Parents' Guide to Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

Although older players are likely to be bored pretty early on, younger players that just want to explore will find a lot to appreciate here. If Minecraft is too stressful, then Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles might be just the thing -- its complete lack of combat and time-sensitive deadlines to get tasks done in-game makes for a more whimsical, laid-back gameplay experience. Although you'll be trudging all over a sizable island that can be traversed in about five minutes, the game focuses much more on exploring, developing, and interacting with the world and its inhabitants. Granted, your interactions with people aren't too deep (people just want you to go to location X and bring back Y), but that just frees players up to soak up the sedate environment. And it's a gorgeous world to be in. With changing seasons and weather patterns and with no need to look over your shoulder for enemies, though, all you have to occupy your time are tons of errands and chores. These tasks run the gamut from collecting wood and smashing stones to fishing and bartering. Eventually, you'll take to crafting your own items to trade with others. If you're so inclined, you can establish your own farms to work more items into your rotation for trading, but it's completely optional. The easygoing vibe to the game is reminiscent of Facebook games or even mobile games, which ultimately means whether you like it or not depends on your disposition. The open-ended nature that comes with no urgency will definitely throw some players, but people who have been craving something more laid-back will find a ton to do and enjoy here.