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Some of the best video games have always offered an escape the real world. Perhaps you tend to gravitate toward classics that feature heroes such as Mario or Link, on quests to save princesses from the forces of evil – but let it be said that Princess Peach and Zelda have been given the capability to hold their own ground in more contemporary versions. Or maybe you like world-building, like in the Sims or Animal Crossing, where simulating real life and even bending it is all fun and games. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there are plenty of video games out there for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and other consoles.
Since many of us are staying at home practicing social distancing as the coronavirus pandemic continues, video games can provide a much-needed reprieve. Check out some of the best video games below as you stay indoors. From puzzles to action-adventures, you have so many options to choose from.
Super Mario Party
It’s not a party without Mario Party, right? Up to four players can get in on the fun, navigating a game board to college stars while duking it out in minigames. You’ll get to do so as one of the returning characters such as Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Bowser, and others, but there’s also a flurry of new additions: Bowser Jr., Diddy Kong, Pom Pom Gooma, and Monty Mole. Whoever you choose, just make sure you beat the others at those minigames to take home the crown.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
If you’ve already spent time at home rewatching all of the Marvel movies, this video game will let you actually play as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Swinging between New York City’s skyscrapers is actually both soothing and exciting if you’ve missed the hustle and bustle of cities. There’s been a number of other Spider-Man video games, but this one is by far the most comprehensive with all its web slinging features.
Available to play on PlayStation 4.
The Sims 4
The latest installment in the world of Sims games, you’ll be able to have all the fun you’ve had with previous games. Build a Sim character and have them get a job, decorate a house, and start a family. Or, if you’re like the many people who like to wreak havoc for the Sims, trap them in the bathroom and start a fire. If you’re looking for some structured gameplay, try out the Legacy Challenge, where you’ll attempt to create a single Sim who has a family line that lasts for ten generations.
Available to play on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart is one of the most beloved video games of all time, reeling in everyone from young players to their parents for races with the most famed characters from the Mario universe. You’ll be able to speed down new tracks and customize your rides. Connect to the internet to battle friends from all over the world.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
You’ll spend days on the journey of becoming a Pokémon Champion in the latest iterations, Pokémon Sword and Shield. The game follows the typical script: catch Pokémon, train them, and defeat gym leaders, this time in the Galar region. There’s 81 new Pokémon along with 13 regional variants of beloved faves, so good luck on catching them all and completing your Pokédex.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
If you’ve loved all the classic Zelda games, you’ll have a blast with this remake of the 1993 game for the OG Game Boy. The graphics are different from other contemporary games, using a retro-modern art style and a diorama-like setup. In short, Link is adorable and sort of looks like one of those Funko dolls. You start off on Koholint Island where Link is stranded after a storm shipwrecks him.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Bringing together characters from your favorite Nintendo games, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will keep you preoccupied for days. You’ll start out with the original eight characters from the classic Super Smash Bros. (Donkey Kong, Fox, Kirby, Link, Mario, Pikachu, Samus, and Yoshi) and have to build out the complete roster by completing different facets of the game, everything from the original Classic Mode to the Adventure Mode where you’ll collect Spirits.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Abzû
This dreamy masterpiece is light on story, but you’ll spend countless hours swimming through beautiful underwater landscapes. Beyond seeing plant and animal life that live in the sea, you’ll also uncover submerged ruins and mysterious technology as part of the adventure. With all the soothing colors and sounds, Abzu might help calm you down all the while imagining you were out in the ocean.
Available to play on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
The Last of Us
This might be a little stressful considering the current state of the world, but if you’re someone that likes to lean into your fears, The Last of Us’s zombie apocalypse storyline will have you be doing just that. It’s understandable why it’s revered as one of the best video games in recent history with its captivating storyline of protecting a young girl who seems to be immune to the virus.
Available to play on PlayStation 4.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This was definitely one of the most eagerly-anticipated games of 2020 and has caused quite the buzz since being released in late March. You’ll build your own island community with the help of iconic Animal Crossing characters like Tom Nook and Isabelle, bringing together a slew of other villagers to spend the day with. It’s also an immersive experience to experience the outdoors while staying at home, with the seasons changing (early April brings blooming cherry blossoms) and certain island fauna only available during certain months.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Kirby Star Allies
Everyone’s favorite pink hero teams up with enemies from games past for Kirby Star Allies. You’ll be battling new bosses with the help of past foes, whose own powers will boost your own abilities. From setting Kirby’s sword on fire to turning into a huge wheel through the power of friendship, there’s tons of adventures to be had.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Dreams
You can practically make anything in your wildest dreams in PlayStation 4’s Dreams: games, music, art, entire landscapes, and more, all by controlling an “imp,” which is essentially your cursor, and using the slew of creation tools. So while you’re stuck indoors, why not spend some time immersing yourself in what some other players have been whipping up. I still can’t get over how realistic that one rendering of a delicious breakfast is.
Available to play on PlayStation 4.
MLB The Show 20
Can’t play baseball outside due to social distancing? No worries, MLB: The Show will bring the sport to the comfort of your couch. You can play as an entire team or choose one player, with the 30 Major League Baseball teams to select from. Whether you want to play for a single game, a season, or an entire franchise, there’s plenty of options to play ball with this video game.
Available to play on PlayStation 4.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Like most of the other Zelda installments, you’ll spend hours on the action-adventure game Breath of the Wild. It’s open-ended gameplay, but the main storyline has Link awakening from a hundred-year slumber with his memories gone. His ultimate task is to take down Calamity Ganon before he breaks free to destroy Hyrule and the rest of the world. With plenty of nostalgic gameplay and settings enhanced by upgraded graphics, Breath of the WIld will take your breath away.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch and Wii U.
Concrete Genie
As Ash, you’ll transform the dark seaport city of Denska into a wonderland full of magical beings as genies. Concrete Genie is less about fighting monsters and more about creation. You’ll paint using Ash’s brush, designing murals all over Denska that help brighten its dreary corners and personalizing all your artistic creations with your own flair and style.
Available to play on PlayStation 4.
Tetris Effect
This isn’t just your old school Tetris. Sure, the main objective is to stack various shapes together and clear lines for points, but you do this in the most mesmerizing setting. Calming music and dazzling backgrounds will react to your game. Animations like dolphins and mermaids emerge and swim all over your screen when you’ve certain scores. The stunning and soothing visualizations will make you forget you’re even playing a game that takes sheer concentration.
Available to play on PlayStation 4 and Windows.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Everyone's favorite green dinosaur has Yoshi explore a papercraft universe where you complete a slew of short levels from a variety of themed worlds. With bright colors and adorable enemies you might feel a little guilty about using Yoshi’s tongue to eat and turn into eggs, it’s sure to leave a smile on your face after finishing a level.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch.
Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular and arguably best video games of our time. It has three different game modes: Save the World, where you work with other players to complete missions and take down zombie-like entities known as “husk” monsters; Battle Royale, a player-versus-player battle royale; and Creative, a sandbox game mode sort of like Minecraft where you can create things such as battle arenas, challenges, race courses, and much more.
Available to play on Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and PlayStation 4.
Overcooked 2
With Overcooked 2, you can experience the joy of cooking with a controller. This game is like the culinary aspects of Food Network meets the chaos of American Ninja Warrior. You’ll gather, chop, and cook ingredients all the while bumping into other characters while trying to serve your creations. Unfortunately, you will also have to wash dishes as well, but at least it’s virtual, right?
Available to play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Xbox One.
Slime Rancher
In Slime Rancher, you’ll play as Beatrix LaBeau, a plucky young rancher who zooms away to a planet named Far Far Range to become a slime rancher. Essentially, you’ll collect, raise, feed, and breed critters known as slimes. How you’ll wrangle these precocious beings that come in different shapes, sizes, and colors? Using your handy Ghostbusters-like device known as a Vacpack. Happy Sliming!
Available to play on Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, and PlayStation4.
Minecraft
How you play Minecraft is practically limitless and an open world. It’s pretty much virtual LEGOS, where you get to build your own worlds from nothing. That’s why it’s been heralded as a game that lets people explore their creativity and imagination, using the tools that Minecraft offers to do everything from making their own signature creations to recreating places like Westeros from Game of Thrones.
Dishonored 2
The sequel to 2012’s Dishonored, this game takes place in the fictional city of Karnaca following Empress Emily Kaldwin being deposed by Delilah Copperspoon, a powerful witch. What’s cool about this game is that you can choose to play as either Emily or her father Corvo Attano as they devise a plan to reclaim the throne. Whether you prefer to complete missions using stealth or going full combat, there’s numerous aspects available for you to tailor your own experience of the game.
Available to play on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Another fantasy action-adventure video game, this one is sort of a cross between the era of Vikings and Medieval times. You play as a Dovahkiin, which means Dragonborn, a mortal born with the soul and power of a dragon. The major objective is completing quests and eventually defeating the evil dragon Alduin the World-Eater. If you love Lord of the Rings or Eragon, you should definitely check out Skyrim.
Available to play on PlayStation 4, Xbox One. and Nintendo Switch.
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