The Video Games of CSH
“As a person who has been playing video games throughout my childhood, I’ve dedicated this article to the joy video games have brought to others whether it may be for fun, to relax, or play with friends.”
Video games are widely played among Comp Sci High students and staff. As a person who has been playing video games throughout my childhood, I’ve dedicated this article to the joy video games have brought to others whether it may be for fun, to relax, or play with friends. I’ve reached out to the school in a google form on their favorite/most played games. A variety of games were stated, about 30! From the results of the form, I ranked the title that appeared the most frequently into a top 5. Here are the results:
#5: Stardew Valley
At number 5, Stardew Valley was voted by a few, but just enough to make it to the top 5. Stardew Valley is an open-ended game. This means that the game is free form and flexible without any restrictions and rules throughout gameplay. In Stardew Valley, players have the ability to fish, cook, mine, grow crops, raise livestock, and even more! You can even play online with others of up to eight players.
A staff member, DG, has said, “This community building farm sim game is right up my alley. The graphics are throwback excellence, the music is amazing, the gameplay is compelling. It's made me a completionist.” Alongside this, Mr. C, another staff member plays Stardew Valley with his partner after work. “We love gardening.”
#4: Apex Legends
In fourth place, Apex Legends is an online multiplayer battle royale game. Apex is a team based game in which you play with up to 3 people per team. This game focuses on abilities specific to a character. This may help guide players in possibly winning against 60 other players total, including yourself and your team.
Ahmaree Concepcion is a 9th grader at CSH. Apex Legends is his most played game. “It's a game I grew up with, starting in season one, and continuing to play until the most recent season, 20.” He finds the fighting style of the game unique, being able to add attachments to his weapon in game. Mr. C also considers Apex Legends his most played game, for he plays it with his brother. “We both enjoy playing multiplayer games.”
#3: Persona Series and Smash Bros
For third place, three games were tied, the Persona series (as in Persona 1 through 5, although majority said Persona 5 specifically) and Super Smash Bros.
The Persona series include Revelations: Persona, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. The more popular and recognized games in the Persona series are Persona 3, 4, and 5. All the games are all single player JRPG games, also known as Japanese role-playing games. Every Persona game has its own story. The overall gameplay of this series includes turn-based combat against various enemy types.
The Persona series is one of Crystal Cabreja's second most played video games because of the characters and storyline. “I got Persona 5 free through Playstation Plus which is why I originally played it. Through this game I was also able to find something in common with one of my advisees in tenth grade, who’s now one of my bestfriends today.” Kaycee Rodriguez, an 11th grader, also finds the rich story and unique play style of Persona 5 intriguing. “It was the first game I ever 100% completed. The stylistic choices help keep you into the game and keep playing to see what happens.”
Super Smash Bros. is a fighting game where Nintendo characters fight each other from different games. Each character has their own unique fighting style and abilities. This is a game that can be played by up to eight players either CPU, a computer controller character, or real players.
Fans of this game have expressed how much they enjoy being able to fight alongside a character of their favorite Nindento franchise. Given how frequently this game is played in the CSH Gaming Club, it makes sense that a large number of people like Super Smash Bros. 10th grader, Andry, says, “I remember the first time I played as Luigi the moment I played the Wii U version of it. I still am a Luigi main in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, there are some things that I found funny whilst I was playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. I remember that one time during Gaming Club when I was using Cloud and I accidentally spiked one of my friends who were using Pyra/Mythra.”
#2: Roblox
Roblox was voted amongst many. Roblox is a gaming platform that allows you to play user-created games You can create games on your own through the Roblox Studio. There are a variety of genres to pick from like RPGs, horror, to even shooters. In this game you can chat with others and make your own unique avatar. The limit of players may be based on the game’s description. Some may be single player, some may have up to 30 players!
A current senior at CSH, Briana Chavez has been playing Roblox since 2012. She enjoys the diverse amount of experiences Roblox offers and the ability to customize your avatar. “I play with my sisters, friends, boyfriend and cousins allowing me to connect with them more.” Jeremy Manana has also been playing Roblox for a while and has an estimate of 3,000 hours. “I’ve met many friends and enemies there.” Others have highlighted how much they enjoy Roblox's creative community-based environment and the ability to make their own games.
#1: Fortnite
Lastly in 1st place, Fornite was voted by the majority of Comp Sci High. Fortnite is a third person shooter game in which you play against 100 players including yourself. The goal of this game is to be the last one standing. You can play solo, duos, trios, or even form up a team of a squad. Gameplay of Fortnite consists of exploring the environment and looting areas for weapons and other utilities. This will help you engage in combat with others on the same island.
The majority of those who play Fortnite have stated that they enjoy playing with friends and have created a lot of memories. Samuel Garcia wanted to play Fortnite when it originally became popular, but he didn’t own a computer or console at the time. During Season 8 of Fortnite he had finally gotten a Xbox and played the game nonstop. “I love playing it so much because of all the fun memories I’ve had and will continue having.” Similarly, Jessica Cruz Dabrowska had played Fortnite originally with her cousin in 2018, but stopped playing for a while. Eventually Jessica had gotten back on Fortnite, and she began to enjoy playing. She gained +2,000 hours of play time. It was back and forth for her due to gaining but then suddenly losing connections with friends she had made on the game. “Recently, ever since they announced the OG season, I got back into the game and it was enjoyable again. I play this game for fun and I don't really care about the competitive scene in this game. I just enjoy messing with my friends when I play this game and enjoy seeing the visuals.
Author’s Note
This article doesn’t necessarily rank what games are the best and what isn’t. People at CSH have similar interests in certain games, and some of these games appear to be more popular than others. Enjoy the games you love playing whether it be for fun or to stay connected with friends/family as stated by a majority of why they play video games!
As a person who has been playing video games for a while now, ever since childhood, I have many of my own favorite games I’d like to share. My reason for playing video games, especially RPGS, is to see the many stories people have created in a visually appealing, fun, and engaging format. When this isn’t applied to RPG games I generally enjoy making memories with the people closest to me like friends and family.
I myself love the Persona Series, Final Fantasy Series, Genshin Impact, Honaki: Star Rail, The Forest, and Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage (also called Project Sekai). There’s definitely more games I could list out, but these games are some I’d consider my top games.