So many events have been cancelled this year, and Bonfire night in the UK is one such event to have left us high and dry. No major live events, no big fires to toast marshmallows and no underlying plot to blow up the government (again). The question now is what to do if you want to see some fireworks?
One very handy solution - Video games.
Yes, one of the few times you're being told to stay home and play on your consoles, you too can join in on the festivities. While these games might not hold them on the days themselves, they will hold them at points during them. I'll explain more as I cover them. These will be my few recommendations for video game fireworks to watch indoors, but if you have any you think are better, let me know.
Animal Crossing.
Ah yes, the game of mine, and many other people's childhoods. For those who don't know, Animal Crossing is a life simulation where you live in a town with your many animal friends. It has everything you need to survive, such as debt, capitalism, abusing natural resources and a noticeable hierarchy! ...why is this rated a 3+ again?
Honestly, these games are all really sweet, and you get really attached to almost all your villagers (don't judge, I just don't like Mira is all...). It's like life, but you don't have major deadlines. Miss an event? It'll come back next year. Or, if you really don't want to wait, simply turn off your internet syncing and change the time back. Just be careful not to jump too far forward or backwards, as the animals don't forget.
This event is in almost all the versions (just not the original Dobitsu no Mori), but if you play through August, every Sunday they have a firework show. Your animals will stay out longer and you get to watch fireworks from 7pm till 12am. From New Leaf onwards, if you talk to Isabelle outside the town hall, you can customise your fireworks too! Imagine the night sky painted in your own creations.
Good company, good patterns and a calming night indoors with a town of your creation. A good alternative for going outside.
2. Assassins Creed 2
Going for a throwback, Assassins Creed 2 was what you'd hear so many say was top tier. You'd hear the stories of that one kid in school who could wander round Italy and remember where to go due to playing 50hrs plus on one game. While I'm not the most familiar with it myself, I do enjoy looking back on all the hype from it.
The section I'll be talking about in particular is when Ezio has to go through the Carnavale segment. You go through the streets, fighting a few people along the way, then you manage to get yourself onto the rooftops and see all the fireworks going off. While the graphics will be lower resolution due to the time of the game being made, the good news about it is that you can leave it on as long as you like.
After being an assassin for a good 10hrs (depending on how fast or slow you play), you have a relaxing sight to stand on top of the rooftops to watch. If only that was simple to do in real life...
3. Hitman
The assassins just seem to love their explosions, don't they? I'm not complaining if it's Agent 47 on the case though. This game is honestly a gem to look at, as well as really versatile with how you can complete it's missions. The re-playability of this shines through as you can complete different missions in many ways.
For the fireworks, you'll need to access the "Showstopper" mission and locate the fireworks remote ( inside Palais de Walewska ). Then it's as simple as setting it off and watching your hard work pay off. Not only can you kill your target in the cover of booms, but watch the spectacle as it goes on. What a beautiful night to get your targets killed.
It can be tricky to get the remote the first time round, or if you're not aiming for that method yet as you're too busy getting achievements. Once you manage to get your trophy, come back and try to get this sorted too. Blend into the crowd as you watch your hard work light up the sky.
4. Sims 4 - City Living Pack
This last one will be nice for anyone who's missing the "living" part of life today. Or the "going outside" part. Or the "actually seeing other people" part. Basically, every part of the lockdown limits. Make your own household, break every rule of 6 possible and delve into the addictive world of Sims.
For this one in particular, you're gonna need to buy the City Living expansion pack. One of the features it brings is festivals, where you can celebrate in different ways. There are quite a few types to celebrate, with one that I can say for sure has fireworks is the Humour and Hijinks festival. While it's not the same as Bonfire night itself, it's still something to look forward to after a long day of quarantine.
Celebrating with your Sims these mini events will surely liven up your bonfire night, even if there's no bonfire to speak of. Snuggle up with a cup of tea as you control the fate of your own creation.
Hopefully, these will bring some mini joy to your day (especially as England will be starting a lockdown on Bonfire night.... so much fun). While these situations are far from ideal, making the most of what we have is a good thing to figure out. As long as you have a bit of optimism per day, you'll get through.
Remember to chat to friends, do what makes you happy, and keep busy. Time'll fly in no time.
-R (3/11/2020)
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