Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to talk about seasonal getaways in video games! It can be especially fun to visit these places on sweltering afternoons when it’s too hot to go outside. Grab a light snack, and a cold drink, and let’s prepare summer travel plans.
Sky: Children of the Light – Daylight Prairie
Sky: Children of the Light is an immensely relaxing game, and while almost every location makes a great getaway after a busy day, my favorite is Daylight Prairie. Few games capture the feeling of freedom and serenity that I experience when emerging from a tunnel of luxurious swirling clouds, greeted with a panorama of blue sky, lush green grass, and the distant blush of mountains on the horizon. Visiting Daylight Prairie, I am reminded of picnics in the park on pleasant days. It resembles an idyllic summer afternoon, and it’s certainly a soothing place to visit when I just want to enjoy a warm lazy day.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Everbay Coast
Kirby’s latest adventure may take place in a post-apocalyptic world, but it still has many scenic spots such as Everbay Coast. This area is full of feathery palm trees and crystal-clear water. When Kirby plops into the water he wears an innertube, splashing and paddling through levels. Surrounded by popping colors, aquatic enemies, and peppy music, I am reminded of hot summer days spent at the swimming pool. It’s a great place to refresh on a sweaty summer day.
Slime Rancher – The Slime Sea
The Slime Sea is an expanse of goopy extraterrestrial liquid covering the Far, Far Range. You may be asking why it’s worth a trip, especially since it isn’t safe for swimming. While it’s true that the Slime Sea isn’t the most hospitable place to spend a holiday, you also can’t deny how lovely it looks paired with a horizon full of blobby clouds and muted pastel colors. Many joyous slimes live along the coast, including pink, cat, rock, and even puddle slimes in the nearby Moss Blanket. Who wouldn’t want to go on a slime safari?
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl – Valor Lakefront
Valor Lakefront boasts a fancy seaside resort, one of the most popular getaways in the Sinnoh region. Here, you will find Hotel Grand Lake and Seven Stars Restaurant, both just a quick walk away from Lake Valor. It’s also near Sunnyshore City, a serene coastal town to the east. At Valor Lakefront you can find TMs, revives, and even rare candies. There’s a beach just south with soft white sand, where you can fish and challenge trainers. If you’re looking to relax in the Sinnoh region, then Valor Lakefront is a must!
Spyro Reignited Trilogy – Artisan’s World
In the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Spyro travels through a variety of cartoonishly vibrant and occasionally sinister worlds. Artisan’s World evokes the feeling of summer with its sapphire blue skies, fluffy clouds, and topiaries. Sunshine beams down as Spyro rollicks through the long green grass. While it may not be a sophisticated resort, Artisan’s World rekindles the joyful summer days of childhood. It not only transports me to a different place, but it also brings me back to a simpler time.
Fishing Paradiso – “Heaven”
I recently reviewed Fishing Paradiso, and it was simply too summery not to include in this list! The game begins with your player-character dumped on an island in the afterlife. While the island isn’t much at first, it gradually transforms into a fanciful holiday destination. Soon you will have a cabin with a thatched straw roof, a reclining chair, palm trees, a variety of starfish, and even a smiling sunflower. What’s not to love? In Fishing Paradiso, you can spend long afternoons fishing and sunbathing while listening to the shushing ocean tide.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout – Kurken Island
With its sweeping farmlands, bustling ports, and many resources to gather, Kurken Island is an excellent getaway. Not only does it have its share of splendid waterside views, but it also has pastures with windmills and forested areas. In the evenings, Kurken Island bursts alive with summery sunsets that turn the sky a delicious mixture of red and orange—like a smoothie for your eyes!
Ready for Takeoff?
Even if you don’t have travel plans this summer, video games offer a delightful escape from the daily grind, offering an opportunity to relax and sightsee from the comfort of your own home. So what are you waiting for? Pick a destination and begin your pixel vacation!