When summer approaches, video gamers may wish to search out some games that will put them in the right mood for relaxation, sunshine and the beach. Even if the closest you will get to the outdoors is by having your computer near a window, plenty of video games exist to put you in a warm-weather mood. Some may be so inspirational, you might be tempted to leave your mouse behind and grab a beach towel.
Possibly the most beloved warm-weather video games are the classic Monkey Island;® series. These summer video games cast you as Guybrush Threepwood, a wishful, gullible young man wanting to be a pirate in the tropical Tri-Island area. The Monkey Island;® series are puzzle games that will require your intellect, a fruity beverage, and possibly a cheat guide to truly enjoy. These Lucasgames;® classics are full of hilarious dialogue and feature what many experts consider to be one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time. Much of the music is available commercially, as well, if you can’t get those Tri-island grooves out of your mind.
The Tropico;® video games provide a different summer-gaming experience. In Tropico I;®, you are the dictator of a small tropical island, somewhat modeled after the islands of the Northern Caribbean. Whether you wish to turn your island into a product-producing metropolis or spend your time catering to rich foreign tourists, players must try to maintain the health and happiness of their islanders or risk being thrown out in a violent coupe. Tropico II;®, which is also a society-building game, casts the player as a famous pirate leader building their own pirate paradise. Populate your island with wenches, grog factories and terrified captives while you use your ships to prey on nearby fleets.
Perhaps to you, summer means laid-back and relaxing entertainment. Why not yank that old Sega Genesis out of the closet and blast off to the coolest of cool alien planets? In Toejam and Earl 2: Panic on Funkatron;®, lead your alien character through the funky environments of their groovy planet, pausing to capture the Earthlings that have invaded the planet. This classic game is suitable for the whole family, and even features an unkillable mode for new gamers. Just because the technology is 20th century, doesn’t mean a well-made game can’t provide hours of entertainment, and give you a nostalgic trip to the 1990s as well.
For lucky possessors of the Wii™ gaming system, exploring the cool and fishy depths is made easy in Endless Ocean;®. As a casual ocean explorer, don a scuba tank and dive through hidden caverns and colorful reefs in search of unusual species and rare ocean treasures. Divers may encounter giant rays, whales and sharks in this kid-friendly and even educational game.
If you associate summer with amusement parks and can’t quite make it to Disneyland, check out the Roller Coaster Tycoon;® video games. The latest installment, Roller Coaster Tycoon 3;®, allows users to build and micromanage the ultimate in thrill rides and theme parks. Expansion packs allow the addition of water rides and even animal exhibits. This three-dimensional game is highly reviewed by gaming experts, and is appropriate for all age levels.
While for some, summer means spending time in the great outdoors, some gamers look at the long, warm evenings as a chance to unwind and relax with their favorite summer video games. There’s no reason that gaming can’t be seasonal, and may even encourage a gamer to take a look at the outside world themselves. Humor, innovation, laid-back game play and some fantastic soundtracks make summer video games well worth a chance.