Just about everyone has played or heard of Uncharted, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Horizon: Zero Dawn. These games are often praised for how stunning the worlds look, and chances are you’ve already given them a try and experienced those settings for yourself. If you love losing yourself in nature and relaxing in wondrous video game worlds, take a peek at this list of nature games you might not have tried just yet.
The Flame in the Flood
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99 (free on Xbox Game Pass)
Buy it on: Steam
The Flame in the Flood is a wonderful roguelite survival game that follows Scout and her canine companion Aesop as they try to survive their journey rafting down a procedurally generated river caused by a disastrous flood. During the journey, you'll be stopping in the nearby forests, campsites, and other locales to gather supplies, stay out of the rain, and try to figure out the best way to survive. The unique art style and fantastic sound design make you feel lost in nature. Never has perilously rafting down a river been more memorable. Eat your heart out, Mark Twain.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Price: $49.99
Buy it on: Amazon
Don't be intimidated by the size of The Witcher 3. Because the world is so big means that there are countless of beautiful vistas and horizons to gaze upon during your travels. There's a reason you can always see people showing off their beautiful screenshots of this game on Reddit. Follow Geralt of Rivia as he wanders this vast world in search of his adopted daughter, Ciri, and in pursuit of The Wild Hunt.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Platform: Xbox One, PC
Price: $19.88
Buy it on: Amazon
The scenery in Ori and the Blind Forest is made even more incredible by the incredible foreground and background art. Every area feels unique in this emotional journey of a little spirit who must save his home forest from peril. This charming Metroidvania will leave a lasting impact on anyone who plays it (especially the Ginso Tree water level).
Unravel
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Price: $19.88
Buy it on: EA's Website
Arguably one of the greatest titles out of EA in the past few years, Unravel follows Yarny as he travels through memories of loved ones. The unique platforming and puzzle-solving in this heartfelt journey is complemented by the gorgeous settings, from gardens to beaches to mountains, that surround Yarny's heartfelt story.
ABZU
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Price: $19.88
Buy it on: Amazon
If you’re more aquatically inclined, then you need to check out ABZU. Now, water levels are the bane of almost every gamer’s existence, but ABZU turns this trend on its head and creates a highly enjoyable, relaxing experience that takes place underwater! Follow a great white shark in your quest to help revitalize the ancient ocean you find yourself in.
Steep
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Price: $59.99
Buy it on: Amazon
We're now going from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the world. Steep may be a game about winter sports, but I have never seen more beautiful mountains outside of real life. I can’t even count how many times I’ve had my breath taken away by all the different snowy peaks of the Alps and Denali, and I often would stop my character from snowboarding so I could take a screenshot of the view. You can even take a break from conquering the slopes to go paragliding for more scenic views!
Firewatch
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Price: $59.99
Buy it on: The Firewatch Website
If you love nature enough that you've ever wondered what being a park ranger is like, then Firewatch may be for you. Experience a captivating mystery through the lens of a man who seeks the solace that only nature can provide.
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Well, that does it for this list of some of our favorite outdoor experiences in video games. Did your favorite landscape make our cut? Do you prefer snowy mountains or sunny forests? Let us know in the comments below!
Published: Jan 28, 2018 07:37 pm