{"id":39931,"date":"2020-12-31T15:53:49","date_gmt":"2020-12-31T19:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andysowards.com\/blog\/?p=39931"},"modified":"2020-12-31T15:53:52","modified_gmt":"2020-12-31T19:53:52","slug":"as-lockdown-and-restrictions-continue-these-are-the-best-games-to-pass-the-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andysowards.com\/blog\/2020\/as-lockdown-and-restrictions-continue-these-are-the-best-games-to-pass-the-time\/","title":{"rendered":"As Lockdown and Restrictions Continue, These Are the Best Games to Pass the Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Despite vaccines being on the way, it looks like coronavirus restrictions are going to be with us well into 2021. This could mean long days, weeks and months of being stuck indoors with time on our hands, unable to see friends, socialize or engage in the kind of group activities we\u2019d normally be enjoying. So how can we make the time pass as quickly and painlessly as possible, while perhaps also finding a way to connect virtually online?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer, as many have already found in 2020, is video games. Whether you own an Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo console, play on a PC or just use your phone or a tablet, there\u2019s a universe of distractions, diversions and outlets for your creativity and imagination just a few clicks away. With millions stuck in self-isolation, gaming enjoyed a huge surge in popularity last year, and with exciting new hardware on the way,<\/a> games look set to remain an essential lifeline throughout 2021. If you\u2019re just starting to explore or are looking for a new favorite, here are some of the top picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal Crossing: New Horizons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Most Exciting Game Releases To Look Forward To During Lockdown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Animal Crossing <\/em>for Switch was definitely the breakout hit of 2020, and with its cute characters, brightly-colored aesthetic and gentle activity, it became the gaming equivalent of comfort food. This game is total escapism, as you find yourself living on an island paradise with your animal friends, building shelters, buying and selling fruit, planting flowers and hanging out. It\u2019s no wonder many preferred to live in this world for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stardew Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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STARDEW VALLEY REVIEW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Similarly wholesome and comforting is Stardew Valley, <\/em>in which you inherit a rundown farm and take on all the work of growing food, repairing fences and managing livestock. The social aspect is also important, as you interact with the villagers and build relationships with them. Stardew Valley <\/em>can also be played online with friends, and for the more adventurous, there are some less mundane surprises lurking in the hills and mines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among Us<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Among Us became so wildly popular<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2020\u2019s other breakout game<\/a> was arguably at the other end of the emotional spectrum, providing an outlet for paranoia, frustration and duplicity. Essentially an online parlor game for ten players, Among Us <\/em>is set on a rundown spaceship where you make up the maintenance crew. Except one of you is an imposter, a saboteur and a killer. When a body is found, a meeting is called and alibis and accusations are swapped around until one player-character is ejected from the airlock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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