Subliminal messages – not yet illegal in video games – have made their way into Time Warner Interactive Inc’s latest title, Endorfun. Inspired by recent research in which video games are said to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural chemicals that make you feel ‘high’, in the brain. Hypnotic graphics and a tribal soundtrack accompany the user’s attempts to guide flashing cubes into slots in what sounds like a New Age form of Tetris. Underlying all this are a series of ‘positive phrases’ alternating between a man and woman’s voice, saying things such as You will achieve your highest goals, Know what you want and it’s yours and the simple but gushy, You’re beautiful. Endorfun will be available in October at ú30.
