Daily Tech News Show Jenn and Roger Play Games: Zen - Experiment Week 5088
Aug 22, 2025
Jenn and Roger dive into the world of Zen gaming, sharing favorites like Monument Valley for its calm puzzles and stunning art. They humorously compare gaming pleasures to real-life tasks, highlighting the satisfaction found in virtual adventure. Their exploration extends to LEGO Odyssey, character customization, and the expansive realms of Final Fantasy XIV. Listeners are invited to discover the unexpected joys of gaming, emphasizing escapism and relaxation as key themes throughout their playful discussions.
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Calm Puzzle Design Lowers Stress
- Monument Valley offers relaxed, non-competitive puzzles that remove time pressure and penalties.
- The game uses movement and perspective to create serene, satisfying problem solving.
From Confusion To Calm With Monument Valley
- Jenn initially struggled with Monument Valley but revisited it and found it clicked and calming.
- She replayed levels for an hour, then bought the PC bundle and wished she had included the soundtrack.
No-Timer Games Foster Exploration
- Zen games remove timers and urgency, making exploration and discovery the reward.
- That design contrasts with timed puzzle games like Tetris, which create stress through space or speed limits.