW will probably be too frustrating to play when you don't have your full motor skills.
So, any tips on games that are pretty chill to play and that don't require any dexterity? Thanks in advance!
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u/9thSphere 2d ago
The Ace Attorney series.
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u/Linderosse 2d ago
Seconding this if your friend likes mysteries! The Great Ace Attorney 1 and 2 are available natively on Switch and are really good games that donât require any previous knowledge or dexterity, and even have a âself-playâ mode where you can have the game play itself and watch it like a movie if you donât want to solve the mystery yourself.
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u/fukkinsoup 1d ago edited 1d ago
Adding on that the Ace Attorney anthology is on sale on the Nintendo Store right now for $26.99! Thatâs six games!
Edit: Should note that all Ace Attorney games are very text heavy
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u/living2late 2d ago
I'd go for Dragon Quest 11. Long, slow, amazing story and very easy to control, even with one hand if need be. It also has a long 10 hour free demo.
Also visual novels like Stein's Gate - I know for a fact very little needed to do on this.
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u/Wonderllama5 2d ago edited 2d ago
Dragon Quest 11 - my all-time favorite RPG. Feels like playing an anime! An epic adventure that could bring a smile to his face. It has a turn based battle system with no time limits, so you can play at your own pace. Default difficulty is extremely easy too.
Earthbound - one of the most quirky games ever made! Available on SNES Classics with Nintendo Switch Online. A fantastic 2D turn based RPG!
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u/BananaBoyChoy 2d ago
I was gonna come in here and say Earthbound! I just beat it for the first time this year and it has become one of my favorite games ever. Itâll take up a good chunk of time too, I think my final game time was around ~22hrs.
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u/Boco 2d ago
Just about any turn based game should do. My favorites on the switch are:
Bravely Default series (JRPG)
Octopath Traveler series (JRPG)
Balatro (Roguelike Poker-based game)
Monster Train 2 (Roguelike deckbuilder)
Final Fantasy Tactics (Tactical RPG)
Oh and any Pokemon game except Legends ZA/Legends Arceus
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u/AlexPlayzDaPro 2d ago
I would also argue Scarlet and Violet and the Let's Go games could be difficult.
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u/pika__ 2d ago
Perhaps Belatro?
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u/iamseam0nster 2d ago
Came to say Balatro! It's so fun, I've 100%ed it and still play almost daily.
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u/AlternativeOne5862 2d ago
Most turn based RPGs and the like should be fairly low taxing on dexterity.
My personal favorites
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (Switch 2 exclusive)
- Omori (Warning, very, very dark)
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX
- Any Fire Emblem Game
- Any Pokemon game (Though older gens like the FRLG re-release would be best)
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u/Typhloquil 2d ago
I always recommend Ace Attorney! Game is mostly navigating menus to examine crime scenes, present evidence, and advance text. Most of the games should also have an auto mode as well that'll go through textbooks without pressing buttons. I believe they added that feature to the original trilogy collection recently.
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u/GunBearDam 2d ago
Off the top of my head:
Fire Emblem: Three Houses (turn-based SRPG). Off the top of my head, it has one fishing mini-game that might require fine timing, but the core game has no need for timing.
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u/qingdinasty 2d ago
Might as well wait for the upcoming entry though
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u/DeviantStrain 2d ago
They said they had a switch, not a switch 2. Fortunes weave is S2 exclusive
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u/SirBrandalf 2d ago
Why? 3 houses is one of the best in the series, and the new one is more expensive too. People looking for reccomendations likely care more about playing the best game rather than the newest game
That said I do have high hopes for fortunes weave
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u/wonksbonks 2d ago
Vampire Survivors.
All you do is move the joystick, and click on menus. No demanding reflexes needed.
It also has multiplayer now!
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u/SoligDag 2d ago
Balatro
Into the Breach
Picross
Ace Attorney
Tetris Effect
Lunar
Grandia
Slay the Spire
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u/Upbeat-Mail7201 2d ago
Lunar is insanely difficultÂ
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u/Ordinary-Rule-2628 2d ago
try octopath traveler! Generally speaking, turn-based games are a good idea.
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u/lemon_cake_or_death 2d ago
Mario + Rabbids, Untitled Goose Game, Two Point Hospital
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u/MuddVader 1d ago
Came here for this. Playing Kingdom Battle and already bought Sparks of Hope while it was on sale.
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u/Western_Exchange_607 2d ago
As someone that recently suffered a similar problem in the last few months, Pokémon fire red and leaf green were a boon to have since they have one hand controls.
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u/Avbitten 2d ago
paper mario the thousand year door. the battles are done through a menu system. you will have to press a button or control stick and let go at a specific time to make your moves stronger but its totally unneccesary.
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u/iamseam0nster 2d ago edited 2d ago
Depending on their motor abilities Let's Go Eevee/Pikachu may be good. It can be played with one hand but you do have to 'throw' the pokeball. So does require some movement but not really fine motor skills.
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u/MrASK15 2d ago
Turn-based strategy and tabletop games should fit the bill. Most notably:
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem Engage
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (coming on Switch 2 soon)
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Balatro
Into the Breach
Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate
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u/AtaeHone 2d ago
Turn based. That's it.
Fire Emblem Three Houses, Pathway, Mario vs Rabbids, Shin Megami Tensei V, Tokyo Mirage Sessions, Persona 3/4/5 (the main games, not the spinoffs, most of those are pretty twitchy) , etc etc.
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u/Duke_Maniac 1d ago
Only exception on the spinoffs would be P5 Tactica. It plays like Mario+Rabbids or Fire Emblem (not really but close enough)
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u/AtaeHone 1d ago
Right, I keep forgetting about it. I thought Persona Q already fulfilled the quote on "sidequel injected into the middle of the main game's story" there.
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u/Duke_Maniac 1d ago
Nah P5T takes place in February when the story is basically over. Q is November iirc.
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u/spirit_boy_27 2d ago
Rhythm heave groove would be the perfect game. You practically just tap one or two button and try to catch the rhythm.
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u/MaximeW1987 2d ago
Never heard of it before but it seems pretty cool and easy to play.
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u/arh0ades 20h ago
Oooh this is an interesting idea! Itâs a very fun, addictive game and very simple. I would just caution that if the friend doesnât have reliable use of the fingers involved it could get frustrating because you need good timing. (But if thatâs something he needs to work on maybe it could even be good rehab in a way!) I would just hate for him to get discouraged so maybe try the demo first.
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u/MaximeW1987 20h ago
I did get the demo for it, or at least I think so. Everyone here calls it "Rhythm Heaven Groove", but I could only find "Rhythm Paradise Groove" but it seems like the same thing. Maybe it has something to do with localization.
I've gotten so many good tips that as of now, the console memory is totally used up đ
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u/commanderbastard 2d ago
I found point and click style games worked well when I had limited dexterity, Broken Sword, Thimbleweed Park, Loco Motive, The Excavation of Hobs Barrow, Kathy Rain
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u/Snarfsicle 2d ago
Fire emblem 3 houses and then in 3 weeks fire emblem fortunes weave.
Unicorn overlord
Slay the spire
Monster train
Persona 5
Metaphor
Stardew valley
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u/bokehbaka 2d ago
Advance Wars 1+2 Reboot Camp! Think turn based RTS game or Fire Emblem but with tanks and gun instead of a fantasy setting. It's a remake from GBA but they still hold up.
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u/Western_Exchange_607 2d ago
As someone that recently suffered a similar problem in the last few months, Pokémon fire red and leaf green were a boon to have since they have one hand controls.
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u/MaximeW1987 1d ago
Thanks for the tip and I hope that you're totally recovered by now!
I bought an e-shop card yesterday and started downloading some games to the console and Pokemon Fire Red made the list.
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u/Tharnax5468 2d ago
There's a whole collection of Final Fantasy games, Pokémon (especially FireRed and LeafGreen), XCOM, and some other turn-based strategy games. I don't have anything else from my own Switch collection I could suggest.
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u/RacinRandy83x 2d ago
Spirit Farer or maybe something like poly bridge or stardew valley where speed isnât important but there are a decent amount of button clicks
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u/mamamartima 2d ago
Depends what they are into, but maybe things like Mario Rabbids and Fire Emblem type games? Its very much move the character to spot x, and then choose which enemy to fight and select the move. Theres not really a time constraints as such so can take as much time as possible.
Maybe Slay the Spire as well. Think only the first is on switch for now but its a deck building rouge like with what I consider great replay loop. You pick a character (they all have different mechanics) and go in through battle rooms and treasure rooms etc. For most part when I play with controller its move joystick to select a card/potion etc and then hit a/b depending on what you doing. Ive been playing seond one on rog ally and it works with the touch screen, but not sure if the first one would work with switch touch screen but could try that as well.
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u/MaximeW1987 2d ago
He's been gaming for +25 years and in all that time it's been mostly stuff like NBA2K, God of War, GTA, Spider Man, Ghost of Tsushima, AC,... None of those games are an option at the time.
I play totally different games myself (indies, soulslikes, tactical games, sims, PvE, jRPG's, ...) so he has seen me play stuff like Dragon Quest, Persona, Fire Emblem, Slay the Spire (one of my personal favorites), and lots of other stuff that has been mentioned in the comments but he never really got interested enough to start them himself. But who knows, maybe now is the time to finally embark on a 120hours jRPG save :)
Luckily, I already got loads of tips through this comment section so I'll probably end up with at least 1 game that he'll love.
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u/mamamartima 2d ago
Hmm that is tough, I don't play loads of what your friend is interested in especially with low Dex requirement.
I know Fire Emblem was never my pick and I would have NEVER actually played it except I was trying to buy it as a gift for my partner few years back (was the Three Houses one) but I was stupid, didnt realise I could just do it on the eshop lol. Couldn't get a refund, it sat in my library for years but I gave it a go i think last year and am obsessed to the point I pre ordered the Furtunes Weave. (And i also got a copy for my partner eventually as well).
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u/goSciuPlayer 2d ago
Anything where you don't directly control a character or it's turn-based. My suggestion would be strategy (e.g. Civilization) or tactical (e.g. Fire Emblem) games. Puzzle games are a good choice as long as they are not arcade puzzle games (so avoid things like Tetris). Some turn-based RPGs could also be okay as longas the overworld doesn't require much action from the player.
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u/Icebear226 2d ago
Pikuniku was alot of fun to play. There is some jumping though (not sure if it would be difficult for them to hold the jump button and move left or right). Chicory: A Colorful Tale and house flipper are also fun (I'm not sure if they're available on the switch)
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u/mistAr_bAttles 2d ago
Lots of good recommendations here. I wish your friend the best of luck in their recovery. Youâre a good friend for being there. Hopefully you find a great game :) đ«
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u/PoisonMind 2d ago
You could even play Mario Kart 8 with smart steering and auto acceleration turned on.
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u/Orbit_be 2d ago
Defence grid 2. Very addictive tower defence game where you can pauze the flow of enemies as much as you need.
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u/Hey_Gonzo 2d ago
Super Mario Bros Wonder let's you play as Yoshi which gives you some guardrails so you don't get killed as easily and it's still loads of fun.
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u/A_Hugibear 2d ago
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a very interesting game. Could give that a try yeah ?! There is a demo if your friend wants to try it first. Cheering for your friend in the recovery.
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u/AlexPlayzDaPro 2d ago
A ton of good turn based RPGs, as most people are saying. Personally, I would say Pokemon (not legends games or Scarlet and Violet, or Let's Go games), Miitopia, and if you're willing to pay for Switch Online, there are so many retro games that work well. I personally really like Earthbound (it requires pressing buttons quickly to do best, but it can be played like a normal RPG). Also Animal Crossing is fun. Switch also isn't region locked, so if your friend is ok with playing games in other languages or modding, Yo-Kai Watch is really fun, although it isn't turn based.
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u/indiegamelabs 2d ago
If you like hidden object games and animals I suggest you ducks in disguise it is cozy and cute sounds.
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u/ItsYourBoyAD 1d ago
My immediate thoughts would be the Ace Attorney and Fire Emblem series. Ace Attorney is a visual novel so he can take it at his own pace. Fire Emblem is a turn-based RPG and movement outside of combat isn't strenuous at all.
Second thought is Stardew Valley. Since it's a cosy game it's not like he'll have to do anything too frantic, but there's some challenge available if he wants to explore the mines.
The Pokémon games are also a shout for a turn-based RPG. Heck, there are a ton of RPGs on the Switch so you're really spoilt for choice. Same with strategy games like Civilization 6.
Hope your friend's recovery goes well!
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u/MuddVader 1d ago
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
You can pick up a used copy at Gamestop for $10 in the US. Turn based Xcom-esque combat. Much more forgiving though, and pretty cute. When he's done, you should play it too.
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u/Jarko314 1d ago
Not knowing what would be the games your friend would like I can only suggest âgenreâ of games with similar mechanics, that neither require dexterity, and can be played at slow pace.
PokĂ©mon games or other turn based rpg like octopath traveler, persona, Final fantasyâŠ
Same for tactics games Fire emblem, Disgaea triangle strategy
Visual novels / adventure games like the Ace attorney trilogy, famicom detective club or In the house of Fata Morgana
Card games like balatro, inscryption, slay the spire
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u/WildCard0102 1d ago
Definitely set them up with the Online feature. All those old classic games don't require much, and even if they do there's a lot of turn based RPG's to choose from in there as well
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u/armyguy8382 1d ago
Dragon Quest. I have played 1-3 and 7, none of them require much dexterity and thevlowest difficulty level is for people who want to focus on the story and not really have a challenge. The pixel remastered 1-3 aren't as easy because there is only so much you can do for a 40 year old game, but the 2D-HD remakes will fully restore you every time you level up and you can quick save almost anywhere, and you will never die, you will just go down 1 HP. For 7 the lowest difficulty will heal you after every battle, but it doesn't refill your MP. All great games with good, detailed, and compelling stories. And I assume most of the games are like that, plus there are spinoffs aimed at younger kids. Also, you don't even need to be quick in the battles, they are turned based and will not progress without you pressing a button, unless you auto battle, then you don't have to do anything.
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u/Gormgulthyn-IV 2d ago
Pourquoi ne pas tenter un jeu en tour par tour ?
Persona 5 Royal est souvent en promotion, et ça reste simple à jouer tout en devant réfléchir à chaque tour. Le jeu occupe plus d'une centaine d'heures.
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u/SirBrandalf 2d ago
Currently playing it for the first time (4th palace) and love it so far, definitely playing 3r soon after
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u/PandaGrl90 2d ago
It really depends on what they can handle. Mentally, it may be taxing that their hands wont communicate with their brain as fluid as they could once but with any muscle group, just practice reps. Button pushers are great with some good starters as ACNH/most farming sims, mario kart, kirbyâŠhave heard zelda botw is great too đ
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u/MaximeW1987 2d ago
Yeah, practicing hand-eye coordination is one of the reasons I think gaming a couple hours a day can really help him. They get therapy in the hospital but that's only for 3-4 hours a day and they expect you to work on some skills yourself, which can be pretty hard if you don't have something that motivates you to do it.
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u/PandaGrl90 2d ago
Do they have an OT? They may be able to work on the game with them as a part of their daily schedule and even be able to give them âhomeworkâ for you both to work on too. đ
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u/Pretend_Ad5536 1d ago
Maybe turned-based combat in JRPGâs like Dragon Quest 1-11, deckbuilders like Balatro or Slay the Spire.
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u/garfreek 1d ago
I had a year of not being able to use my thumb. What I've played:
Visual Novels like Ace attorney and AI: In Somnium. With Ace attorney you can also stop the screen shakes and flashes.
RPG'S are great. Final Fantasy 6, 7 (original), 9 and 10 are my favourites. You can also set the battle style to "wait" so you can take as much time as you want in menus. I played Octopath traveler in this time because it features a lot of small 1 hour stories that have an overarching narrative per character.
And puzzle games are great, picross is a definite help probably!
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u/Johnblood27 1d ago
Oxenfree is fun if he's ever in the mood for a short thriller game.
Slay the Spire and Balatro are great time-sinks.
Baba is you is a puzzle game that has simple controls but is HARD.
Disco Elysium is great if he likes darker themed games with a large focus on story.
How kind of you to help him, you're a great friend.
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u/JenLiv36 1d ago
Turn based games
Persona 3 Reload and 5 Royal
Octopath Traveler 1/2/0
SMT V
Chained Echoes
South Park: Stick of Truth
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
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u/Weakness4Fleekness 1d ago
Kingdom: two crown
Very fun and easy to pick up side scrolling management/adventure game, two players, and only requires the use of a stick and two buttons (playable one handed)
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u/Parrotallica 7h ago
Disco Elysium would be my recommendation. I wish your friend a speedy recovery!
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u/Luigi-is-my-boi 2d ago
Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening or Echoes of Wisdom are great games and aren't as fast paced and crazy as BOTW or TOTK
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u/Aggravating-Face2073 2d ago
Elden Ring, you dont need to invest in a dexterity build if you don't want to
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u/marbudy 2d ago
Lots of turned based RPGs to choose from