Could I have a few suggestions for games that are non-linear, have great ambient audio, require grey matter, aren't too busy, are fun, and have you feeling like more of a real human being after playing? I've really enjoyed MYST, GTA, and Carnivores (which I find very relaxing, is that bad?) - what are some similar games?
I can't recommend anything more than Phoenix Wright. That game basically matches your description PERFECTLY, and is an amazing game. I'm going through my second runthrough of the game, and it's surprised me yet again with some of the plot twists. Such a great game. If you want an older console game that's really atmospheric, though, try Clock Tower for the SNES sometime. That game made me paranoid. EDIT: Just re-read your description, and PW is pretty linear. It's the perfect game otherwise, and meets all of your other descriptions, just not the non-linear one.
Umm... as far as I can think of that's about it. Gang$tar wasn't too impressive, so you may want to just stick with GTA... I also enjoyed Chaos Rings A LOT if you have the money. It's not extremely linear, but there's a pretty clear path that you have to follow to beat the game, although you can go back and replay dungeons at will. Great combat system, great graphics, good storyline... Best RPG on the App Store.
Mr. AahH!! and Mr. Space!!, by PONOS, are two simple games based on around simple arcade concepts...but they're done so well that you really get engrossed in it. I started cursing and yelling out loud when I died/succeeded.
I think Battle for Wesnoth matches this perfectly. A turn-based strategy that saves every turn, the music...actually i don't listen to the music. But the amount of strategy and the well written campaigns make this a great purchase. It doesn't match any of your previously played games but on it's own it's great.
Hector and Broken Sword are two adventure games that fit the bill nicely. The Infinity Project might be a bit too linear for you (though not as linear as a Gameloft game), but I find it very immersive. Space Miner also has much of what you're looking for Aralon, which is coming out around September, may be perfect for you, too.
all you need is PHOENIXX WRIGHTTT!#@@!$ seriously though, once you get that, you're gonna be playing it til the end which is 25-35 hours. Have fun!
That's a great list, although I'm not all that "immersed" in Infinity Project. I enjoy the game, but it's not as immersive as games such as Broken Sword.
I find Necromancer Rising to be pretty immersive. If you like to read, I'd highly recommend the Adventure Gamebook series of games, they're excellent.
Yeah, definintely those games. I tested both Adventure Gamebooks (as well as the upcoming third book), and I must say, I've enjoyed both games. Far more immersive than the Fighting Fantasy books, which were more like dungeon crawlers than the Adventure Gamebooks, which actually follow a pretty cool storyline. Great writing too.
Spider: Secret of Bryce Manor has almost everything you asked for. It has an interesting non-linear plot that takes some thought to dissect. It comes with a beautiful original soundtrack that creates a fun but relaxing vibe to the totally creative style of the game. You can take your time playing it and appreciate its charm. After you complete the game and it all comes together, you'll regret finishing it because it was such an experience, just on an iPhone. "Aftermath" is a very atmospheric game. It's yet another zombie shooter, but the lighting and graphical effects implemented into it place you into the middle of an abandoned city overrun by these pesky zombies. As far as immersive games, that one came to mind first. More for the atmosphere: Samurai Way of the Warrior (pretty Japanese art) For the audio: Zen Bound (music), Labyrinth 2 (realistic sounds). For the brains: Eliss (frantic puzzle/action fun), Cogs (great slider puzzle.) For the "not too busy": Drift Sumi-E (art + racing= relaxing game.) For the pure fun: Canabalt, Enviro-Bear 2010, and Puppet War FPS.
