5 Real Adventures Inspired by Video Games
Games have always been a fantastic way to escape. With fictional settings, you can dive into new stories and characters. But with more and more modern games taking place in the real world, there’s a huge opportunity for gamers now. Travel!
As we play games from the comfort of our homes, real-world adventures are there for the taking. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what inspired your favorite games. With that in mind, let’s look at some must-see travel destinations – and the games you can play to research them!
1. Take in the Beauty of Paris in Assassin’s Creed Unity
Want to experience Le Louvre, Île de la Cité, the town of Versailles, and more from the comfort of your home? Assassin’s Creed Unity has a 1:1 scale recreation of the City of Lights to travel through.
This feature gives gamers and travelers the perfect opportunity to explore Parisian life. But what sets the game apart from all others is its attention to detail. Every block of Paris appears in vivid detail that begs for investigation. Monuments like the Bastille or the Champs-Élysées look like exact replicas.
Though set in the 18th century, Assassin’s Creed Unity is also a modern game – thanks to the 2024 Olympics. Paris honored the game’s main character, Arno, during the Opening Ceremony. As such, there’s no better time for gamers to visit Paris, both in-game and in-person!
2. Visit the Tomb Raider Temple in Cambodia
The Tomb Raider series is one of the most successful gaming franchises. It features archaeologist Lara Croft, who visits real-life temples and ruins for adventure. Unsurprisingly, the game’s settings have become a magnet for history lovers!
But no one could expect the 2001 live-action film starring Angelina Jolie to bring this interest to the next level. As the film was set in Cambodia, tourists worldwide flock to Ta Prohm Temple with one goal – to see The Tomb Raider Temple. Fans of Tomb Raider can visit the temple and see iconic sights from the film. Follow Lara’s steps by visiting the iconic Tomb Raider Tree and much more.
3. Climb the Big Apple in Marvel’s Spider-Man
With over 8 million residents, New York City has become one of the most popular settings for video games. Want to explore the length and breadth of the Big Apple before your trip without the crowds? Then you need to play Marvel’s Spider-Man.
With cutting-edge graphics, the games offer an unspoiled panoramic view of the city. The game covers everything from the Empire State Building to Central Park and more! Whether web-slinging through the sky or walking at street level, you can experience the rich city culture as only a true superhero can.
4. Wander Through London in Watch Dogs: Legion
Itching to visit London? Why not get a sneak peek of the action through Watch Dogs: Legion? As an open-world game, you can walk the streets or drive around to experience authentic English culture.
Witness the majestic size of St. Paul’s Cathedral or look at the imposing Tower Bridge. Finish with a stroll along the River Thames and enjoy the London skyline. Even iconic sites like Big Ben or the London Eye are within reach with a controller.
Explorable pubs and busy high streets give you a taste of English life. And they could even teach Londoners a thing or two about hidden gems around the city!
5. Explore Japanese Culture in Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game set in the late 13th century. As the name suggests, it takes place on Tsushima Island, off the coast of mainland Japan.
The island was relatively unknown until it was featured in a samurai-inspired game that paid homage to the island’s rich history and culture. Thanks to the game’s critical success, the island has become a major travel destination for gamers. As a thank you, the mayor of Tsushima appointed lead developers as ambassadors in 2021.
Travel Tips That Can Level Up Your Gaming Trip
Before setting off, gamers should keep some things in mind. Below are simple ways of bringing your A-game to your next gaming trip:
1. Stuck With Travel Ideas? Research With Travel Games
Struggling to find inspiration for your next big vacation? Why not try dedicated travel games to help in your research?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is your ticket to a round-the-world trip whenever you want. Advanced technologies help precisely map out towns, cities, and natural attractions. The game can ingest live weather data to recreate location conditions. This feature makes for an incredibly immersive experience.
2. Ensure Reliable Connectivity With an eSIM
Playing games can be a great way to research travel destinations. But some challenges, especially poor connectivity, can cut your trip short if you’re not prepared.
When traveling overseas, your smartphone cannot connect to foreign network operators. This can render them useless and prevent you from accessing information online. Thankfully, eSIMs are like a traveler’s cheat code, helping you overcome this obstacle.
eSIMs are digital SIM cards embedded within modern smartphones. They simplify changing your network operator. Rather than installing a new physical card, eSIMs allow you to make changes through an app.
Best of all, eSIMs provide seamless coverage nationwide in your host country. Even in countries like the United States, a prepaid eSIM USA plan ensures seamless coverage nationwide.
Conclusion
Playing games can be a great way to relax, unwind, and explore amazing stories. However, as more games use real-world locations, gamers naturally want to see them in person.
Before dropping your controller and booking your flights, remember that preparation is key. Researching locations will give you the best information on what sights to see and where. Taking out an eSIM plan will allow you to use all your tech throughout your trip. That way, you’ll be able to experience and enjoy the real adventures inspired by video games.
FURTHER READING
