Check It Out:

Video games have come a long way since Nolan Bushnell introduced the world to “Pong” in 1972. Once thought to be nothing more than a novelty for young people, games have exploded into a billion-dollar industry and have garnered a following of fans aged 8 to 80. As the technology grows more and more sophisticated, developers are capable of creating games that tell rich and complex stories, offer thrilling adventures and challenge a puzzler’s mind. In honor of Teen Tech Week and Newport Beach Library’s “Let’s Play Games!” program Saturday, this week’s Check It Out will present several video games that are fun to play.

“A Boy and his Blob” (Nintendo Wii): A remake of the original 1989 NES game, “A Boy and his Blob” is a delightful puzzle game that tells the story of a young boy who meets a blob-like alien who has come to Earth looking for help to free his planet from an evil tyrant. Teamwork is key, and in order to progress through the game’s 40-plus levels, you’ll feed Blob jelly beans which allow him to take on a form (such as a ladder, trampoline, rocket and more) needed to reach the next level. Rendered in a beautiful, hand-drawn animation style, “Blob” is a fun, family friendly adventure.

“Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars” (Nintendo Wii): While vacationing in Paris, George Stobbard’s life is turned upside down after the café he visits erupts in a violent explosion. With a man wearing a clown costume as his only lead, George will ultimately uncover a conspiracy involving the long dead order of the Knights Templar. Reminiscent of the old-school “point and click” adventure games, players will guide George as he travels all over Europe solving puzzles in order to uncover the mystery behind the Templars’ hidden wealth.

“Shadow of the Colossus” (Playstation 2): Sony developed and published this beautiful game that follows the exploits of a young man who travels to a mystical land. In an attempt to save the woman he loves, the protagonist ventures to a secluded continent that has the power to restore life, but first he must slay 21 Colossi that claim dominion over the land. “Shadow” is a phenomenal title that presents a stunning sense of scale as you hunt down these 50- to 100-foot-tall creatures, each with their own behaviors and ability to manipulate their environment. With a minimalist approach to sound and narrative, “Shadow of the Colossus” is one of the more artistic games to come out within the past decade.

“Batman: Arkham Asylum” (Playstation 3/Xbox 360): Finally, a Batman game that does the Dark Knight justice! After apprehending the Joker, Batman personally delivers the Crown Prince of Crime back to Arkham Asylum, Gotham’s isolated home for the criminally insane. When the Joker manages to break free and ultimately gain control of the mental hospital, Batman’s abilities will be tested as he attempts to bring the Joker and the asylum under control. “Batman The Animated Series” alumni Paul Dini, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill come together to make this Batman title an experience that you’ll never forget.

“BioShock” (Xbox 360): Drawing upon the philosophy of Ayn Rand, “BioShock” is a first-person shooter set in an underwater city called Rapture. Built by industrialist Andrew Ryan, Rapture was to be a sanctuary for the world’s best and brightest, whose talents and knowledge would be free to blossom in a utopia not bound by morality and ethics. By the time the protagonist arrives, Rapture has fallen into chaos as a civil war between two ideologies has turned the perfect society into a war zone. As you make your way through the art deco-inspired city, you’ll fight through waves of genetically altered villains as well as protectors called “Big Daddy” on a two-fold journey of discovery: Rapture’s history and its connection the protagonist. “BioShock” is a triumph of story-driven gameplay.

To try out these games and many others, borrow them from the library, or stop by from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday for the library’s first inter-generational gaming event, Let’s Play Games.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library.