The dark ambience, flickering neon lights and flashing screens of computers and televisions lure you into the room. Only moments before, you were sitting in a crowded room, the anxiety of exams binding you like a twisted rope. Now, you stand in front of this comforting atmosphere, stacks and stacks of console games just within reach. You feel tired and defeated from the day, but at the very least, you know the familiar sounds of Mario Kart will drown out your worries for now.
Among the many recreational activities and events offered at Cornell University, the Esports Gaming Lounge at North Campus’ Robert Purcell Community Center offers one of the best selections of entertainment in the late hours of the evening. On most days, the lounge is lively and populated until the clock strikes midnight, and sometimes, even after that.
The lounge offers an assortment of games on the computers and TV consoles, with both being free of charge to all students. For most, the main attraction of the lounge is none other than the high-tech Alienware computers that make any playthrough feel significantly smoother. The computers boast a hefty selection of popular, competitive games such as League of Legends, Valorant and Overwatch. There is also the option to download your own game from other platforms such as Steam and Epic Games. Though the computers typically require prior booking, so if you plan to grace the lounge for the evening, it’s important to plan ahead!
Luckily, if you happen to feel like playing a game on a wider screen, the TVs do not require any prior reservations. The only issue is that acquiring one becomes something akin to a ‘Hunger Games’ of vultures waiting for the first open spot they see, and dejected individuals after failing their stakeout.
There are three TVs and all offer console games, including Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Aside from a select few, most games have more than one copy available. To maximize the number of people who can use the TVs and to mitigate the possibility of a single individual using a whole TV, most of the console games are multiplayer. Despite this, the current number of TVs isn’t always enough. The gaming lounge population typically increases later into the day, so planning an early trip may increase your chances.
Sports Games
Some of the most popular games on the console are sports related. Walking into the gaming lounge, you’ll probably see at least one group of people dishing out a match on EA FC26 or Madden NFL 26. The former takes place in a simulated association soccer setting where you can play as licensed players in more than 750 clubs and 35 leagues and national teams. Madden is roughly the same, but with American football instead.
Both games have advanced AI engines that have substantially improved gameplay mechanics and player positioning for a more lifelike experience. The graphics are also well done, with realistic colouring and textures on the players and environment. For sports fanatics who aren’t able to get on the field, these two are great virtual alternatives!
Mario Universe
Beyond sports, other fan favourites are Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart World. Super Smash Bros is part of a series of platform-fighting video games on the Nintendo Switch that involve character crossovers between many of Nintendo’s popular franchises. The main goal is to inflict damage by knocking the opponent off the stage. For beginners, the controls are simpler than typical fighting games, with only two main buttons for standard, special and “smash attacks.”
Mario Kart World embraces a racing game format, where players can race alongside other characters. There are options to customize characters and racing cars, and the game involves many different modes, including the core racing gameplay, extraneous collection and player versus player games. There are several maps to choose from that pose different obstacles, special pathways and engrossing scenery based on other Mario franchise games.
Whether it’s a fight on floating sky blocks or a tight race on the road, a competitive spirit is a must for these games!
Puzzle Games
Another major category of games is puzzles. This group of games is dominated by the company Hazelight Studios, and involves two-player cooperative game mechanics. The lounge offers two of the developer's most acclaimed PlayStation games: It Takes Two and Split Fiction.
Both games follow an action-adventure, story-based chronology. It Takes Two details a married couple on a quest to return to their original forms after being turned into handmade dolls by their daughter. Split Fiction tells the story of two writers escaping the virtual world they’ve authored. Structurally, the two games have almost identical gameplay mechanics, which makes transitioning from one to another smooth. The puzzles are complex, and the players must cooperate to complete them.
Unfortunately, the gaming lounge only provides one copy of both, and each only has a singular save file. As a result, it’s important to note that unless you want to feel the wrath of someone who has almost completed the game, make sure not to press ‘New Game’ on the starting menu, and instead select from the chapter selection.
Next time you’re feeling like playing video games with a group of friends, or just simply taking a break from the monotony of Cornell classes, the Esports Gaming Lounge provides a steady flow of entertainment that will keep you up late into the night!
Stefanie Chen is a sophomore in the College of Human Ecology. She can be reached at sc3363@cornell.edu.
