Hope everyone is staying cool during these hotter days! Let’s face it, we were asking for this in January when it was cold so we can’t complain too much! And while I’ve talked about how much there is to do outside in the summer here on the eastern shore I’m going to focus today’s blog on a more inside activity (But don’t underestimate how a projector and screen set up outside can improve the experience). Yes I know I’m 30 but times have changed and I’m not ashamed to admit I love video games. Unfortunately, adulting takes up a lot of time so I do not get to play as much as I would like or used to. But if I ever have some free time and am not hooked on a show I will load up, join some friends and escape for the night. Not only are video games a great stress reliever to just take your mind off things but they feature all kinds of puzzles, tasks and split second decision making that helps keep your brain fresh and exercised. They are also a great way to connect with people. I have a few friends who live far away that I barely ever get to see but talk to on a weekly basis because of video games. So today I thought I’d highlight some of the video games I’m looking forward to playing this year.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet- This was one of my favorite video games growing up if not the favorite. I without a doubt spent more time playing Pokemon on my Gameboy than probably any other task beside sleeping while growing up. As I grew up I definitely started playing less but recently I’ve gotten into the games again, replaying the old ones I grew up with and trying out some of the newer versions. Well A new game is coming out sometime this fall and I can not wait. Boasting a new multiplayer mode you can now battle to be the best trainer with your friends. You may find these games childish but there's something about building and training the best team and picking the right matchups and moves to end up victorious that gets the brain going.
Mario Strikers Battle League- I’m a fan of nearly everything Mario does. Whether it’s tennis, racing, fighting or now soccer! With a twist of a 5 v 5 matchup opposed to the normal 11 v 11 that soccer usually has, this game is built to be fast paced and entertaining. I only played soccer for like a year when I was 6 but it has become my favorite type of sports game to play. While regular sports games can be complicated and end up being dominated by those who play it a lot, mario sports games are much easier to pick up and can be enjoyed by friends and family of all ages. It’s especially clutch when you’re hosting people as it can provide hours of entertainment for everyone.
F1 22- Racing games have gotten so realistic and impressive that this one had to go on my list. I don’t watch Nascar, formula 1 or any type of racing. I have nothing against it, but it has just never grabbed my attention. However, racing games are an entirely different story. From Mario Kart to Midnight Club and everywhere in between I can get hooked on a racing game in no time. They can also be picked up and learned pretty easily so it’s another game that you can play with friends and family. Even the ones who don’t usually play video games. The last formula one game was one of the highest rated games when it came out so this one has a lot of hype to live up to.
Saints Row- This game brings back memories. It’s been about 9 years since the last installment of this series and the anticipation is growing. They have been pretty quiet and not leaked too many details about the game. You are a gang boss who is trying to build an empire and run the city. You start businesses and disguise them as legal work and try to gain money and power. If you like the GTA series you will like these games. This is another strategy/action game where your decisions will make as much of an impact on how things turn out as your gameplay does. I’m not that into the senseless violence these games can feature but the idea of building business and an empire from the ground up is something that always entices me.
Two Point Campus- I grew up playing Roller Coaster Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon and a few of the other Tycoon games. If you don’t know what I’m talking about it was basically an empty grid and you got to build, run and maintain a theme park or zoo or some other type of business adventure. You would choose what to build, where to build it, how to price it and then try and become as successful as possible by making money and upgrading your park or zoo. Well this brings the same idea but to a college campus. I’m not saying a college campus is the most exciting thing to build but the more you think about it the possibilities are plentiful and I can bet it’s going to keep me entertained for hours.