Action-based, relaxing games?

[dogman91]

Anyone know of games where something about the atmosphere makes it feels leisurely, relaxing and/or fun and non-stressful to play through... I don't mean games like Animal Crossing or turn-based RPG's. I mean games with action, but with a key point of it being not too much where it becomes super-intense. Music and graphics can play a big part of this atmosphere as well. Really vague to describe I know.

Some examples of games I have played that I would attribute to this:
-Spyro the Dragon 1
-Donkey Kong Country 1
-Parts of Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy and Rayman 2 (particularly the beginning)

Probably not the defining end-all-be-all examples that are out there, but of course that's why I have this thread.

Fez looks like another one that would fit in this sort of category from what I've seen of it, and perhaps Ecco on the Dreamcast too.

[dsheinem]

Ico and Shadow of the Colossus.

[Hazerd]

Ico and Shadow of the Colossus.

i 2nd this, also Uncharted games, man so good, they just flow when your not in a gun fight.

[MrNash]

I find Saints Row 3 strangely relaxing despite all of the carnage. Same goes for GTA games.

[Overload]

Okami
Muramasa: The Demon Blade

Both are visually pleasant, with gameplay that isn't too demanding.

EDIT: Solatorobo on the DS. I got through the whole game without dying once. Really detailed visuals with relaxing music and easy-going gameplay. Wrote a review a while back if you're interested: http://www.portableplatypus.com/2012/02 ... unter.html

[SteveyMajors]

The Kirby series, especially Epic Yarn.

[isiolia]

Journey

Also possibly Child of Eden

[brunoafh]

Dynasty Warriors/Musou games fit this bill. They're pretty mellow cathartic hack n slash games that provide little challenge yet taking out groups of enemies and bosses always feels rewarding.

I think Ratchet & Clank works too. The games I played offered a small amount of challenge, yet were fun and running around blowing stuff up never ceased to be entertaining. Most 3D platformers with action elements in general would work for you, probably.

[BurningDoom]

The Panzer Dragoon series definitely fits this bill. It's an fast-paced action-shooter, but at the same time the beautiful graphics and environments in conjunction with the soothing music makes it a very relaxing gaming experience.

[flojocabron]

I get this same vibe from the Crash Bandicoot series on the PS1.