Which Games Are Most Conducive to Cognitive Engagement of Students?

Online shooting games may be the currently most popular genre of video games, but is it really that enjoyable to play? Games like Warzone, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PUBG put you in a highly volatile environment that offers a disjointed gameplay experience. What does that mean, you may wonder?

It means that you tend to spend more time watching the loading and prep screen than actually playing the games. Because you get killed by players at any time from any direction, no matter how skilled you think you are, such hugely popular but unsatisfying games provide only bursts of gameplay. Not to mention, they provide zero educational value and mental development.

Furthermore, such gameplay offers very little immersion into the game’s world. It’s all about serving that tight burst of gameplay until you die again, and again. Developers like to create such games because they are drastically cheaper to make. All you need is maps with the core gameplay mechanic. There is no story, player choice, meaningful progression, and, most importantly – there is no using your mind.

You would need a writing service to explain all the ways such games are unsatisfying, but people keep playing them because of peer pressure and intense marketing. Is such disjointed gameplay the best we can do? Game developers, with some exceptions, are certainly doing everything in their power to normalize that kind of entertainment as the “most popular”.

With that in mind, here are some of the best games you should truly enjoy as a continuous, immersive gaming experience that provides various cognitive benefits for students to boot, without worrying it will be interrupted at any moment by other players.
 

Fallout 4

There is still no game like it. Released in 2015, Fallout 4 offers so much that it is difficult to quantify it. The gameplay type is all up to you. You can play as a melee brawler tank, a sneaky sniper, or anything in between. You can focus on building your settlements to gain experience and resources, or you can simply scavenge the wasteland for precious supplies.

So many skill choices to make, so many characters, companions, enemies, quests, environments, and plot points. We have no choice but to lovingly gaze at Fallout 4 as the golden standard of gaming. Those students with English as the second language will benefit greatly from immersive storylines, as Fallout 4 teaches them English through in-game comics, books, and character dialogs.

Destiny 2

The most beautiful game ever made, Destiny 2 is a masterpiece when it comes to two things – environment art and tight gunplay. However, Destiny 2 is also unique as it seamlessly blends single-player, co-op, and multiplayer experiences. You get to enjoy the rich and immersive storyline all on your own while occasionally meeting other players in the world.

Together, you can participate in various events that grant you better gear and empower your few abilities. Destiny 2 has some RPG elements in terms of classes and skills but nowhere near Fallout 4. Nonetheless, its gunplay and enemy variety is unmatched, thus offering the best from the worlds of single-player and multiplayer.

Destiny 2 will put you in awe of what happens when talented software engineers team up with artists, each team putting their hard-gained education to good use. Many students have been inspired by Destiny 2 to follow similar educational paths.

Rage 2

Similar to Fallout 4 in terms of surviving in a post-apocalyptic environment, Rage 2 is focused more on frenzied action and deployed abilities within a ravaged world. As such, it outshines all other shooter games. The combination of superbly satisfying gunplay and freedom to explore the wastelands, with various vehicles, at your leisure is outstanding.

Moreover, if you thought that mages in games like Skyrim were satisfying to play, you will be ecstatic with Rage 2’s abilities that make full use of simulated physics. In no time, you will be devising new hilarious ways to crush your enemies.

Gears Tactics

First-person games are one of the most popular for a reason. They offer the most control and the greatest immersion. However, there are times when you want to rely more on your mind than on your reflexes. And not only that, isometric games have a better overview of the carnage you inflict as a result of your wise, tactical decisions. It is where Gear Tactics excels.

In many ways, it is better than the XCom series, but what it omits in strategic base-building, it more than enough compensates with visceral warfare befitting the Gears of War universe. Gears Tactics offers great educational value as well, teaching you modern military tactics, how to deploy the troops properly while taking advantage of the environment, and particular skill sets of each soldier. Of course, it’s not on par with West Point academy, but undoubtedly Gear Tactics is more enjoyable.

Taur

Offering a novel approach to the tower defense genre, Taur goes beyond it by creating a unique blend of action and strategy with stylized visuals. Taur puts you in control of advanced weaponry, charged with repelling endless alien hordes. A fully destructible environment, outstanding visual effects, and a rewarding upgrade system are just a few of the reasons you should try out Taur in your free time.

We have not seen such satisfyingly focused destruction since Supreme Commander. Moreover, Taur’s system requirements are quite low, so you are able to play it even on a low-end laptop. Taur educates you to economize your attention as the constant pressure builds up over time, threatening to overwhelm your defenses. Each upgrade of your arsenal is meaningful, educating you along the way on the truth of the saying, Work with what you have.