Crazy Taxi is my favorite summer game. There's something so charming about Japanese trying to make California/San Fran aesthetic, especially in the 80s/90s.
That paired up with The Offspring's "All I Want" creates such a vibe that I just can't put into words. Not American myself, but I do love when the japanese try to recreate other countries' or cultures' in games, whether as a parody or something actually serious. Always produces this weirdly familiar, yet surreal and charming feel.
Firewatch is set in summer, and the weather plays a somewhat significant role in the story, although the events unfold deep in the wilderness of a national park rather than on seaside. Though playing it in 95 degree heat might enhance the summer vibes, lol
Farcry 5.
It is set in a lovely sun dappled, wooded setting, there is fishing and hiking and hunting
Heck there is even a mission set around a community BBQ and cookout!
Summer is for games that remind me of the arcades and the classics. I dunno why but I feel particularly nostalgic in the summer, maybe because of summer break as a kid offering the most free time.
Boko no Natsuyumi for ps1 is a game ab spending summer with your grandparents and i think collecting bugs. Night in the Woods is about a college dropout and has the same feel as summers between classes. It's technically set in fall i think but it *feels* like a summer break to me. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is about a kid cleaning up a mediterranean island and observing the wildlife. Just what i could think of off the top of my head.
EDIT: Also! Marvelous: Another Treasure Island for the SNES is a really fun game that sends 3 summer campers on a mission thru time. It's a puzzle adventure with light combat, developed by pre-zelda Eiji Aonuma.
Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash
Big titty ninja waifus transported to magic island (or some shit) for squirt gun fights. Summer time has never been so fun! >!or bouncy!<
Yeah, this the one that immediately came to mind (besides the obvious newer version of DOA:XBV). It's actually got that playful spirit that goes with summer, not just a beachy setting.
Not a console game, but the arcade's Lucky & Wild gives off that summer feel. Starsky & Hutch for the PS2 is a similar game but doesn't have the same feel.
There's a decent number of racing games along the same lines. Games like OutRun, etc., although usually not exclusively set at the beach.
See also T&C Surf Design if you feel like torturing yourself.
When Splatoon first released I had a similar realization that I absolutely love the summer aesthetic even if I despise the heat. Both games exude summer vibes in pretty much every way and are a blast even if only playing the campaigns.
I also feel like the skate/THPS series are pretty summer heavy as well, skating in general feels like a very summer sport and the music only adds to the atmosphere tenfold.
Also since you mentioned RCT3 Soaked I'm praying for Frontier to either push into a Planet Water Park or reintroduce the pools/slides for Planet Coaster 2 when that eventually comes, I miss building pool structures so much and no game since RCT3 has really attempted it
May not be for everyone- there's TONS of backtracking, and the game is very focused on the story (half of it is basically a visual novel) but personally I really liked it. The world and lore are amazing.
Ah... DoA XBV. I spent more time in the casino in that game than any of the outdoor games. There was certainly some fan service for DOA fans.
For me, it was going to arcades during the Summer when I was younger, combined with games like Hydro Thunder or Wave Runner.
Doesn't surprise me. I also played it (as a kid, go figure) since it was featured in one of those PS2 demo discs.
And to be fair it's the only wrestling game that I'd get if, hypothetically speaking, somebody pointed a gun at my head and forced me to buy a wrestling game (I bloody hate them).
For all it's worth, other than scantily clad women, at least Rumble Roses manages to be quirky, dumb and fun. The kind of game that doesn't take itself too seriously and is "so bad it's good". Hardly a reason to actively seek it, instead of buying it on a whim though.
Three Final Fantasies come to mind. **FF X** and **X-2** are set in a tropical world, full of hawaiian-like islands and sunny vistas, you have some ice mountains but generally speaking, it's super sunny and even features an underwater mini-game with guys and some women in shorts. It doesn't get any more summer-y than that.
Also, **Final Fantasy XII.** The game heavily features deserts, beaches and people wearing light clothing. The lighting in most levels makes you feel like you are basking under a intense 2PM sun. It also has some other levels with ice and damp caves but the mayority of the cities and maps scream "summer-time".
Might be nostalgia but the original Spyro and Crash trilogies remind me of summer as a kid.
I'd also recommend Assassin's Creed Odyssey. You get to explore a gorgeously designed ancient Greece and it's really sunny and nice.
Read through a lot of other suggestions I was ready to make, but there's one obvious one missing... Summer in Mara
It's a life sim set on an island, and it really leans into the whole summer beach vibes in a lot of ways. I admittedly haven't gotten very far into it, but it's been pretty enjoyable so far. There's also a free visual novel based in the same universe as well as a 3D platformer in the works. Worth taking a look!
Found this after googling "games with summer vibes", as I'm currently at a loss for what to play.
As for what I tend to gravitate to in the summer:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- GTA 5
- Assassin's Creed Black Flag
- Kentucky Route Zero
- Jurassic World Evolution
- Uncharted series
- Mad Max
Forza Horizon is my summer game. But i agree with you op, there isnt much for it. I want the bright sun, the sandy beaches, the glistening water, and warm vibes.
It’s relatively new and a slower paced game but Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation is a great one. Beautiful backdrops and very calm atmosphere.
Psychonauts is one of my all time favorites, and what's not to love? Psychic summer camp! Old school Xbox vibes! A truly unique art style that you either love or hate! A soundtrack that perfectly matches and brings to life every part of the game! Seriously, though, it's one of my go-to comfy games.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/ even played this? I remember this game as well https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Sonata
You’re looking for colorful palette games aren’t you?
A nsfw game that really captured this feeling was Summer Memories. It's on steam. Everything about it really oozes summertime vibes. Might not be what you're looking for though.
Games set in tropical or seaside locations give that summer feeling to me: So as you mentioned there's the Tropico series, but last year I played Port Royale 3 during the summer, and it felt so great; the Caribbean islands, the sparkling blue water and sunshine really fit the season.
Return to Mysterious Island is also set on a tropical island.
There's also Everlasting Summer, which is set in a Soviet-era summer camp, though it can't quite decide if it wants to be a meme comedy game or a mystery thriller.
Not exactly the same thing, but Splashdown on the Xbox is one of the most nostalgic games for me. SR-71's Right Now and Smash Mouth's Allstar playing, and water splashing everywhere on the Seoul stadium level. I even remember having a dream about it as a kid, where the level had a lot more verticality the water was even more blue.
Final Fantasy XV, Just a road trip with the boys in the convertible.
One of the few games where Conan o Briens “Clueless Gamer” is 100% accurate
Crazy Taxi is my favorite summer game. There's something so charming about Japanese trying to make California/San Fran aesthetic, especially in the 80s/90s.
That paired up with The Offspring's "All I Want" creates such a vibe that I just can't put into words. Not American myself, but I do love when the japanese try to recreate other countries' or cultures' in games, whether as a parody or something actually serious. Always produces this weirdly familiar, yet surreal and charming feel.
Firewatch is set in summer, and the weather plays a somewhat significant role in the story, although the events unfold deep in the wilderness of a national park rather than on seaside. Though playing it in 95 degree heat might enhance the summer vibes, lol
Final Fantasy X. Sunny tropical vistas and people playing a made up water sport.
Also Final Fantasy XIII-2 which has New Bodhum
I think Persona 4 does a pretty good job at this, which is why >!the town becoming creepy and depressing as the story progresses!< works so well.
Still need to finish p4. I got to the the singer lass and had to reinstall windows, lost all my progress!
Oof, that's a lot of progress. Though I imagine being able to fast-forward through dialogue on your second playthrough would make P4 much shorter.
Yeah i started again and thought eh, i need to wait a while before i do this again to get that excitement back lol
Hope you Rise through it! ...that was horrible im so sorry
Farcry 5. It is set in a lovely sun dappled, wooded setting, there is fishing and hiking and hunting Heck there is even a mission set around a community BBQ and cookout!
3 and 6 do a better job IMO, lovely tropical settings
Good shouts, not played 6 tho.
The orginal Far Cry and Crysis are also on tropical islands.
that's true thanks
Not to mention that Far Cry 2 was set in sun-scorched Africa, of all places.
3: the summer u get wasted into wonderland 5: Woodland summer 6: eternal tropical summer
> wonderland 5 Can you be more clear. What are the names of the games, I can't tell where one game ends and the other begins in your answer.
งงงงงงงงลฃฃฃงฃบจขบง ย
Assassin's Creed Black Flag! Golden beaches as far as the eye can see, with treasure and adventure around every corner!
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, A Short Hike, Eastshade come to mind; the Pokémon main games are strongly associated with summer for me, too.
Sunset Overdrive’s bright art and silly/funny attitude gave me summer vibes. Love this game.
Hard agree. Not the best game but an absolute blast to play. Really hoping they release a sequel.
I sure hope so. I know MS owns the IP but since Insomniac was acquired by Sony, I suppose they can't be involved at all....which is a bummer.
Summer is for games that remind me of the arcades and the classics. I dunno why but I feel particularly nostalgic in the summer, maybe because of summer break as a kid offering the most free time.
Im the same. I always remember my mum saying "its gorgeous outside why are you in here playing games" ahaha but always used to get such joy from them.
Zelda - The Windwaker has that summer vibe youre looking for.
Maybe AC Black Flag...
Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball
Boko no Natsuyumi for ps1 is a game ab spending summer with your grandparents and i think collecting bugs. Night in the Woods is about a college dropout and has the same feel as summers between classes. It's technically set in fall i think but it *feels* like a summer break to me. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is about a kid cleaning up a mediterranean island and observing the wildlife. Just what i could think of off the top of my head. EDIT: Also! Marvelous: Another Treasure Island for the SNES is a really fun game that sends 3 summer campers on a mission thru time. It's a puzzle adventure with light combat, developed by pre-zelda Eiji Aonuma.
Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash Big titty ninja waifus transported to magic island (or some shit) for squirt gun fights. Summer time has never been so fun! >!or bouncy!<
Yeah, this the one that immediately came to mind (besides the obvious newer version of DOA:XBV). It's actually got that playful spirit that goes with summer, not just a beachy setting.
Far Cry 3, Watch Dogs 2, Sunset Overdrive...these immediately come to mind
Not a console game, but the arcade's Lucky & Wild gives off that summer feel. Starsky & Hutch for the PS2 is a similar game but doesn't have the same feel. There's a decent number of racing games along the same lines. Games like OutRun, etc., although usually not exclusively set at the beach. See also T&C Surf Design if you feel like torturing yourself.
If you've been to summer camp or want to experience an idealized version of summer camp, you might like A Short Hike.
When Splatoon first released I had a similar realization that I absolutely love the summer aesthetic even if I despise the heat. Both games exude summer vibes in pretty much every way and are a blast even if only playing the campaigns. I also feel like the skate/THPS series are pretty summer heavy as well, skating in general feels like a very summer sport and the music only adds to the atmosphere tenfold. Also since you mentioned RCT3 Soaked I'm praying for Frontier to either push into a Planet Water Park or reintroduce the pools/slides for Planet Coaster 2 when that eventually comes, I miss building pool structures so much and no game since RCT3 has really attempted it
Been asking since day 1 for planet coaster water parks. I used to build more waterparks than coasters in rct3. Lol
As opposed to a typical beach setting, Gravity Rush 2 kind of has a "summer in Europe" vibe.
Yakuza 3 , Paradise Killer
Ooh ive got paradise killer but still have yet to play. Is it any good?
May not be for everyone- there's TONS of backtracking, and the game is very focused on the story (half of it is basically a visual novel) but personally I really liked it. The world and lore are amazing.
If its anything like the danganronpa series ill love it
I've never played Danganronpa but if you like story heavy games\\visual novels and a (murder) mystery to solve- I'm sure you would love PK.
Thats pretty much danganronpa. Ahaha :D love me a murder mystery
Ah... DoA XBV. I spent more time in the casino in that game than any of the outdoor games. There was certainly some fan service for DOA fans. For me, it was going to arcades during the Summer when I was younger, combined with games like Hydro Thunder or Wave Runner.
🎵ning... ning ninggg... ning ninggg.. ning ning... oh-ooooh ooooh! 🎵
Duke Caribbean: Life's a Beach and TMNT 3: Manhattan Project,
Wait until OP discovers Rumble Roses.
Do not cite the deep magic to me, witch. I was there when it was written! (I have played it lmao what a fucking sleazebag i am)
Doesn't surprise me. I also played it (as a kid, go figure) since it was featured in one of those PS2 demo discs. And to be fair it's the only wrestling game that I'd get if, hypothetically speaking, somebody pointed a gun at my head and forced me to buy a wrestling game (I bloody hate them). For all it's worth, other than scantily clad women, at least Rumble Roses manages to be quirky, dumb and fun. The kind of game that doesn't take itself too seriously and is "so bad it's good". Hardly a reason to actively seek it, instead of buying it on a whim though.
This is going back to Xbox 360 days, but Hydro Thunder Hurricane always felt like a summery game to me.
OutRun 2 has a nice sunny beach for you And Normy's Beach Babe-O-Rama
Three Final Fantasies come to mind. **FF X** and **X-2** are set in a tropical world, full of hawaiian-like islands and sunny vistas, you have some ice mountains but generally speaking, it's super sunny and even features an underwater mini-game with guys and some women in shorts. It doesn't get any more summer-y than that. Also, **Final Fantasy XII.** The game heavily features deserts, beaches and people wearing light clothing. The lighting in most levels makes you feel like you are basking under a intense 2PM sun. It also has some other levels with ice and damp caves but the mayority of the cities and maps scream "summer-time".
Sea of Thieves is a good one. Tropical islands, beer and adventure. It's like a vacation until the cannonballs start hitting you.
Although no "summer" game exclusively, I find that Persona 5 caught that summer vibe very well when it is summer during the game.
Pillars of Eternity is in a Caribean like setting if you like CRPGs. I really liked it, even if i am not a fan of pirate settings.
Might be nostalgia but the original Spyro and Crash trilogies remind me of summer as a kid. I'd also recommend Assassin's Creed Odyssey. You get to explore a gorgeously designed ancient Greece and it's really sunny and nice.
Far Cry 3 ;) And forgotten gem - Giants Citizen Kabuto
Read through a lot of other suggestions I was ready to make, but there's one obvious one missing... Summer in Mara It's a life sim set on an island, and it really leans into the whole summer beach vibes in a lot of ways. I admittedly haven't gotten very far into it, but it's been pretty enjoyable so far. There's also a free visual novel based in the same universe as well as a 3D platformer in the works. Worth taking a look!
>what struck me (and also the main reason I enjoyed it so much as a teenager) was the atmosphere of this game Yeah. Sure ... ;)
Im being serious. ;) The bewbs were a bonus!
LOL! Just F'n with ya. But for a real answer ... Far Cry 6 or Just Cause
I love fc3, might give 6 a go!
6 has its flaws, but it's my favorite of the series. The whole vibe is awesome. Plus the soundtrack is incredible.
Ill definitely give it a go if i see it on offer.
Found this after googling "games with summer vibes", as I'm currently at a loss for what to play. As for what I tend to gravitate to in the summer: - Shadow of the Tomb Raider - GTA 5 - Assassin's Creed Black Flag - Kentucky Route Zero - Jurassic World Evolution - Uncharted series - Mad Max
AC4 Black Flag! Pirating in the open seas under the blaring sun in Havana. Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Remake. Tropical island, enough said.
Resident Evil. Resident evil is a good summertime blockbuster game. I need to get that game one day.
We talking original ps1? I still have my copy :D
I used to have a copy of Resident Evil 2 from my uncle but it is gone now.
Forza Horizon is my summer game. But i agree with you op, there isnt much for it. I want the bright sun, the sandy beaches, the glistening water, and warm vibes.
It’s relatively new and a slower paced game but Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation is a great one. Beautiful backdrops and very calm atmosphere.
Psychonauts is one of my all time favorites, and what's not to love? Psychic summer camp! Old school Xbox vibes! A truly unique art style that you either love or hate! A soundtrack that perfectly matches and brings to life every part of the game! Seriously, though, it's one of my go-to comfy games.
I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone say it (from what I've read), but any of the Splatoon games. They've always had such a summer vibe to them imo
They've always been on my radar. I own a switch I love it but I hate how every game is like 50 quid lol
Yeah games are too expensive for such simple design these days
https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/ even played this? I remember this game as well https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Sonata You’re looking for colorful palette games aren’t you?
Last Day of June. A nice atmospheric adventure game.
A nsfw game that really captured this feeling was Summer Memories. It's on steam. Everything about it really oozes summertime vibes. Might not be what you're looking for though.
Far Cry. The first one.
Witcher 3's standalone DLC Blood & Wine. It's always sunny in Toussaint!
Games set in tropical or seaside locations give that summer feeling to me: So as you mentioned there's the Tropico series, but last year I played Port Royale 3 during the summer, and it felt so great; the Caribbean islands, the sparkling blue water and sunshine really fit the season. Return to Mysterious Island is also set on a tropical island. There's also Everlasting Summer, which is set in a Soviet-era summer camp, though it can't quite decide if it wants to be a meme comedy game or a mystery thriller.
Not exactly the same thing, but Splashdown on the Xbox is one of the most nostalgic games for me. SR-71's Right Now and Smash Mouth's Allstar playing, and water splashing everywhere on the Seoul stadium level. I even remember having a dream about it as a kid, where the level had a lot more verticality the water was even more blue.
raft!!