The Best Games Set In Scotland

Highlights

Scots in games need a little more recognition and accurate representation beyond just stereotypes and misconceptions.
Titles like
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
and
A Highland Song
beautifully showcase Scottish culture and mythology in gaming.
From
Forza Horizon 4’s
Edinburgh to
Broken Sword’s
Scottish finale, video games offer a diverse and engaging exploration of Scotland.

As a passionate gamer with deep roots in Scotland, I find it truly heartening to see our homeland gracefully represented in various video games. From the eerie landscapes of Helheim in Senua’s Sacrifice to the picturesque vistas of A Highland Song, each game offers a unique perspective on Scotland that resonates with me on a personal level.

Let’s consider Scotland for a moment. The anime series titled ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ labels the country as ‘Britannia’, while the game ‘God of War’ misidentifies the distinctively Scottish character Mimir as English. It appears that the visibility and recognition of Scots beyond their historic borders, once more prominent, seems to be waning nowadays.

In days gone by, the movie Braveheart starring William Wallace became a blockbuster hit due to his passionate pleas for freedom. Nowadays, references to Merida from the film Brave have largely faded away. Perhaps if we delve deeper into Scottish culture, we can tell a true Scot apart from a non-Scot. Here are some top-notch games that take place in Scotland.

August 17th, 2024 – Reflections by Connor Wright, Gaming Enthusiast: Recently, I’ve noticed an interesting trend in gaming – some titles are not just using the breathtaking Scottish landscapes as backdrops, but they’re delving deeper into the rich Scottish culture. Games like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, A Highland Song, and Still Wakes the Deep let players embody Scottish characters in these vividly depicted Scottish worlds. On the other hand, games such as The Bard’s Tale IV, Ryse: Son of Rome, and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla creatively reimagine Scottish History while keeping a strong connection to Celtic and Pictish history. Even Hogwarts Legacy, although not innovating much in portraying J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, does justice to the magical setting that draws heavily from Scottish locales. This newfound appreciation for Scotland has led me to expand my list of video games, offering gamers a broader selection of titles set within the captivating Scottish landscape.

15 MediEvil

An Early PlayStation Classic With Fictionalized Scottish Links

The popular game PS1, titled “This,” is ranked lower on the list due to hints suggesting that the fictional realm of Sir Daniel Fortesque could be located in the Scottish Hebrides archipelago. This collection of islands, situated off the western coast of Scotland, is renowned for Harris Tweed, the Isle of Skye, and weather that often outmatches the rest of the UK in terms of harshness.

Although it’s not as bleak as Gallowmere, a chilling resurgence of the malevolent sorcerer Zarok has transformed the land into something reminiscent of Tim Burton’s nightmarish fantasies. Contrary to legend, Sir Daniel did not vanquish him the first time; instead, he expired during the battle itself. Now, in an attempt to redeem his unheroic life, Zarok is striving for heroism in death and aiming to liberate Gallowmere from his oppressive grip.

14 Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

A DLC Crossover Adventure To The Northern Scottish Isles

In terms of diverse settings, arguably no contemporary video game franchise offers the flexibility found in the Assassin’s Creed series. Ranging from ancient Athens to Victorian-era London, Ubisoft’s immersive open worlds meticulously recreate a variety of historically accurate real-world locations.

2021’s DLC mission ‘A Fated Encounter’ for ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ introduces a young seer who needs assistance for her tribe. Plagued by disturbing dreams, they have dispatched her to enlist the help of the Norse player character in resolving their problem. Consequently, the rugged northern island of Skye in Scotland unfolds for exploration.

13 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

A Time-Travel Twist With A Fictional Scottish Island

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving back into the TimeSplitters universe with TimeSplitters: Future Perfect! This third installment in the legendary shooter series surpasses the charm of MediEvil by definitively setting one of its stages in the mystical land of Scotland.

1924 sees space explorer Cortes dispatched to an island for investigating leftover energy traces of time travel. However, things take a turn when he’s compelled to team up with Captain Ash amidst clashes between the Royal Navy and Archibald Khallos’ militant faction. This scenario unfolds in the second stage of the game, which isn’t particularly challenging, as long as players stay alert.

12 Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Treasure Hunting Adventures In The Scottish Highlands

Compared to the mystique of Italy, Madagascar, and the fabled pirate kingdom of Libertalia, the Highlands setting in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End might not appear extraordinarily exotic. But it offers an enjoyable introduction to the game, blending elements of stealth, action, and puzzle-solving as Nathan Drake and his brother Sam chase clues from Henry Avery’s supposed grave.

As a lifelong resident of Scotland, I must say that the depiction in this work is strikingly authentic, evoking memories of my childhood spent exploring the remote and rugged Highlands. The snow-capped plains, the crumbling churches, and the towering cliff faces are all too familiar to me. However, it’s a bit disappointing that they don’t specify a particular location within Scotland, as I have my suspicions that it may be based on the stunning northern coast of the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides. I have visited that area many times and can easily see why it would inspire such a breathtaking portrayal.

11 Ryse: Son Of Rome

A Dramatized View Of The Roman’s Failed Scottish Conquest

“Ryse: Son of Rome” isn’t typically considered a Scottish game. Developed by the German studio, Crytek, it portrays the exploits of Roman general Marius Titus, as he expands and uncovers the intrigues within the Roman Empire.

Nonetheless, Marius embarks on a journey to subdue Britannia, aiming to establish Roman authority among its inhabitants. Drawing from the historical facts of the construction of Antonine and Hadrian’s Walls, the Romans wage war against Scotland, striving to maintain control over the indigenous Caledonians who are portrayed as supernatural, fearsome beings in this narrative.

10 Hogwarts Legacy

One Of The Most Detailed Recreations Of JK Rowling’s Scottish Magical School

Hogwarts Legacy is widely considered as the epitome of video games based on J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and it’s indisputable that the Harry Potter series deeply embodies Scottish elements.

Regardless if fans identify the Glenfinnan viaduct as the actual bridge where the Hogwarts Express passes en route to the enchanting school, or appreciate the quaint Scottish village of Dufftown being part of this magical universe, there’s no denying that Scotland serves as the birthplace for this captivating setting. The sensation of flying on a broomstick high above the picturesque Scottish scenery can leave players spellbound.

9 Dear Esther

The Mystical Hebridean Isles Hide Clues In This First-Person Puzzler

As a fervent admirer, let me share my thoughts on a captivating game – Dear Esther . Unlike the more frequented Skye and Inner Hebrides, this digital masterpiece is set in the Outer Hebrides, a region that lies even farther from the Scottish coast. This distance adds to its allure, making it more isolated, tempestuous, and shrouded in enigma – an uninhabited island waiting to be explored by curious souls. The developers at The Chinese Room envisioned just that, a world filled with mystery for us to uncover.

In this game, the protagonist assumes the identity of a mystery narrator, who embarks on a journey to the enigmatic island in search of links to his deceased wife Esther. As you navigate through him, you’ll explore every hidden corner, uncover forgotten sights, and delve into the island’s past. The atmosphere becomes increasingly chilling as hints emerge that you’re not alone on this isolated isle.

8 Tomb Raider 3

A Classic Lara Croft Caper Within View Of A Famous Loch

Scottish media frequently highlights the Highlands, as this region is rich in iconic elements of Scottish culture such as tartan kilts, Scots Gaelic, the Hebrides, and Loch Ness. Even the video game Tomb Raider 3 had Lara Croft investigating a castle near Loch Ness to uncover secrets about a mystical artifact.

Instead of TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, Lara’s adventure centers more around solving puzzles rather than gunfights. She navigates Castle Drummond to uncover the truth, bypassing various traps that don’t involve the Loch’s creature. However, watchful players might catch a glimpse of something mysterious lurking beneath the water. The castle conceals other chilling secrets as well.

7 The Bard’s Tale 4

A Fictionalized Setting Rooted In Scottish Mythology and Geography

As I delved into the enchanting realm of InXile’s The Bard’s Tale series, I couldn’t help but feel a strong connection to the hauntingly beautiful Northern Orkney Isles of Scotland. Even though the game is filled with grotesque monsters and a fantasy setting, there’s something about its world that resonates deeply with my Scottish roots.

In this old-school role-playing game with a fantasy backdrop, places like the ancient Neolithic village of Skara Brae pop up. Consequently, the world depicted in The Bard’s Tale blends elements of real-world Scotland, drawing inspiration from Scottish, Orcadian, and Pict legends for its atmosphere and characters.

6 Clandestiny

A Scotland-Centred Point-And-Click Adventure With Medieval Themes

The narrative unfolds within the Highlands, as this forlorn adventure game developed by Trilobyte in 1996 takes us on a journey. Notably, they are the creators behind The 7th Guest. Unlike their previous works featuring a futuristic gunslinger or seductive artifact hunter, the protagonists here are a man named Andrew and his girlfriend Paula. As the story progresses, Andrew discovers he is the 13th Earl of the MacPhiles, thus inheriting the family estate and castle.

Paula is excited about potentially receiving a large sum of money once she and Andrew uncover a cache of treasures concealed within the castle. However, to access it, Andrew must navigate past the spirits of his ancestors and a fearsome creature, as part of his clan’s historic duty. The game is reminiscent of its time, offering a classic point-and-click style, but with an appealing touch thanks to its well-animated scenes and humorous elements.

5 Broken Sword: The Shadow Of The Templars

A Globe-Trotting Point-And-Click Title Culminating In The Scottish Central Belt

If players are seeking an exceptional point & click game, they should definitely consider the original Broken Sword. This game boasts stunningly animated graphics that follow George Stobbart’s thrilling journey around the world to expose a dangerous conspiracy involving cults, murder, and the Knights Templar. His travels take him from France to Ireland, Syria, and finally Scotland.

Instead of their usual routine, George and his companion Nicole find themselves dashing towards Bannockburn in the Scottish Lowlands as an alternative. Their objective is to arrive before the Neo-Templars, a mission crucial to preventing a chilling ceremony involving the legendary Broken Sword. If they fail, it could lead to catastrophic consequences for the globe. In other words, there’s quite a bit riding on their success!

4 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

A Psychosis-Fuelled Odyssey From Orkney To Helheim

In the Hellblade series, Senua serves as the main character and primarily battles both mystical entities and inner demons. Throughout her narrative, she embarks on a quest to avenge her community, which was brutally slaughtered by Norsemen, while also experiencing numerous playable scenes of psychosis-induced terror set in her home, the Pictish lands of Orkney.

Going further, given that Senua journeys across the seas to encounter the Norsemen in “Senua’s Sacrifice”, it seems reasonable to infer that although Helheim is a supernatural realm, its gateway must be situated somewhere within Scotland.

3 A Highland Song

A 2D Platforming Adventure Over The Rolling Scottish Landscape

Nestled amidst the legendary Scottish Highlands lies the captivating indie-platformer game known as “A Highland Song”. This game encourages players to traverse the picturesque expanse of moorlands dotted with heather, creating an immersive experience where the breathtaking scenery becomes a pivotal part of the game’s charm. The watercolor-inspired visual style and expansive vistas serve to captivate players by emphasizing the landscape as a key element that enhances the game’s allure.

Exploring the Highlands has Moira scaling rugged, ever-changing terrain marked by old structures, as she steadily moves towards her destination – her uncle’s coastal lighthouse.

2 Forza Horizon 4

Arguably The Most Detailed Virtual Rendition Of Scotland’s Capital

Many individuals find traditional Scottish imagery less appealing, preferring something contemporary over castles, tartan, and Highland Games. Who needs to delve into peat bogs and ancient lochs when one can speed through a metropolis? Forza Horizon 4 offers such an alternative by laying out a track in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital city. Iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat coexist with realistic representations of the city’s vibrant streets.

The only downside is that, being a racing game, players can’t get out of the car and explore Edinburgh close-up. That’s not a big deal for fans who want to push the pedal to the metal. But if any developers are thinking of shaking up the open-world genre, they could take a tip from Forza‘s book and visit Scotland. It’ll make a change from yet another New York proxy in video games.

1 Still Wakes The Deep

A Lovecraftian Horror Inducing Scottish Screams In The North Sea

As a lover of the raw, untamed beauty of Scotland, I can attest to the fact that the towering waves of the North Sea, often captured in viral videos, are a familiar sight to many Scots. Yet, the Beira D oil rig, nestled in this Scottish landscape and its isolated nature, amplifies the fear evoked by the Lovecraftian horror game Still Wakes the Deep. It’s as if the crushing power of the North Sea seeps into the claustrophobic confines of the game, making every moment a chilling reminder of its ever-present might.

In the year 2024, this game isn’t just visually set in Scotland; you’ll hear an array of authentic Scots accents and dialect echoing off metal surfaces before the disaster, thanks to exceptional voice acting. This immerses you deeply into the community atmosphere on the rig, giving you a true Scottish experience.

2024-08-17 23:55