Video Game To Play During the Summer

Written by Joella Lin
Edited by Riley Worth
Cover Image by Elena Siye Chen

As summer approaches, here are some fun video game recommendations that will keep you entertained and your thoughts occupied.

Papers, please

In Papers, Please, players play as a border-crossing immigration officer from a country that has just opened its borders after years of war with their neighbouring country. As an immigration officer, you decide who is allowed into the country and who isn’t and every decision matters. The twist is that it’s not just your interests you have to keep in mind but those of family members, government officials, and even suspicious groups. With over twenty endings, this game will surely keep you on your toes. 

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Be prepared to spend your summer on a private island with sunny beaches and a cooling breeze… and paying back your increasing debt to a tanuki (a Japanese raccoon dog)? That’s right, pack your bags because you’ll be running this private island all on your own! Decorate, shop, fish, swim, and dive into the sea in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. As one of the most popular titles to emerge onto the scene during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, its popularity is for good reason. Relax under the sun as you play with friends and invite cute villagers to live on your island. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a cute and peaceful game to play during your downtime in the Summer.

Persona 5 Royal

Play as a student living in Tokyo, Japan, as you navigate through high school with mysterious powers. Solve crimes after school with friends and engage in turn-based battles while meeting interesting characters. Arguably one of the most famous JRPGs (Japanese Role Playing Game) out on the market right now, Persona 5 Royal won’t disappoint! 

Fire Emblem: 3 Houses

Fire Emblem: 3 Houses is a turn based strategy game from the Fire Emblem franchise. The story spans multiple time lines, taking place on a continent called Fódlan that’s home to three different countries. You play as a mercenary turned professor at a church that rests in the centre where the three countries meet, mentoring students that are future leaders and scholars of their respective countries. The gameplay consists of two main parts. The first part is the life simulator where you guide your students as they navigate personal issues, battles, and war. The other part is battles that can last for hours, which consists of turn based combat (it’s a little like chess). With 4 different routes, the story explores themes such as war and trauma, and is sure to leave you questioning your own views on these subjects.

Gone Home

Gone Home is a slow-paced adventure game where you explore your home after returning from a trip overseas. From little details found in the environments around you and audio tapes, you slowly piece together what happened during your absence. The game has LGBTQ+ and mature themes such as abuse, although nothing is shown explicitly. The game is not everyone’s cup of tea because of its playstyle, but for people who enjoy piecing together a good story, this game may be just for you!

Kind Words

  • Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC1JnfWvsLM

  • Cost: $5.69

  • Playtime: N/A

Kind Words is a game where players send anonymous letters to each other as a means to comfort and uplift one another. Its small community is very welcoming and warm, and while you can exchange letters to each other, it does not allow for continuous conversation; it’s simply meant to be a safe space to vent your worries and frustrations. While it’s not your typical video game, I decided to include it on this list as something you can do to destress your mind during your time off. It also has some nice music you can relax to!

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