Life has ups and downs. When I am down, burdened with stress, sadness, or just an overall sense of unease, I’ve discovered a reliable escape: video games. No matter if I’m teaming with my cousin on high-stress Free Fire missions or moving through vibrant worlds on PS4 titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and WWE 2K22, video games have been my reliable way to escape reality. Video games are more than entertainment—they offer happiness, socialization, and a sense of self-actualization that gets me back on track in no time.
Playing Free Fire with my cousin is the ultimate way to flip a bad day on its head. There’s something special about logging onto this high-speed battle royale title, in which 50 players parachute onto an island and engage in a fight-to-the-last-person showdown. As soon as we join the queue, headsets on, we’re more than cousins—our team is formed, working out plans and mocking each other as we dive from danger to danger. Whether we’re scouting out gear, setting an ambush, or laughing as one of us gets killed off by an unsportsmanlike camper, those bonding moments seem impossible to break. The rush of an intense match, in which we’re surviving the last circle with shots whizzing past and clutching the phone with all our might, instantly perks me up. Even when we lose, we tease each other over our missed shots or cheering each other on for the next match—makes me realize I’m sharing whatever miserable vibe I’m going through with someone who gets me.
And then there’s the PS4, my personal sanctuary when I’m craving a solo adventure or a different sort of excitement. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a title that always brings me out of a slump. Web-slinging through the snowy urban landscape of New York City as teenager turned superhero-in-the-making Miles feels like entering a power fantasy realm. The silky-smooth web-slinging gameplay, combined with exhilarating combat fuelled by Miles’ special venom powers, makes every fight an epic experience. When I’m sad, chaining combos, zipping from skyscraper to skyscraper, and saving the world feels different. The narrative speaks to me—Miles’ struggle with balancing responsibility, family, and self becomes relatable with me in the non-fiction world. Experience through his victories, such as foiling a high-tech crime or fending off an attack in his neighbourhood, makes me feel strong and capable and in command of the world, something I struggle with when I’m lost in my own mind. The colourful graphics and heart-thumping score contribute to the escape, with every playthrough reminding me through the narrative and gameplay that I am capable of beating what I’m going through.
On the opposite end of the scale is WWE 2K22, a title all about pure entertainment. There’s something wonderful about grunting your way into the digital wrestling arena, where I can craft my very own wrestler—complete with garish wardrobes and finishers—and wrestle against foes. As I slam the likes of John Cena through a table or do an epic last-second kickout, the over-the-top action of the game is an ideal way to blow off steam. The customization allows me to unleash my imagination, developing a character who feels like an extension of me, while the breakneck-fast matches yield instant rewards. Even in casual playthroughs in exhibition matches, chuckling away while doing a 360-degree moonsault, the energy of the title is infectious. It’s the sort of entertainment that needs no deep analysis—just pure, unabashed escapism that sweeps away the frustrations of the day.
What makes these games effective at lifting my spirits isn’t just the gameplay but the emotions they invoke. Free Fire with my cousin is about connection and shared excitement, reminding me I’ve got someone in my corner. Spider-Man: Miles Morales offers empowerment and immersion, letting me enter a world where I can be a hero. WWE 2K22 is all about letting loose, embracing the ridiculous, and finding joy in chaos. Together, they provide an emotional outlet—connection, empowerment, and fun—that help me through my low moments from different angles. Gaming isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a powerful way to shift my perspective. The thrill of a Free Fire win, the excitement of web-slinging, or the laugh-out-loud moments in the wrestling ring all remind me that even on my worst days, there’s still room for joy.
Sometimes, it’s not just about the games but the rituals around them. Setting up a late-night Free Fire session with my cousin, complete with snacks and friendly banter, feels like a mini-event. Firing up the PS4 after a long day, sinking into the couch, and losing myself in Miles’ world is a form of self-care. Even the anticipation of unlocking a new move in WWE 2K22 gives me something to look forward to. These moments, big and small, create a space where I can leave my worries behind and focus on what feels good. In case you ever find yourself in a sad mood, I advise you to grab a controller or play a game with somebody with whom you vibe well. Which games do help you get out of your bad phase? Do you have an ace title or a gaming partner who makes all things right? My go-to title is Free Fire with my cousin, while PS4 gems such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and WWE 2K22 are my pass to being back to myself.
The writer is a student of class 7th, APS, Srinagar.
