Relax (video game)

Relax is a suite of self-improvement software written by Kelly Jones and Bill Williams for Atari 8-bit computers 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.

Relax
Developer(s)	Synapse Software
Publisher(s)	Synapse Software
Designer(s)	Kelly Jones Bill Williams
Platform(s)	Atari 8-bit
Release	1984
Genre(s)	Non-game
Mode(s)	Single-player

Gameplay

Relax is a package of three programs: a continuous graph of the user's tension level; a program that displays kaleidoscopic patterns with color changing tones; and a game which encourages the player to use tension and relaxation 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]