What video games make you feel like you're on vacation? or Ever taken a break while taking a break?

[Malbourne]

[HEADING=2]Has a game made you feel like you were on a vacation?[/HEADING]

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Boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing boing...​

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Another more recent game, Rayman Legends, featured a brief beachfront in a level called The Mysterious Inflatable Island. It wasn't that mysterious, but bouncing on it sure was fun!

So, what games, or parts of a game, have given you a nice, soothing, rela-a-a-a-a-axing experience?​

 

[josemlopes]

GTA San Andreas and GTA V did have that effect on me, the beaches and sunny feeling were very well made. I even expect a mod for V on PC to make the beaches a lot more crowded.

In a different way Midtown Madness 3 had a weird one too although it was more about sightseeing in Paris and Washington then enjoying the lush beaches.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I haven't played it in a long time, but Final Fantasy 10.

The whole world of Spira was basically a big tropical fantasy land.

Also Wind Waker.

Spoiler: Dat travel music...

 

[ExDeath730]

Skyrim. Really, the world is great, and with some texture mods it just got better. Sometimes there you just look around while building your home, seeing the Aurora while riding to some adventure...Yeah, you got that feeling. Morrowind also have the same feel, but it is more alien...God, i so want Skywind to launch.

GTA Vice City: That was a GTA game that never felt like a chore to play sometimes, i always found it relaxing and i liked the city.

 

[scorptatious]

Hmm. Probably the Team ICO games. Particularly ICO in that regard. The setting of the game, the castle, is set on a small island with ocean views on most sides of it, plus a view of the vast forest outside of the castle. One of my favorite areas in particular has a windmill with a small pool of water next to it, and a great view of the ocean. Hell, I'd imagine with a bit of remodling, (well, maybe a lot considering most of the place is in disrepair) the castle itself would make a great summer home.

I also have to second Wind Waker. I really like the island you start out on in particular. My nephew, who was playing the HD version said that Link lived in the best place in the world.

 

[Nazulu]

I love that long road section in Half Life 2 for that reason. So relaxing, with many houses you can choose to go into or not, and even when the troops come in or you run into traps you never feel like there is much danger. Probably helps that the kart is pretty over-powered.

And with most outside area's in Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island, it's all just so fancy free. The really cheerful memorable tracks and bright stages make you feel so care free.

Also the sunny city maps near the beaches in Red Alert 2 managed to remind me of my favourite holiday locations.

 

[marioandsonic]

I came in expecting a Super Mario Sunshine mention, and I am satisfied.

Another good one, though more just an area than the whole game, is the Cape Claw area in Star Fox Adventures.

Spoiler: dat music

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Probably Okami, since I play that game every year and it's become my "break" from other games.

 

[Justin Raver]

Far Cry 3. No seriously when you are not revolutionizing all over the island and killing drug dealers just walking around was very vacation-esque as the setting was very well done. Dead island similarly and Just cause for the same reason.

 

[Mocmocman]

Borderlands 2's headhunter DLCs. especially the second missions in each which are basically a nice wind down from the normal missions to look at the scenery.

Minecraft can be very relaxing, once you make it so you won't get attacked by monsters and the like.

The most relaxing game I've ever play would be the Aurora Wager. This game is a hot-air balloon simulator (I guess), and rather simple in its execution. It's free, if you wanted to check it out.

 

[Malbourne]

Hmm. Probably the Team ICO games. Particularly ICO in that regard.

I have Ico but still need to finish it off, so now I'm considering taking another crack at it. Have to say that the hour I did play for didn't promise much vacationing.

Another good one, though more just an area than the whole game, is the Cape Claw area in Star Fox Adventures.

Oh, yeah, I forgot about the beach for some reason. Only part I can remember is spending a little too much time hunting for gold and other buried treasures. All in the name of good fun. For some reason I also found the water temple pretty relaxing, probably because of the cool colors.

The most relaxing game I've ever play would be the Aurora Wager. This game is a hot-air balloon simulator (I guess), and rather simple in its execution. It's free, if you wanted to check it out.

I noticed a lot of relaxing games let you chill out with a vehicle of some kind. I find it's easier to absorb scenery when you're not too focused on moving or fighting, so flying sounds like the perfect way to cut out the middle man!

Probably Okami, since I play that game every year and it's become my "break" from other games.

I honestly don't know of any part of Okami that I didn't find serene or relaxing. Even the demon island had its own charm and beauty; leave it to Clover to make a hellish place of thunder and lava seem gorgeous.

 

[Dalisclock]

Shadow of the Colossus, due to the fact you can pretty much explore between Colossi. You know there is no danger to you, just exploring.

Kentucky Route Zero is so much this. It's a summers night, you're driving around back roads exploring. You have a destination but no time limit or real urgency. And there are so many nooks and crannies to explore. I've kind of wanted to try this for real some Summer's night. Just hop in the car at sunset and drive around randomly until sunrise exploring, occasionally stopping for a coffee at some all night gas station or coffee shop, maybe a snack.

Saints Row the third feels like you're in one giant amusement park where you can kill people. I think the game feels this way too, considering it practically throws helicopters and tanks and homies at you to use like there's no tomorrow.

 

[Meximagician]

The end game of Freelancer allows you to just float about pretty aimlessly. If you have the money to make nice with all the different factions and don't carry any cargo with you, the Sirius star system just becomes one big road trip. No worrying about fuel, just don't wander too close to the local hazards (stars, radiation pockets, minefields). It was even mentioned recently in a recent Escapist article.

 

[Vault101]

I think the Sims fits that description

its not challenging but its really engaging at the same time, that satisfaction of customzing, leveling up and just dicking around all in one

 

[LaoJim]

Just Cause 2,

Paragliding, Power boats, travelling by tuk-tuk, diving for treasure, tropical beaches.

Funnily enough I boot it up for a couple of weeks each year to drag my completion a little closer to 100% (not that I'll ever get there)

 

[Flammablezeus]

Skyrim's a good one. I actually took two weeks off from work to play it when it was released. I've never gotten so immersed in a game before.

Red Dead Redemption is just sheer relaxation for me for the most part. I love just riding along and enjoying the world.

 

[Super Cyborg]

The Paper Mario games. They are easy to play and are fun. There are a variety of areas and it's so addicting. Using different characters and powers are fun as well. They are so delightful it always puts a smile on my face, and I can relax the whole time playing it. My Wii recently broke after getting it day one, so I either need to get a new one or get a game-cube so I can play Thousand Year Door again.

 

[Zhukov]

Yeah, I can think of a couple:

Spoiler: Exhibit A

So very chill. One of the few multiplayer games that makes me inclined to like my fellow players.

Spoiler: Exhibit B

(In case it isn't clear, I'm referring specifcally to the Citadel DLC here.)

 

[Vicarious Reality]

Obviously, Far Cry or Crysis
Also, detective-y games like the latest Deus ex for some reason