From solving for unknown words to battling friends, video games have become a go-to way to relax and connect with others. The variety of video games — ranging from battlefields to building towns — appeals to a wide range of interests. The Coat of Arms has offered its perspective on which of these four categories is the best: educational, mobile, console and sports.
Educational: Wordle, Kayla Banatao
This combination of spelling bee and problem-solving techniques tests vocabulary and anagram skills as players guess the correct combination of letters that make up a five-letter word, in at most six tries. Freshman Kayla Banatao sees Wordle as a fun way to learn new words.
“There is no game I’d rather spend my mornings playing,” said Banatao. Wordle is a fun way to improve your vocabulary, whether you mean to or not.
Mobile: Clash Royale, Payton Lee
Turn in any direction, and you’re more likely than not to hear the Clash Royale theme song playing from someone’s phone. Originally released in 2016, Clash Royale has weaved its way in and out of teenage audiences. Players use decks of cards with different troops and spells in intense matches.
“[It’s] the best mobile game because it’s fast-paced, but still makes you think. You can play a quick match anytime, but it never feels boring because there’s always a new strategy to try,” sophomore Payton Lee said. The game’s balance between luck and skill never gets old, and “battle passes” (a tiered system that gives players rewards as they progress through the game) ensure there’s always something new to try.
Console: Fortnite, Riley Huang
Fortnite has, and will continue to be, one of the most classic console games. Whether you’re an expert in intense combat or simply know of it from its many viral dances — like Orange Justice and the Floss — Fortnite allures all audiences. It’s similar to Roblox in that you can build worlds, but its combat gameplay is widely considered superior.
Sophomore Riley Huang, a Fortnite regular, says the game is the best way to battle other players while teaming up with friends. “Fortnite is the best console game because it brings a unique aspect to battle royales while also allowing you to talk and have fun with your friends,” Huang said. So next time you’re bored, COA suggests picking up an Xbox or Nintendo or even a computer to hop on Fortnite!
Sports: College Football 26, Deven Dholakia
Released in July, College Football 26 is a mirror of Madden, which has historically been the most popular football video game. It is an upgrade from its previous version, College Football 25, and it does not disappoint. Sophomore Deven Dholakia thinks the game introduces friendly competition. “College football has game modes where my friends and I can play on the same team at different positions, so it’s really fun to play with them, not against them,” Dholakia said. The game is also very realistic, an intriguing component for other staff members. “Even though I don’t play football, the game allows me to feel like an actual football player,” junior Tristan Chen said.
