Applying Video Games to Real Life
The lessons and advice that video games leave us
There is a back-and-forth argument by many on whether video games are helpful or harmful. Some have argued that violent video games leads to violent behavior and addiction. Others have pointed out that video games can improve your mental health.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions have turned to video games to destress and digitally connect with friends and family. However, I would argue that video games have the potential to do even more than just that. Video games can act as teaching tools for all ages.
If you want to get to know someone better, unlock their optional side quests and receive special perks from them by talking to them. Often. Want to become better at something? Take on minor tasks to earn experience before taking on bigger tasks. These are just a few examples of lessons that can apply to our everyday lives.
Below are games that will not only keep you good company, but taught me a thing or two!
1) Instead of Chess, Play Into the Breach
Who else watched The Queen’s Gambit, started rummaging through your garage to find your old chess set, tried it for a day, then quit? You’re not alone. There has been a huge craze in the show’s wake, eBay seeing a “215% increase in sales for chess sets and accessories.” If the actual chess set may be too overwhelming, there are a good deal of chess-like games you can try out instead.
The most recently and standout competitor in the strategy category is Into the Breach.
Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game where you control three giant mechs. You must save the world across different timelines, saving (or sacrificing) civilians — much like in chess where, sadly, pawns are used to protect key pieces such as the Queen and King. Your opponent in this game are giant creatures called the Vek. They have unique movements, attacks, and an element of chance (not knowing where the enemy will spawn, what time, and how the environment will affect you) that will keep you on your toes.
There are a diverse range of maps and challenges in the game that will have you pouring over the screen, thinking up new strategies to best your opponent. This game keeps the engagement and intrigue high with the ability to swap out and gain new pilots (with different specialities) and change up your mech’s weapons.
If you are looking for an even greater challenge, crank up the difficulty in the settings. There you can choose to sacrifice objectives (and thus their rewards) or suffer damage to gain an upper hand in the long run. Being able to be creative, make fast, strategic decisions will help you survive. With these features, this game is one you can’t help but replay.
So if the chess set is overwhelming or you’re missing another player, try Into the Breach.
What platforms is it available on?
PC and the Nintendo Switch.
2) Learn the Art of Storytelling With Alan Wake
Another outlet that many have turned to during the pandemic is writing and reading. However, dabbling in the art of storytelling is not an easy feat. But I’ve found the best way to learn how to tell a good story is to read or see one for yourself. Perhaps you want to check out If it Bleeds by Stephen King or, better, why not throw yourselves into an actual horror story?
Alan Wake is a game that throws a best-selling author into their own horror story. Any author’s worst nightmare. In the game you play as the author, Alan Wake. Searching for his missing wife, he’s besieged by shadowy figures that have somehow sprung from his latest book.
The game is laid out as a series, with one episode ending on a cliffhanger and the next beginning with a recap. This inventive storytelling adds a flair to the game that when coupled with other storytelling methods, such as narration from our protagonist and finding the manuscript pages of his book in the world. I enjoyed the ability to read them, finding they often offered glimpses of what awaits us just around the corner.
Alan Wake finds inspiration by other horror media, taking all the tricks and tools from the trade to create a gripping story. You can see nods to The Twilight Zone (with its in-game TV series, Night Springs) and references to Stephen King in the first act.
Critics have lauded this game as a masterpiece for its incredible storytelling and the way it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat — unnerved.
So if you want to see masterful storytelling at work, then this may be right up your dim, dark, and suspicious alley.
What platforms is it available on?
Xbox and PC.
3) Get Relationship Tips from Mass Effect
The pandemic has thrown a real wrench in the world of dating. It’s more difficult to shoot your shot with that cute guy or girl. After all, you can’t tell what their mandibles look like due to mask-wearing. The pandemic has changed the dating landscape in different ways. People are relying on dating apps and virtual dates. There have, also, been reports of people seeking more meaningful connections and a decrease in hookups. But it can be stressful trying to start a meaningful, intimate relationship in the middle of a pandemic.
So until things get better, why not try the Mass Effect?
The Mass Effect trilogy not only has you exploring space, but lets you interact with an array of engaging characters who you can build meaningful relationships with.
The games follow Shepard, a paragon or renegade soldier (depending on how you play) in the position of saving all sentient life. You must work with other species and organizations to mount a defense against a powerful and seemingly unstoppable enemy. No pressure, right? But you’re not alone in this challenge. You have a crew of allies who are here to lend a hand.
Mass Effect shines thanks to talented and well-known actors bringing life and personality to their characters. Which is why building relationships is memorable in the Mass Effect series. The relationships carry with it heart and you can watch characters develop with the story.
You can build great friendships and intimate relationships with your crew. The series provides heterosexual, homosexual, and interspecies romance options. Just like in real life, you cannot be Space Casanova without there being consequences. If you flirt with multiple crew mates, they’ll confront you — confused and hurt. If you want to pursue other relationships, you can break up with your current partner. It can lead to uncomfortable conversations. Every action carries with it a reaction, which is true in real-life relationships.
Invest time with your crew and they will invest in you. When your crew does well, you do well. Soon it becomes a game that not only is about saving the galaxy, but about how our actions affect those around us. That’s a truth we should carry outside the confines of our gaming console.
A remaster of the trilogy, called “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition”, is coming out on May the 14th! So if you haven’t played these games before, this will be the best time to pick it up
What platforms is it available on?
Available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.
4) Raise a Dog With Fable 2
2020 saw an increase of people fostering and adopting pets. However, not everyone can have a pet. Pesky allergies. Small space. Landlord giving you a hard no. What if I told you you could have a pet, go on epic adventures, and even find treasure together without upsetting your landlord? Welcome to Fable 2.
Fable 2 is an open-world action, adventure and role-playing game. Poverty-stricken children take the chance on purchasing a magical item to better their lives. But this was too good to be true as events that follow reveal a villain who attempts to murder our hero. It’s a classic tale complete with monsters, magic, feats of might, heroic sacrifice and dogs.
You can have a dog companion who acts to strengthen your bond with your home, Albion. This good boy will help you in combat, alert you of treasure, and even dig it out for you. They can even perform different tricks for you, such as rolling over to doing a bunny hop. This dog companion loves you completely, to the point its appearance and demeanour will change as you change. For example, if you choose “good” actions in-game, they remain forever a good boy. If you become “evil”, your dog will imitate you and even become more grisly in appearance.
People will react to you, and your dog based on your alignment. So if you decide to choose an evil playthrough, Albion’s citizens will not treat you or your pup kindly. You can enact some revenge by instructing your loyal friend to pee on them (it’s true!). However, your companion can get hurt throughout the game. So always keep an eye on their health and make sure you’re right by their side in a fight.
So if you’re looking for a way to adventure with a dog safely during this pandemic, try out Fable 2!
What platforms is it available on?
Available on Xbox.
While this is not an extensive list, these are games that have left a positive impact on me.
The pandemic has kept us indoors, but video games have become a way to not only connect with others, but leave with enjoyable lessons and tidbits. While nothing can beat having a real dog, sitting in the movie theatres to check out a horror flick, or playing chess with a friend, these video games provide safe and fun alternatives.
Of course, that shouldn’t stop anyone from stepping outside! I hear the graphics are nice this time of year.
