If somebody told me that staying home and playing video games was someday going to be a noble cause that saves the world, I would have said they were joking.

But as Gov. Andrew Cuomo said: “This is not life as usual. Accept it. Realize it and deal with it.”

As the nation stays home and lets the health care heroes work their magic for those infected with COVID-19, I want to know what games everybody is playing.

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Personally, I have been playing NHL 20 with some childhood friends online. The group comes together a few nights a week to take on random teams, crack jokes and change the lyrics to well-known songs to fit our ongoing game commentary.

This week, Electronic Arts released a statement that said in part: "Stay safe. Stay home. Play together."

Done.

I also recently finished the game Death Stranding, from the Metal Gear franchise creator Hideo Kojima. It’s got those great visuals that fans have come to expect, and a storyline that is almost impossible to follow without some online guidance. Basically, you are a deliveryman (porter) – taking packages from one site to another, sometimes with the unseen help from other players, with the intent of connecting a disconnected post-Apocalyptic America. 

"Through your experience playing the game, I hope you'll come to understand the true importance of forging connections with others," Kojima wrote in May 2019. More than you know, Hideo.

Have you ever put 46 hours and 36 minutes into a game, and then put it on the shelf for a few years? That’s what I did with Final Fantasy VII. The remake is coming out next month, so I figured I’d dip back in and finish it up. I literally made it to the outside of Sephiroth’s (end boss) lair, put down my controller and never picked it up. Time to tie up loose ends. Here’s a look at the remake:

I’m also about halfway through Zelda: A Link to the Past – a classic SNES game that I also never finished.

In the current queue, I have Naughty Dog’s Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection – a bundle of the series’ first three games remastered for PS4. These games are endless fun in beautiful environments.

IGN gave it a 9.0 review here.

God of War (2018), as opposed to God of War (2005) – Why do two games in the same franchise have the same name? To be incredibly annoying, for sure! As a huge fan of the series, I know I’m going to enjoy this one. I’d show a clip, but this is a family-friendly website.

If you find yourself inside with children who are old enough to hold a controller, consider playing any of the Lego franchise. I can personally attest to the fun of building with Legos and dodging dinosaurs in Lego Jurassic World. There are Lego games that span multiple franchises (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc.)

Anyone with access to a cellphone can play the Jackbox party games. This is good smile every time, whether it’s Drawful (interactive Pictionary) or Fibbage – the “lying, bluffing, fib-till-you-win trivia party game.”  You can play around your TV or remotely with friends.

COVID-19 is affecting everybody in a variety of ways, and many will be compartmentalizing stress over the next few weeks. Being in your home does not mean you can’t connect. If you have the time, get lost in a game. Or at least download the Heads Up! app.