From pixelated farmers to tiny bug warriors, video games come in all kinds of different playstyles and storylines. Whether players must grow into a true member of the community through the power of friendship or take adventures through dangerous and everchanging lands, I chose “Hollow Knight,” “Dead Cells” and “Stardew Valley” as my all-time favorite computer escapades because of their subtle messages regarding stable support from others and within, including the real life applications behind the constant on-screen action.
Caution: Spoilers ahead!
Video game developer Team Cherry’s “Hollow Knight,” with its 10/10 rating on Steam, a video game distribution platform, through almost 45,600 reviews, is one of the most highly rated in its metroidvania genre out there. Metroidvanias are 2D, built around exploration and continually learning more about the scenario through accomplishing quests or map exploration – something that “Hollow Knight” excels at. The player starts off as a little knight bug with a nail, in the Kingdom of Hollownest, out to do justice in an empire’s post-apocalyptic ruins filled with “infected” orange critters (not unlike the main character) that must be killed to pass through all the areas. Boss fights and non-playable character (NPC) dialogues — with valuable characters to converse with — made me feel personally involved in the lives of these powerful bugs.
Aside from the mechanics of the game, “Hollow Knight” made me realize the importance of curiosity and the value of friendship in dark and unruly places. In “Hollow Knight,” curiosity occasionally kills the cat, or in this case, bug, but it also leads to mysterious and wonderful adventures with charming prizes or events that allow improvement of the knight’s abilities. Without poking around in unassuming bushes or walls, it would be many times harder to beat bosses or sometimes even progress through the game. In addition, I always look forward to meeting new NPCs and seeing their dialogue alter as I get to know them more. Through all of the ups and downs of thick plots and intricate surroundings, the massive journey of such a small bug makes me love Hollow Knight.
Furthermore, I also adore “Dead Cells,” a roguelike-metroidvania game developed by the video game company Motion Twin, for its replayability and, surprisingly, its high level of difficulty. “Dead Cells” features a chemist’s immortal failed experiment fighting its way through other undead or magical enemies over and over again to beat the system.
The joy and purpose of “Dead Cells” falls on its always increasing difficulty, particularly when least expected. Dying repeatedly doesn’t impose punishment, though; death actually progresses the character in the form of new weapons or abilities that improve monster-slaying skills. Every time I play “Dead Cells,” I always enjoy the adrenaline rush from confronting challenging areas that force perseverance in vibrant new lands, even after my character passes through death’s door innumerable times.
Finally, my favorite journey of all time is “Stardew Valley,” a pixel style farming simulation developed by ConcernedApe (aka a game developer Eric Barone) and published by Chucklefish, a game developing and publishing company. I originally played “Stardew Valley” because it was in my YouTube recommendations list about three years ago and after checking out the adorable thumbnails, thought it looked amusing enough to watch a few videos. From there onward, I was wholeheartedly pulled in, especially when I eventually bought it for increased enjoyment. I give “Stardew Valley” extra points for realism, as a lonely farmer’s life can become one filled with great riches both in money and friendship, thanks to NPCs who have genuine hardships like alcoholism, absent fathers and angry divorcees.
These issues immersed me in the digital world, but not so much that I couldn’t step aside for a moment after emotional scenes that bring tears of joy or sadness. Beyond all the emotion aspects of playing, this game serves as a method of relaxation for me. I love that I can just enjoy “Stardew Valley” without sweating through hard levels or risking my virtual limbs for certain rewards. With its lulling music and wonderful art, “Stardew Valley” brings a welcomed sense of serenity at times when my life could not be more hectic from heaps of homework and a busy schedule.
These three games are more than the fighting or farming on the computer screen. Deep down, they coerce me to face literal monstrous challenges and push onward anyway – not only on-screen, but also in everyday life’s burdens. On the other hand, “Hollow Knight,” “Dead Cells” and “Stardew Valley” remind me to take breaks as well, and relax or manage side projects out of true curiosity instead of need.
In the end, through bugs, death and peace, these digital adventures have all helped develop me into the person I am today by hiding subtle lessons of endurance and amity over the course of hellish journeys, all while teaching it the fun way.
What are your favorite video games? Let us know in the comments below.
