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Taking a Break, Part III: Step Into A Different World

Cover art for the video game, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Temperton, James, and Kamen, Matt. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – maps, tips and tricks to survive Hyrule. Wired. 22 November 2020, https://www.wired.co.uk/article/zelda-breath-wild-tips-guide.

In this final installment of the “Taking A Break” blog series, we cover the many options for immersing oneself in a different world through computer games. Some worlds are whimsical, others are gritty, and still others are magical. In all cases, the visual effects are getting more sophisticated all the time. Scientists are now learning that computer-game play can have mental health benefits, including enhanced focus and improved executive function. Media Services has a selection of video games, with titles for game systems from the original Xbox to the Nintendo Switch. All synopses below are from IUCAT unless otherwise noted.

Cover art for the Xbox video game,  Pack-Man World 3

Pac-Man World 3: Pac-Man and Orson must put a stop to the plans of evil genius Erwin, who has created a machine that can penetrate the Spectral Realm as he attempts to dominate Pac-World. Includes features: vibration function and digital and analog control. Photo credit: Pac-Man World 3 Game Box Art. Wikipedia. 22 November 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pac-Man_World_3#/media/File:Pac-Man_World_3.jpg

Animated picture of Pikachu, from the video game Pokemon: Let's go Pikachu!

Pokémon: Let’s go Pikachu! “The next step in your Pokémon journey starts here. Take your Pokémon journey to the Kanto region with your partner Pikachu or Eevee to become a top Pokémon Trainer as you battle other trainers. Use a throwing motion to catch Pokémon in the wild with either one Joy-Con controller or Poké Ball Plus accessory (sold separately), which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life. Share your adventure with family or friends in 2-player action on one system using a second Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus (sold separately). You can even connect to the Pokémon Go app* using a compatible smartphone to bring over Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region!” Game synopsis: Let’s Go Pikachu. Amazon.com. 22 November 2020, https://www.amazon.com/Pok%C3%A9mon-Lets-Go-Pikachu-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B07DHWCV38/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pokemon+let%27s+go+pikachu&qid=1608658518&s=videogames&sr=1-1. Photo credit: Pokemon Pikachu art. Wikipedia. 22 November 2020, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a6/Pok%C3%A9mon_Pikachu_art.png

Video game poster for Star Wars Battlefront II with stormtroopers in all white outfits and large robots

Star Wars: Battlefront II: In this sequel to the original Star Wars Battlefront game, you can engage in battles inspired by the Star Wars films. Fight as a Jedi, battle in space, and engage in massive online battles.” Photo credit: Battlefront II screenshots. starwars.com. 22 November 2020, https://www.starwars.com/games-apps/star-wars-battlefront-ii-screenshots

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour: Take on Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and others in the Mushroom Kingdom. Challenge them to tournaments or take them on in character matches to collect rings or nab coins.

Katamari Damacy 塊魂: When the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys all the stars in the sky, he orders you, his pint-sized princely son, to put the twinkle back in the heavens above. Photo credit: Katamari Damacy. Wikipedia. 22 November 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katamari_Damacy

Image of PlayStation 2, Katamari Damacy, video game

Remember: it’s okay to take a break. Stay safe, get some fresh air, and enjoy some live music or social interaction. From Media Services to you, Happy Holidays!

This blog post is brought to you by guest student blogger and IU Media Services student staff member Duncan Hardy.


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