Cute animals or unapologetic gore – video games have you covered

Video games might not help you stay in physical shape, but they’re proven to keep your mind occupied and your reflexes sharp – not a bad way to pass this idle time.

Prominent video games “Doom Eternal” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” were released in stores and online today, but you might be hard-pressed to find physical copies.

During these times, the gradual push toward downloading games in favor of acquiring a disc or cartridge seems all the more prudent. Just don’t tell GameStop I said that – the company’s 2019 third-quarter software sales were down 32.6% from last year.

The two titles couldn’t be any more different, tonally speaking. While “Animal Crossing” is upbeat and carefree, “Doom Eternal” is as intense and savage as the franchise has ever been, with players tasked to combat the demonic forces of hell from a first-person perspective – made complete with a pumping “heavy metal choir” for the soundtrack. Gamers choose from a variety of guns and melee weapons to dispense of foes.

With an excellent Metacritic score of 87-90/100, if you’re feeling frustrated from being cooped up, “Doom Eternal” might be just the cathartic release you’re looking for. The game is available on PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

If you’d rather relax while taking your mind off current events, then “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” might be the better option. A laidback social simulator, players explore an island retreat to forage items and develop a thriving community of anthropomorphic animal friends.

Like most first-party Nintendo games, “Animal Crossing” supports co-op gameplay and is cheery, colorful and appropriate for all ages. Gamers can explore, decorate interior and exterior spaces, customize their character’s appearance and develop friendships with their neighbors.

Available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” touts a Metacritic score of 91/100.