It’s almost New Year’s Eve, which for many of you means a festive night of celebration. But all of that partying can take its toll, and the inevitable pounding headache the next morning means you won’t be up for the year’s blockbuster games with their huge explosions, bright bloom lighting, and chattering pre-teens online. No, New Year’s Day is probably best spent nursing that massive hangover with some soothing indie games, which we are more than happy to recommend as a remedy.

Kaleidoscope (240 MS Points, Morsel)
Kaleidoscope knows that too much sensory stimulation is the last thing your hangover needs, so each level starts with black and white visuals and only a faint background track. By hopping on enemies and collecting special orbs spread throughout, the level color is gradually restored to the scenery with a soothing dynamic soundtrack to match. It’s a platformer perfect for easing out of the blurriness and pain of a long night on the town.

Pixel Blocked (80 MS Points, damnigames)
For a certain type of gamer, solving a good puzzle can be quite calming. In that case, you'll want to seek out Pixel Blocked. The goal is to launch blocks at a puzzle board to fill in the level’s pattern much like if Picross and Space Invaders were to have a baby. The pixilated retro graphics are easy on the eyes, and the addicting puzzle formula can lull you into a zen-like trance, making it a great way to flex your brain without taxing your already short New Year’s Day patience.

Solar 2 (400 MS Points, Murudai)
But perhaps you’re still craving epic outer-space encounters in your New Year’s Day haze. In that case, Solar 2 might be just what the doctor ordered. You begin as a lonely asteroid, but by lazily hurtling yourself toward other celestial bodies you can become a planet pulling in orbiting moons. By simply exploring the cosmos at your own pace, you will eventually evolve into a star with its own orbiting solar system of planets teeming with life. The game does offer some challenging missions to complete, but it’s best to set those aside for another day. As a hangover cure, the simple relaxing sandbox mode is all you need.

Radiangames Fluid (400 MS Points, radiangames)
Are we feeling a little better now? Hopefully you’ve been drinking lots of water to fend off dehydration, because I think we’re ready to ease into Radiangames Fluid. Fluid is a new spin on the pellet-munching Pac-Man formula as you guide a tadpole-like creature through watery mazes. The catch is that instead of Pac-Man’s ghosts following you, you’ll be pursued by the spirit of every pellet you devoured. This can make things pretty tense, requiring quick reflexes and a steady hand; but the calming visuals and therapeutic soundtrack will make things more manageable.

Techno Kitten Adventure (240 MS Points, 21 Street Games LLC)
Of course, when all else fails to revive, there is also always the blunt force method. I’m speaking, of course, about Techno Kitten Adventure. Possibly the worst game imaginable for easing out of a hangover, your eyes and ears will be berated by bright flashing colors, strobe lights, blaring techno beats, and leaping narwhals among other oddities. But if you need a litmus test to make sure the hangover is gone, or perhaps just something to torture a still-hung over roommate, Techno Kitten Adventure will claw its way into your heart.