Relax (video game)
Relax is a suite of self-improvement software written by Kelly Jones and Bill Williams for the Atari 8-bit family and published by Synapse Software in 1984.[1] Subtitled "The Stress Reduction System", Relax uses a headband containing sensors attached to electromyograph hardware to provide audio/visual feedback in three interactive programs.[2] It also includes a 25-minute cassette tape of guided relaxation.
Gameplay
Relax is a package of three programs: a continuous graph of the user's level of tension; a program that produces kaleidoscopic patterns and tones that change color; and a game which requires the player to use tension and relaxation by changing the level of tension to win using a headband that monitors the player's muscle tension.[3]
Reception
Roy Wagner reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World, and stated that "Next time you've played a stressful game or have too many hours at the joystick, before you shot off your computer, load this program and r-e-l-a-x-x-x-...."[3]
References
- "Relax". Atari Mania.
- "Relax manual" (PDF). Atari Mania. Synapse Software. 1984.
- Wagner, Roy (February 1985). "Micro-Reviews". Computer Gaming World. 1 (20): 37.