Certain video games offer an opportunity to explore enchanting realms, taking you to the lofty heights of High Hrothgar as well as the vast expanses of Hyrule’s seas. They provide a platform for you to interact with cryptic tombs and alternate dimensions too.
But what if you like your games closer to real life?
Could it be that you’re considering using a game as a means of exploring possible vacation spots for your upcoming trip? Or perhaps integrating it into a history lesson? Or even recalling memories such as proposing to your high school sweetheart at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco through a game?
Here’s a personal take on your request:
I’ve compiled a top 10 list of video games that offer an immersive experience akin to actual travel, arranged based on the authenticity and grandeur of their real-world settings. These digital journeys are not just entertainment, but also serve as virtual tours for armchair explorers like myself!
10. Ghost of Tsushima
Even Used by the Tourism Board
Tsushima is an idyllic group of small islands situated off the Japanese mainland coast. Known for its verdant woodlands, serene landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere, it’s a sought-after vacation spot. Some notable attractions include Mount Ariake, Komada Beach, and the ruins of the once-mighty Kaneda Fortress.
In a manner reminiscent of “Ghost of Tsushima”, it showcases breathtaking colors, as per the official Sony/Tsushima City tourism board site, with an astonishing 89% of its landscape consisting of verdant mountains and forests.
Instead of physically going there, it would be better to explore this place through the game, to preserve its pristine beauty and sacred sites.
9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Audentes Fortuna Iuvat!
Stepping into a fresh gaming adventure, I find myself immersed in “Kingdom Come: Deliverance II”. This time, we delve into the historical landscapes surrounding the Kingdom of Bohemia, now known as modern-day Czechia, reimagining them as they once stood long ago.
In the physical world, you can find two captivating destinations: Trosky Castle, currently a ruins, and Kutná Hora, an eastern city with striking Eastern European architectural styles reminiscent of the past.
Given the widespread appeal of this particular game, it’s almost certain that this author plans to visit the attractions when he travels to the Czech Republic in June. Coincidentally, this was an already scheduled vacation, but what a perfect opportunity to combine business with pleasure!
8. Watch_Dogs 2
San Francisco, Hipsters and All
Although Ubisoft often faces criticism for various aspects such as design, labor practices, and more broadly speaking, overall operations, there’s one area where they consistently receive praise – the creation of their open-world environments.
In the same vein, Watch_Dogs 2 doesn’t disappoint either, offering a meticulously reimagined depiction of the San Francisco Bay Area, encompassing Marin County, Silicon Valley, and many other locations as well.
Additionally, unlike many other games, even those within the same Watch_Dogs series, Watch_Dogs 2 dares to do something unusual – it’s set during a bright and sunny period.
Enjoy the summer sun as you ponder your upcoming vacation spot, find a vehicle to drive there, and don’t forget to snap a picture for social media engagement.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)
New York is a State of Mind
Among all cities in gaming, New York stands out as one particularly well-represented, but Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 distinguishes itself with its attention to detail and bustling city atmosphere. Additionally, swinging through the city using your web-slingers is a fantastic way to tour the sights, allowing you to bypass the inconvenience of rush-hour traffic.
As a gamer diving into the Marvel’s Spider-Man universe, I’m thrilled that in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, I’ll be able to explore beyond just Manhattan. Instead of being confined to one borough, I can now swing through Brooklyn and Queens, making my web-slinging adventures much more expansive and immersive!
If you’re curious about top spots to explore in the world of Spider-Man 2, then let TopMob, your helpful neighborhood guide, be your go-to source!
6. Forza Horizon 4
A Great Representation of Britain
In the vein of other titles within the Forza Horizon series, Forza Horizon 4 offers a compact depiction of a specific global location. This time, it’s modeled after the beautiful landscapes of the United Kingdom, which happens to be this developer’s home country.
In this installment of the series, for the first time, seasons are integrated, meaning specific locations become accessible depending on the time of year. To illustrate, Lake Derentwater becomes frozen solid during winter, enabling you to speed across it using any vehicle of your choice.
Other points of interest include Edinburgh, the Lake District and the Cotswolds.
Currently, the game offers a somewhat idyllic depiction of the nation, free from unsightly graffiti or debris.
You know, even though the scenery of the countryside is truly breathtaking, remember to factor that in when you’re arranging your future vacation plans. Enjoy the game!
5. Assassin’s Creed: Origins
A Look Back at the Ancient World
The game “Assassin’s Creed” is often praised for its commitment to authenticity in designing its settings, and this was certainly true for “Origins,” where a vast expanse of Ancient Egypt was painstakingly re-created with great attention to detail.
You have the opportunity to stroll around, traverse using parkour, or even scale these structures – from Alexandria, the Pyramids, and the Sphinx – to truly grasp what life was like in ancient times.
Additionally, you’ll find a Discovery Tour feature that lets you explore the game settings freely, devoid of any adversaries. As you traverse the landscapes, interesting facts and trivia about ancient Egypt during Cleopatra’s era are sprinkled throughout, offering you an educational experience along the way.
This game feels like it could be any of the Assassin’s Creed series, ranging from Paris in “Unity” to Ancient Greece in “Odyssey”. For more breathtakingly recreated locales, have a look at Hardcore Gamer’s list.
4. Euro Truck Simulator 2
Where Else Can You See Recognizable Landmarks From Plymouth?
What a delight it would be to travel down an open highway, sipping from my cupholder, with BBC Radio 2 playing softly in the background. Suddenly, I’d steer to the left, recognizing that, indeed, that is where I need to turn.
In the game Euro Truck Simulator 2, you assume the role of a European truck driver, responsible for transporting various goods throughout different parts of Europe.
Over the past 13 years, I’ve been on an exciting journey, exploring this game that’s steadily expanded its European landscape with a series of DLC packs, one by one.
As a globe-trotting gamer, I’ve found myself exploring an astoundingly detailed virtual world that spans across 35 diverse nations, ranging from the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. From bustling cities to iconic landmarks, each country offers a unique gaming experience.
If you’re looking for a broad sense of various European countries’ landscapes and attractions, perhaps for a road trip, then the video game, “Euro Truck Simulator 2“, could serve as an excellent starting point.
There’s also American Truck Simulator, featuring 16 states to visit from California to Oklahoma.
3. Minecraft
Cube World
As a dedicated gamer, let me share my thoughts about Minecraft – though its visuals are made up of blocks, what sets it apart is its impressive scalability. Compared to many other games out there, Minecraft’s ability to adapt and grow with players is truly remarkable.
Building with various kinds of blocks and an endless landscape offers the possibility to create structures that resemble LEGO, but on a significantly larger scope.
Regardless of whether it’s replicating the Isle of Cumbria or the whole of Denmark, Minecraft has served as an educational resource for schoolchildren and provided a means to explore cultures that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Absolutely, in addition to building large structures, Minecraft can also be utilized for exploring smaller entities like a computer. This enables learning coding, engine design, and even playing Minecraft within Minecraft itself!
2. Microsoft Flight Simulator
The Ultimate in Video Game Tourism
In simple terms, Microsoft Flight Simulator employs a technique called photogrammetry to generate incredibly accurate replicas of our actual planet – encompassing every corner of it.
Information from Bing Maps, supplemented with aerial photographs taken by planes, is blended with intricately designed details for significant landmarks and airports, resulting in a highly accurate bird’s-eye view of our planet.
Experience a bird’s-eye view of Las Vegas with its dazzling lights, zip past the majestic Sphinx, and follow storms in near real-time, all while enjoying up-to-date views of the world and weather thanks to real-time data from Bing Maps.
Experience the world as never before with the upcoming edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, featuring enhanced details such as seasonal variations and stunningly realistic depictions of the Aurora Borealis. This brings the globe a little closer for all enthusiasts.
1. GeoGuessr
Guess Where I Am
Back in 2013, Anton Wallén crafted a unique gaming experience called GeoGuessr, where I, as a gamer, am dropped into an unknown corner of our vast world. Armed with nothing but my wits and the power of Google Street View, it’s up to me to figure out exactly where in the globe I’ve landed. It’s a thrilling adventure that tests my geographical knowledge and observation skills!
By observing environmental cues such as directional signs indicating the flow of traffic on roads, you can estimate where your location is in relation to the real position. The game will then provide feedback on how accurately you have guessed.
In this game, there’s a whole system and rivalry structure that players create for themselves. They set personal constraints such as the time limit, the number of moves, navigating specific street routes, or whether they can adjust the camera angle.
Alternatively, you could opt for a laid-back yet informative method when exploring foreign geographies. A fun and factual game would be ideal if it showcases genuine images from the destination itself.
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2025-04-01 16:10