Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of tropical paradises and sandy shores in video games. However, none have managed to capture the essence of a beach getaway quite like the games on this list.


Summer has officially arrived, and while some people are taking advantage of the warm weather to pursue their hobbies outside, others who prefer video games can find refuge in the cool indoors. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of games, old and new, that evoke the tropical vibe some might be longing for from the real world.

For individuals who prefer a virtual getaway over the bustling sandy beaches in reality, the upcoming games are an excellent choice. Ranging from kid-friendly platformers to adrenaline-pumping first-person shooters, these titles beautifully capture tropical locales as their primary setting, delivering an immersive gaming experience tailored for summer enjoyment.

8 Sonic Adventure

Sonic’s Intro To 3D Featured A Lot Of Beaches

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

In the world of video games, not many beach stages are as legendary as the one in “Sonic Adventure,” Sonic the Hedgehog’s initial foray into 3D platforming by Sega. Players have the opportunity to explore a string of campaigns featuring beloved Sonic characters, including the classic duo of Tails and Knuckles, as well as lesser-known heroes such as Big the Cat and E-102 Gamma.

In this game, you’ll find numerous stages set in diverse environments. However, the central location is Station Square by the port, which grants simple entry to the Emerald Coast stages. This main hub significantly differs from the game’s other hub, Mystic Ruins with its forested terrain. Yet, Station Square boasts an engaging collection of levels for each character, making a summertime playthrough worthwhile.

7 Crash Bandicoot

A Million Ways To Die On The Beach

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

The classic Crash Bandicoot game for the PlayStation is renowned for its iconic status, yet it’s common to overlook the coastal theme that runs throughout. In this adventure, Crash Bandicoot embarks on a mission to save his beloved Tawna from the grip of the villainous Doctor Neo Cortex. Their journey takes them across various islands and archipelagos.

At the initial stage, named “N. Sanity Beach,” players encounter a serene-looking beach that deceitfully takes them to a jungle filled with ancient ruins. Despite its deep roots in ancient civilizations, the game’s island motif maintains an appealing beach atmosphere, making it worthy of inclusion in this list focusing primarily on video games set in tropical locations.

6 Pokemon Sun & Moon

Game Freak Looked To Hawaii For Generation 7

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

In the seventh installment of the Pokemon series, fans were introduced to the Alola region, inspired by the picturesque locales of Hawaii. Spanning across four distinct islands, players embark on a colorful journey unlike any other in the franchise. The towns in this game are nestled next to stunning beaches and boast breathtaking views of the ocean.

In these 3DS Pokemon titles, numerous designs have a beach theme. Palossand, a Ghost/Ground type resembling a sand castle, is one example. Crabrawler, a Fighting type crustacean, is another. Even the guardian deities, which are based on traditional tiki statues, number four. The forests and mountains in these games have an unexpected beachy feel as well.

5 Dead Or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball

This Eye-Catching Spin-Off Is Set At A Resort

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

In unusual cases, a spin-off game like “Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball” draws more players than the original series. This isn’t shocking given that it features popular female characters from the combat game collection, transporting them to a secluded island for volleyball matches, casino games, and other amusements.

As a gamer, I can tell you that this game really goes all out with the beach theme to present the famous Dead or Alive characters in eye-catching attire. But it doesn’t stop there – the core gameplay is strong, especially during the volleyball stages. Even if fan service isn’t your thing, the engaging gameplay is sure to keep you hooked.

4 Far Cry 3

This Is One Island You Don’t Want To Wash Up On

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

In a unique twist for first-person shooter games with an expansive open world, Far Cry 3 finds players unwittingly stranded on the secluded Rook Islands. They are then abducted by the brutal and notorious pirate, Vaas Montenegro, portrayed by Michael Mando from Better Call Saul. The islands offer endless adventure as players scour for hidden weapons, acquire vehicles, and even master wingsuits for exhilarating aerial exploration.

Instead of other games on this list, Rook Islands stands out as a private island that is not typically associated with tranquility and relaxation. Pirate groups run rampant, turning the island into a perilous place that contrasts the peaceful image one might expect from a getaway destination. Additionally, this game offers a cooperative campaign set on the same beaches, which serves as a prequel to the main storyline.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Link’s GameBoy Adventure Was His Breeziest

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

The Legend of Zelda series doesn’t avoid tropical settings, as demonstrated in games like The Wind Waker with its ocean voyages and Breath of the Wild’s Zora Kingdom. Among these, Link’s Awakening for GameBoy stands out with its beachside locations, a fact that is even more pronounced in its 2019 Switch remake.

On Koholint Island, which is filled with intrigue and boasts a tropical climate, Link arrives after being shipwrecked. To leave this place, he needs to find and gather eight musical instruments for the Wind Fish residing here. Koholint Island showcases diverse landscapes, including perilous caverns and towering peaks. However, most of your time in the beginning will be spent discovering the island’s picturesque coastline.

2 Mother 3

Lucas Searches Islands For His Brother

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

In the “Mother” video game series, particularly in “Mother 3” for GameBoy Advance, the urban settings stand out. However, unlike earlier games such as “Earthbound,” the role-playing game is set on the Nowhere Islands. These islands offer a coastal environment that deviates significantly from what “Mother” fans have grown accustomed to. Only New Pork City locations diverge from this coastal theme and remain inland.

On the Nowhere Islands, you’ll find various biomes, ranging from Death Desert to Snowcap Mountain. Despite their differences, these islands preserve an island theme. The story begins at Tazmily Village, which is nestled on the beach. Notably, Cerulean Beach will be a frequent destination in the main narrative.

1 Super Mario Sunshine

Mario’s Vacation Goes Awry

Best Games Set Mainly On Beaches

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always found the Mario series to be particularly enchanting, and nowhere is that more true than in “Super Mario Sunshine” for the GameCube. In this captivating adventure, Mario and Princess Peach are enjoying their tranquil escape to Isle Delfino. But just as we were settling in for some relaxation, things took a turn for the worse!

In the vibrant world of “Super Mario Sunshine,” numerous stages showcase Gelato Beach, Pinna Park, Sirena Beach, and Noki Bay at their stunning best. These tropical locales outshine all other “Mario” games with their breathtaking beauty. Players will find themselves longing to escape to these idyllic shores, making this beach-themed 3D “Mario” journey a truly unforgettable adventure that sets the standard for beach-centric games.

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2024-07-20 07:04