Video games offer us a delightful escape into diverse realities, granting us the opportunity to become everything from elite street racers to valiant heroes in intricate fantasy realms. Yet, amidst all these immersive experiences, one essential aspect remains unavoidable—cleanliness. This principle holds true in the real world and resonates in various gaming experiences.
While numerous games disregard daily essentials, others cleverly incorporate hygiene as a vital gameplay mechanic, at times yielding hilariously entertaining consequences. With that concept in mind, here’s a curated list of games where maintaining cleanliness plays a significant role or where other beings depend on you for their hygiene.
1.Deadly Premonition
Just Call Him York
Deadly Premonition stands out as a polarizing game, much like Marmite—you either cherish it or utterly detest it. For those unfamiliar, this unconventional detective title merges detective work with elements of survival horror.
Notably, the game incorporates time management mechanics that impact the protagonist, Francis York Morgan. Players must ensure York sleeps and eats at regular intervals, and even maintain his hygiene. If neglected, his facial hair becomes disheveled, and his clothes can accumulate dirt, which can adversely affect specific missions and overall scores.
Cleaning yourself in Deadly Premonition is a straightforward task, but it’s essential to remember to do so. This mechanic persists in the sequel, further entwining cleanliness with gameplay.
2.My Tamagotchi Forever
An Evolution of a Playground Craze
|
Key Information |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Developer |
Namco |
|
Platform |
Mobile |
|
Release Date |
March 2018 |
Once upon a time, virtual pet keychains took the world by storm with their simplistic visuals and captivating gameplay. In essence, the goal is to sustain a pixelated pet’s life through health management until its eventual demise or departure. Tamagotchi emerged as the most iconic of these virtual pets.
My Tamagotchi Forever retains the classic gameplay loop but enhances it with numerous features and superior graphics suited for mobile. A notable addition is the AR mode that allows you to interact with your pet in your own space.
Cleaning your virtual pet is critical for maintaining its health; neglecting hygiene can lead to severe consequences. Despite some downsides associated with mobile gaming, such as subscription models and intrusive advertisements, it remains a fun diversion, especially on the go.
3.Planet Zoo
The Authority in Zoo Simulators
Recognized as the premier zoo simulation game, Planet Zoo enables players to immerse themselves in creating and meticulously managing their own animal sanctuaries.
In this game, cleanliness and hygiene are paramount. Failing to attend to your animals’ needs can result in health complications. Fortunately, zoo keepers can be directed to clean specific enclosures, which emphasizes the importance of thoughtful layout design—if a keeper can’t reach the mess, it will remain unattended.
Neglecting hygiene can detrimentally impact your animals’ well-being and invoke complaints from your discerning guests.
4.Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Only in a Kojima Game…
Even the toughest veterans in battle appreciate cleanliness, and Metal Gear Solid V makes this a central gameplay component.
While Snake is a legendary operative, he is still prompted to maintain his hygiene. Regularly using the shower at Mother Base provides several practical benefits, such as a slight health boost and extended durations during ‘Reflex Time’, alongside enhancing recruitment capabilities through the Fulton system.
The game is also packed with easter eggs, some directly connected to maintaining cleanliness. For instance, using soap can unlock additional scenes with Quiet and add a touch of humor to the experience.
5.Animal Shelter Simulator
An Underrated Simulator
|
Key Information |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Developer |
Games Incubator |
|
Platform |
PC, PS4, XB1, Switch |
|
Release Date |
March 2023 |
If you seek a pet simulation experience without the pitfalls associated with mobile gaming, look no further than Animal Shelter Simulator.
This compelling game revolves around caring for rescued cats and dogs, rewarding players for aiding these animals in finding their forever homes based on compatibility with potential adopters.
Cleanliness is crucial here, as no one wants to adopt a filthy stray. Different animals have distinct hygiene needs—cats require regular brushing, whereas dogs enjoy the process itself. Moreover, keeping the shelter clean necessitates hands-on effort.
While hygiene is only one aspect of Animal Shelter Simulator, it offers a cozy, fulfilling experience that resonates with players.
6.Death Stranding
I Still Don’t Get This One
Another distinctive creation from Kojima, Death Stranding approaches hygiene in an unconventional way compared to Metal Gear Solid.
Players can bathe, urinate, and defecate throughout the game, with some incentives for maintaining personal hygiene. Safe Houses capture bodily fluids that can be transformed into EX Grenades—unorthodox weapons that entice BTs away, facilitating stealthy navigation.
While I personally prefer traditional armaments, this quirky mechanic adds depth. Plus, it also prevents Sam from incessantly reminding you to wash, making it useful in the long run.
7.Nintendogs + Cats
Tamagotchi, Nintendo Style
Nintendogs + Cats exemplifies Nintendo’s endeavor to create a sophisticated virtual pet simulator, far surpassing typical standalone experiences.
Players can keep adorable puppies, teaching them tricks and taking them for walks. However, like real pets, they require attentive care.
To maintain your dog’s cleanliness, you must regularly brush its fur and bathe it. Failure to provide proper care results in visible dirtiness, and neglect can lead to flea infestations that are visually apparent.
In competitions, presenting a dirty dog not only detracts from your chances but also results in point deductions—emphasizing that cleanliness in Nintendogs is essential.
8.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Old School Hygiene
Set in a rich medieval world, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 captivates players with its meticulous detail. However, neglecting personal hygiene can yield lasting repercussions.
As players engage in combat and exploration, they can quickly become dirtied—grime that is visually reflected and affects NPC interactions.
Poor hygiene can diminish your Charisma, leading to missed opportunities in quests. Fortunately, the game provides ample facilities, such as bathhouses and ponds for washing, ensuring you have the means to stay clean and maintain your reputation.
9.The Sims 2
The Defacto Life Simulator
The Sims franchise stands out as one of the most famous and impactful life simulators available. While I often find myself engrossed in building magnificent homes, the game intricately details everyday living, hygiene included.
In all iterations of The Sims, hygiene is a fundamental need that players can manage through frequent showers and bathroom breaks. Neglecting this area leads to Sims emitting unpleasant odors, adversely affecting their social interactions and overall moods.
Every game in The Sims series tackles hygiene slightly differently, but foundational tasks like bathing, washing hands, and dental hygiene remain effective ways to keep your Sims satisfied. The later titles even introduce lifetime rewards that can slow the decline of your Sims’ hygiene levels.
I’ve chosen to highlight The Sims 2 specifically due to the countless hours I’ve spent immersed in its world, but every title in the series brings unique strengths to the table.
Leave a Reply ▼