Philadelphia (KYW Newsradio) — Summer has arrived. For many people, that means trips to the beach, festivals, and all kinds of outdoor fun.
But for many others, that means staying indoors, turning on the air conditioning, firing up the PlayStation or Xbox, and playing a few rounds of “Call of Duty” or “Overwatch.” But if you're tired of those favorites, the Free Library of Philadelphia is here to help.
All 54 library branches have video games available for loan for all current consoles, from PlayStation 4 and 5 to Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch. Library officials argue the new addition is a good fit for its educational mission.
“In today's digital age, video games provide unique opportunities for learning and social interaction by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among users,” said Free Library President. said Kelly Richards, director.
Chris Lenglet, Materials Selector, added: “Playing video games is a gateway to literacy for young people. Young people who play games are more likely to read material related to the games they enjoy.”
Library patrons can borrow up to three games at a time for up to three weeks and can reserve games on the library website. With hundreds of games available to cardholders, you'll never be spoiled for choice. If you're having trouble deciding, we have some suggestions to get you started on your gaming experience.
hades (Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4)
Supergiant Games' 2020 action game was widely praised for its roguelike action gameplay, sharp controls, and above all, its deeply emotional story.
In this story inspired by Greek mythology, you play Zagreus, the son of Hades and prince of the underworld, who wishes to escape his father's control. Zagreus is exploring with the help of his relatives on Mount Olympus, but that doesn't change the fact that you're going to die. a lot.
What happens upon death sets this game apart from others in the popular roguelike genre. Zagreus is taken back to the underworld where he interacts with his surly father, his adoptive mother Nyx, the deeply depressed musician Orpheus, and many other mythological figures. These moments help build stats and add depth to the story. For mythology buffs and hardcore gamers alike, Hades is a great time.
Gran Turismo 7 (PlayStation 4)
For many gamers, the closest they'll get to actually getting behind the wheel is Sony's racing simulator Gran Turismo. The 7th edition is no exception.
The racing gameplay is the best in the series, the controls are extremely intuitive, and the cars are all faithfully rendered with state-of-the-art graphics. But Gran Turismo 7 is more than just a racing game; it's also a virtual museum dedicated not only to the sport of racing, but also to the history of the automobile itself.
Every race you win not only earns you virtual currency to buy new parts, but also unlocks new exhibits focusing on real-life cars, companies, and automotive and racing legends. Kazunori Yamauchi, the director and series creator, loves cars, and his love for them can be felt on screen.
(Note: Games require a constant internet connection, except for Arcade mode.)
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut (PlayStation 5)
This action game takes players back to feudal Japan, where they take on the role of Hitoshi Sakai, a samurai who rescues his master from Mongol invaders and liberates Tsushima.
The hack-and-slash combat is top-notch and contributes to the story with several twists and turns. Riding a horse across the open world is also a real thrill. However, the heart of the game is the choices players face as Jin. Either fight with honor or use stealth tactics and become the “Ghost of Tsushima”. Both methods are fun to use and can influence the direction of your story.
There's also a multiplayer “Legend” mode that allows up to four players to adventure together, and for movie buffs, a black-and-white setting called “Kurosawa Mode” adopts the visual style of legendary director Akira Kurosawa, making it even more cinematic. You can enjoy a unique experience.
Street Fighter 6 (PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X)
Sometimes you don't want to play educationally. I just want to loosen up and throw a few elbows and throw a fireball.
The latest installment of Capcom's iconic Street Fighter series allows players to do both and more. With over a dozen characters available, from series standbys Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li to newcomers like Luke, Jamie, and Marisa, there's no shortage of shocking happenings.
However, the new “World Tour” mode to the series allows players to create their own character and enjoy an open-world adventure in search of the very secret of strength. The character creator is surprisingly strong, and the story gives you plenty of opportunities to learn new techniques from all of the World Warriors.
If you think you're ready to unleash these techniques on others, there's an online “Arena Battle” feature that lets you pit your created fighters against players from all over the world. It may not be the same as fighting side by side with your opponents in the arcade, but it's just as intense.
super mario 3d world/super mario maker 2 (switch)
Super Mario 3D World was originally released on Nintendo's much-maligned Wii U console, but it's a highly original and colorful set of levels that encompass everything there is to love about Mario, his friends, and the Mushroom Kingdom. A fun platformer with
The Switch release includes a bonus game called “Bowser's Fury” that pits Mario against a powered-up and angry Bowser. Instead of levels, the game is one big world that Mario must traverse during the day and find hiding places at night, when Bowser is strongest and angriest.
If you like this game, there are many more Marios in our free library collection. However, budding game designers should check out Super Mario Maker 2, which lets players create their own Mario levels in the style of every era of Mario, from 8-bit Super Mario Bros. 3 to 3D. You should take a look. world. “
Once you've completed your level, you can upload it for others to check out, or you can download levels from creators around the world. Some of them can be beaten with a little concentration and hand-eye coordination, while others are punishing in their difficulty, or require just a little bit of effort to bring them to life. It is a work of art that requires an opportunity.
