With spring break only a couple of days away, it’s safe to say that both students and staff are already planning on how to utilize this time. Many will be recuperating after a grueling third quarter, especially with all the major projects that occurred during this time. As a stress reliever, some will turn to video games to pass the time during the long-awaited break. But, what to choose? There are so many options nowadays when it comes to entertainment. Not to mention all the different genres. But in the end, it’s all based on your preferences, whether you prefer cozy slice-of-life or action-packed adventures. In this article, there is a list of some video games that can help both students and staff alike pass the time over break.
First up on the list is Dark Souls! Senior Henry Clements says, “Out of all the Dark Souls games, you should try Dark Souls III. Also, you should try to branch out of your comfort zone and do something you’re not entirely comfortable with, like trying single-player story games.” Now, while Dark Souls III was created in 2016, the game’s graphics still hold up to this day. However, the setting can be quite macabre for some; set in a land that is on the brink of collapse, with heavy medieval influence. This game is notorious for its difficulty and for being part of the predecessors for games like Elden Ring to emerge. Not to mention the insane character designs that you’ll encounter throughout the game, like the bosses. In total, there have been three main games in the series, along with a variety of remasters and spin-offs. For the majority of the saga, Dark Souls can be found on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation with a price range of around $40. While it’s a bit pricey, if you’re craving a challenge over break, then you might be interested in playing this critically acclaimed series.
If you’re a fan of cozy games, A Little to the Left should definitely be put in your top ten. Throughout the game, your goal is to organize and unpack your various belongings while moving into your new house. All while avoiding the disruptive, yet loveable, antics of your cat in the process. The bright, colorful graphics and soothing soundtrack make it an excellent choice to wind down after the last stressful weeks. Not to mention the replayability value with the addition of DLC or downloadable content, adding more content to the main story. Thanks to a reset button, you can replay the game all over again and earn some bonus achievements. The best part about this game is how easy it is to pick up, and you don’t have to worry about investing too much time into playing it, especially with the game’s daily tidy feature. A Little to the Left is available on mobile, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox for $14.99, but for the bundle, which includes both DLCs, the game is priced at around $30. But if you’re looking for a low-effort, relaxing game, then I strongly recommend this game.
For multiplayer games, R.E.P.O., or Retrieve, Extract, and Profit Operation, has taken the stage with its rising popularity since its release on February 26th. The main mechanics of the game involve teamwork and avoiding enemies while you gather artifacts to meet your quota. While there have been many of these types of games in recent years, R.E.P.O. manages to set itself apart from the big shots like Lethal Company. The pure silliness and chaotic nature of the game and co-op mechanics make it a charming new addition to the realm of multiplayer games. However, R.E.P.O. is still a horror game at heart, so if you’re not a fan of scary games, then this might not be for you. But the sheer absurdity and chaotic shenanigans of your friends can override any fear you might experience throughout the game. Especially with how silly the avatars are, the muppet-like robots only add to the comedic factor. Currently, the game is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch for $10. So, not only is it quite affordable, but it’s also a great way to connect with friends and family, even over the break!
To finish up our list, we’re ending it with a bang! Baldur’s Gate Three is an award-winning turn-based game that revolves around the schematics of DnD or Dungeons and Dragons. The game utilizes its fantasy setting to create a diverse set of protagonists, all with their quests to reach Baldur’s Gate. However, despite the dark topics in certain parts of the story, the game manages to add romance and comedy throughout your campaign with character interactions and choices. Not to mention the stellar voice acting and immersive storytelling for a turn-based game. Senior Savannah Hamrick says, “There are so many subplots and secrets that you can collect throughout the game. There is a little bit of a learning curve with the controls, mechanics, and commands. But I picked it up rather quickly. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this game to any lovers of DnD and interesting stories or anyone looking to get into DnD as it’s a great introduction.” In total, Baldur’s Gate Three offers more than 500 hours of gameplay and immense replayability due to how story-driven the game is. The choices you make play a big part in the variety of endings you might receive, so choose wisely! Not to mention that this game can also be multiplayer if you wish to start a campaign with your friends. Currently, it can be found on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, but Baldur’s Gate Three is the most expensive game on this list. The best time to purchase this game would be when it’s on sale or there’s a deal since the game’s original price is listed at around $60. But I’d say it’s definitely worth the investment, and as someone who’s played the game, you’ll find yourself enamored with the world before you even know it.
And that concludes my list of recommendations for games to play over the break! Of course, everyone has their preferences. Some may not like the games that I have listed above, and that’s alright! At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what games help de-stress you the most. After a long, grueling third quarter, it’s important to relax your brain and try to do something mindless over the break. Not to mention the games that are easy to pick up and require minimal effort to play. So, make sure to give yourself some grace after all the hard work you’ve put into the quarter, and have a great spring break!
