Top 8 Games for Nature Photography Enthusiasts

Summary

Virtual photography in games with detailed environments offers nature photography opportunities.
Games like Assassin’s Creed, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon offer scenic natural settings for photography.
Titles like Lushfoil Photography Sim and No Man’s Sky give low-stress, alien wildlife photography options.

Hobby of nature photography encompasses various subjects such as animals, plants, fungi, and scenic landscapes. On the other hand, virtual photography, a captivating hobby for gamers, enables users to capture stunning images within the digital environments of their preferred video games. This isn’t just about taking screenshots. As modern games are incorporating photo modes more frequently, even though some franchises remain reluctant, it extends beyond that. Games like “Beyond Good and Evil” or “Life is Strange,” which focus on photography, have been around for a long time, but they’re not the same thing. Virtual photography represents an innovative art form that empowers players to express their creativity within the game world.

Many modern games today incorporate intricately designed environments that players can explore, with a significant number of these settings being partially natural landscapes such as deserts, forests, jungles, grasslands, oceans, or a mix thereof. For some individuals, this provides an opportunity to capture stunning photos in locations they may not be able to visit in reality. These immersive worlds frequently feature realistic models of plants and wildlife. As a result, these games serve as excellent platforms for virtual nature photography enthusiasts.

8. Assassin’s Creed

Detailed Open Worlds With Lots of Animals

Although it might appear unusual, the chosen franchise aligns seamlessly, particularly in its latest installments. One aspect that sets Assassin’s Creed apart is its meticulous recreations of historical backdrops. In the more recent games, this attention to detail extends to the environment, featuring authentic wildlife native to each setting. Beginning with Origins, all games have incorporated a photo mode, offering an array of capturing-photos options, even in locations that players may never be able to access directly.

In both the desert landscapes of “Origins” and the Mediterranean settings of “Odyssey”, these games go to great extents to depict various species of wildlife. Notably, “Odyssey” stands out due to its nautical backdrop, which provides intricate underwater maps as well as stunning surface locations. While playing, you may encounter creatures that require hunting or self-defense in the main campaign, but these challenges are absent in the Discovery Tour mode. This mode instead allows players to roam freely across the map and snap photos of anything they find without fear of danger.

7. Beyond Blue

Underwater Adventure Full of Deep Sea Life

This intriguing independent game revolves around relaxed exploration of an underwater ecosystem. Throughout its brief storyline, players assume the role of Mirai, a live-streaming diver who records marine life and advocates for conservation. The game mechanics are intentionally user-friendly. As Mirai is equipped with all necessary gear, she doesn’t have to fret about running out of oxygen. However, she will come across numerous sea creatures during her journey. There’s an exciting level where she delves deep into the ocean to discover its mysterious and somewhat eerie wildlife.

As a fan, I can’t help but excitedly share that the game’s standout feature is its photo mode! This isn’t just a fantastic way to deepen my knowledge about various marine species, but also offers me a unique chance at virtual wildlife photography. With this, I can capture stunning images of whales, fish, and even octopuses – subjects typically only accessible to underwater photographers in real life. What a thrilling opportunity!

6. Flight Simulator 2024

Travel the World and Visit Different Environments

If you were to imagine virtual photography in the game Flight Simulator, you’d likely expect it to be about taking photos of various aircraft such as planes, helicopters, and hot air balloons that the player can control. However, the new version introduced a feature called “walkaround mode,” allowing players to exit their vehicle and explore the incredibly detailed environment around them.

Players can explore a variety of locales, ranging from bustling airports and cities to breathtaking natural environments across the globe. These include African savannas, snow-capped mountains, lush tropical jungles, and the vast Australian outback. Each setting is teeming with native flora and fauna. Additionally, there are photo challenges that task players to visit certain ecosystems and capture wildlife images using the game’s photo mode, according to specific criteria.

5. Ghost of Tsushima

Natural Beauty Clashes With Medieval Warfare

In a simpler way: The 2020 game from Sucker Punch focuses on a compelling narrative that explores the shortcomings within traditional Samurai ethics and the dilemma of how to act honorably against unscrupulous foes. However, it’s worth noting that one aspect that doesn’t receive as much attention is the open world setting in Ghost of Tsushima, which places great importance on capturing the beauty and realism of its natural surroundings.

In this game, while the variety of animals may not be as extensive as in other games on the list, those that are featured are truly stunning. One unique aspect of gameplay is tracking foxes and birds to uncover hidden treasures. Characters like Jin can come across a variety of creatures such as foxes, birds, bears, deer, fish, and crabs. However, it’s important to remember that nature encompasses more than just animals. This game showcases breathtaking landscapes filled with vibrant flowers, providing a fantastic opportunity for capturing some stunningly scenic photos.

4. Horizon Series

Post-Apocalyptic World Full of Life

As a gamer, I’ve found that the border between nature and technology becomes quite hazy in games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West, with robots that resemble animals taking center stage. Yet, these games still manage to highlight a breathtakingly beautiful natural environment.

Aloy, my character, can traverse various landscapes – forests, deserts, tundras, and even delve into the underwater realms of Forbidden West. The game’s theme of nature reclaiming the old world is beautifully portrayed through overgrown ruins, where vegetation has begun to claim its territory. This offers numerous opportunities for stunning vistas as a player.

This game features both real animals and mechanical ones that look like animals, offering intriguing opportunities for photography. Seeing machines mimicking animals in a setting that appears naturally-themed can be quite peculiar, especially since these machines vary greatly in their forms and dimensions.

3. Lushfoil Photography Sim

Low-Stress Photography in Various Environments

Although numerous games on this compilation are exceptional, some may find them quite intense. For those preferring a more tranquil and immersive experience, where they can leisurely explore without being ambushed by bandits or robots, an appropriate pick could be Matt Newell’s forthcoming indie game titled Lushfoil Photographer Simulator.

As an avid photography enthusiast, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by this extraordinary game. Instead of traditional combat mechanics or intricate puzzles, it offers a unique experience as a virtual traveler, allowing me to traverse diverse global landscapes with an in-game camera at my side. The game simulates the real-world challenges faced by professional photographers, such as adjusting exposure, contrast, white balance settings, and even provides a basic photo editor. It’s not about conquering obstacles; it’s about immersing myself in breathtakingly realistic environments teeming with vibrant flora and fauna, all waiting to be captured perfectly on digital film.

2. No Man’s Sky

Lots of Planets With Their Own Fauna

In terms of wildlife, it doesn’t necessarily need to be confined to creatures that live on our planet. Regrettably, as we haven’t discovered another planet with verified extraterrestrial life or a practical way to travel there, taking actual photos of alien creatures is unattainable. However, in the realm of virtual photography, possibilities do exist. While many games showcase alien ecosystems, none have yet to replicate the diversity found in the universe of No Man’s Sky.

As a devoted player, I’m constantly amazed by the game’s ability to generate fresh, unexplored worlds filled with distinctive ecosystems teeming with unique wildlife. Each new planet offers a photo-worthy moment, thanks to the impressive photo mode feature. From strange alien creatures roaming on land to vibrant marine life in alien oceans, every planet has its own surprises. The game even provides an opportunity for me to dive into these oceanic worlds and capture their beauty underwater through my in-game camera.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Exploration of the American Frontier

In this game by Rockstar, you’ll find an exquisitely crafted open world teeming with intricate details. The action unfolds across a vast landscape featuring diverse settings, with only one major urban area. Scattered throughout are quaint towns and agricultural sites, but the majority of the map consists of sprawling countryside and numerous types of natural habitats.

Throughout the narrative, the main character Arthur Morgan traverses meadows, forests, bayous of the Cajun region, and (with limited exposure) a lush tropical island. Interestingly, these locations can be explored freely at any point during the game. Notably, Rockstar has meticulously created these stunning landscapes, complete with various American Frontier wildlife such as squirrels, deer, and even bison. These animals can be hunted, although players who prefer not to participate in hunting can simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the game’s impressive photo mode allows for capturing virtual snapshots of all these creatures.

2025-03-08 08:37