Monti’s Quarantine Survival List
With huge games like Persona 5 Royal and Final Fantasy VII REMAKE out during #StayAtHome, this gives some folks the time to breeze through them. But, if you’re anything like me, who gets easily burnt out from investing huge pockets of time into video games and TV shows, you tend to have your fingers in a lot of pies to keep from hating your current fixation. Is it actually burning out or commitment issues? Who knows, this isn’t therapy.
Here are video games, albums, and TV shows I’ve been enjoying that have helped stop myself from cutting my bangs, mixing all my different kinds of pasta together for funsies, and texting my ex out of sheer boredom.
Video Games
Hyper Parasite
This 80’s synth dream game had me addicted to snatching up bodies and brains! Hyper Parasite, developed by Troglobytes Games, is a roguelike where you play as a goopy squishy parasite causing havoc by taking over the bodies of your enemies and pitting them against each other.
With new host bodies to unlock, randomly dropped upgrades, enemies referencing your favorite tropes from the 1980s, and amazing soundtrack similar to Blade Runner and Nightmare on Elm Street, Hyper Parasite will keep you coming again and again to find new little treasures you might’ve missed from playing last time.
This game is perfect for those new to roguelike games, as well as those who loved Dead Cells, Enter the Gungeon, and Binding of Isaac. Hyper Parasite is available on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Crossing Souls
Following the 80’s theme, I went back and re-played Crossing Souls, made by Fourattic and released in 2018. You play as five kids from a small town in 1986, trying to figure out the mystery of a pink stone they came across after finding a dead body in the woods.
With surprising deaths, a killer soundtrack, and cut scenes that look like Saturday morning cartoons, I was happy to do a re-play and be reminded why I loved this pixel adventure so much.
I feel Undertale and Streets of Rage players would enjoy this story as much as I have. Crossing Souls is available on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Sneaky Sasquatch
Now to get my eyes out of that 80’s neon lighting and into some 3D forestry, Sneaky Sasquatch, developed by RAC7 Games, is a hide and seek game where it’s up to you to save the park from becoming a land of luxurious condominiums!
Fun side quests like skiing and golfing, taking in your leftover grub to your friend the bear for some extra change, and getting into mischief with the local fox, Sneaky Sasquatch was hours worth of entertainment, and they are continuing to add more features in the future. I can’t wait to see what more they have in store.
This game is a mobile must and is available on IOS.
Albums
Amor Fati, Sleepy Dog
My emo heart loves a little shoegaze with a rough voice.
I’ve been wallowing in my feelings with Sleepy Dog’s Amor Fati album, thinking about my past and seeing how it might be affecting me today. But, with emotions bursting, I am comforted by Sleepy Dog and with the end of each repeat, I’m motivated to keep reflecting and seeing how I can do better in my relationships, both romantic and platonic, in the future.
Favorite songs from this album:
“I’m Looking for the Answer, Love”
“The Sonic Adventure of Com Foolery”
Needs, Giraffage
I used to listen to A LOT of Giraffage back in when I graduated high school and saw him each time he came to Boston for a show when I still lived there. Decided to listen to my older playlists and rediscovered this gem.
Needs is a calm electronica album that helps me get through tasks, and keeps me in focus while working or even cleaning.
I reminisced and looked back on photos of my friends and me from past concerts and it was great to catch up with them since we all haven’t really talked because of my move. So, this album has become kind of a feel-good go-to for me, and with all the crazy going on, I’ve had it on repeat almost every single day.
Favorite songs from this album:
“Before You Go”
“Feels”
TV
Beyond the Boundary (Kyokai no Kanata)
Kyokai no Kanata, or as it’s known in English ‘Beyond the Boundary,’ was released back in 2015 and left an impact on me with the protagonists’ character development. With lots of anime protecting their main folks with plot armor (this is where nothing bad can happen to the protagonist, no matter how awful a story can get), it’s really hard to find stories where I can relate emotionally. However, KnK is a whole roller coaster of feelings mixed with action-packed fantasy battles that are mesmerizing to watch.
Money Heist
I’m trying to be a functioning citizen to society and have normal conversations with co-workers, so watching something like Money Heist that has been trending and also being passed around on my family only Facebook, seemed like the smartest choice. And oh boy, DID IT BLOW ME AWAY. The Spanish drama, the romance, the close calls, all the great spices you need to make a novella soup. Let’s not forget the eye candy, hehe.
This show involves a man who calls himself “The Professor” guides criminals to a robbery that’s been YEARS in the making! This series is available on Netflix, with season 4 just out!
We will see what I’ll be up to with the extra month of quarantine! Please remember to practice social distancing, not be afraid to tell people to back off if they are too close, disinfect anything and everything you buy from stores, and donate any food and clothes to those most vulnerable to the virus at your local shelters.
Hyper Parasite was played on PC using code provided by the developer.
