Fairfield Public Library has introduced a new Video Game Collection featuring titles for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles, widening the library’s role as a source for arts and culture. Adults as well as youth with an account linked to a responsible adult can check out one game at a time for up to two weeks. This collection highlights video games not just as entertainment, but as forms of cultural expression that reflect and shape how we see the world.
Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom—A New Protagonist
Echoes of Wisdom offers a major shift in the Legend of Zelda series by making Princess Zelda the main protagonist for the first time in nearly 40 years since the first title was released in 1986. This action-adventure game explores themes of leadership and personal growth as Zelda navigates a world in ruins. The game’s expansive world building and intricate puzzles continue the series’ legacy, but now with a new perspective that speaks to modern trends in storytelling that lean toward more diverse narratives.
Astro Bot—Nostalgia & New Technology
Released in 2024 for PlayStation 5, Astro Bot showcases the console’s advanced controller feedback, allowing players to feel every one of Astro’s dynamic movements. As a platformer, it’s simple yet effective, with Astro navigating creatively wrought environments. The game also appeals to long-time Play-Station fans with nostalgic references to earlier games published by Sony. Astro Bot skillfully balances innovation with a nod to the past, offering both technological immersion and playful engagement.
Death Stranding—A Meditation on Connection
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding defies easy categorization. Set in a dystopian future, players control Sam Porter Bridges, a courier reconnecting a fractured society. The game delves into themes of isolation and human connection, resonating in today’s socially fragmented world. Known for blending philosophy with gameplay, Kojima creates a thought-provoking experience that asks players to consider the nature of community in a post-digital age.
Fairfield Public Library’s video game collection isn’t simply about borrowing the latest titles—it encourages deeper engagement with video games as significant cultural works. These are three examples of games that challenge conventional storytelling while offering fresh approaches to experiencing culture. Through this collection, the library connects the community to this ever-evolving world of interactive video game media.