By Matija Šerić
Summer is known as a time for rest, relaxation, and fun. Many eagerly await this season to finally go on vacation and escape the scorching heat by hiding in the shade or diving into the sea. While beaches, swimming, and sunbathing are classic ways to enjoy summer, there are plenty of other options. Not everyone loves traditional summer activities. Besides books, movies, and TV shows, some people find their alternative entertainment by playing summer-themed video games. Even those who adore summer can find extra fun in the virtual world. There are plenty of games with a summer vibe, and some stand out due to their quality and uniqueness.
Number 10: Sea of Thieves
Rare’s 2018 adventure game Sea of Thieves is tailor-made for warm summer days. Players take on the role of pirates “doing business” on the seas for various factions. While the gameplay has its flaws, the experience is enjoyable thanks to pleasant graphics, ship battles, multiplayer mode, and realistic physics. The endless blue ocean and sunlit waves create an idyllic atmosphere perfect for online fun with friends.
Number 9: Tchia
Developed by Awaceb and published by Kepler Interactive, Tchia (2023) is a perfect game for hot summer days. This third-person adventure resembles classic Nintendo games like Super Mario, but with a 100% summer twist. The landscapes are tropical, inspired by New Caledonia. Players can take control of animals and objects to help the protagonist rescue her kidnapped father. Coral reefs, coves, islands, and summer outfits on all characters evoke strong summer feelings.
Number 8: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
This 2018 game is a treat for gamers who love summer aesthetics and history. Set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War (Athens vs. Sparta) in the 5th century BC, players spend most of their time exploring stunning Mediterranean landscapes: beaches, islands, peninsulas, coves, and cliffs, with mountains visible in the distance. The golden beaches along the turquoise Aegean Sea are especially breathtaking. Coastal cities made of marble bustle with ancient markets and residents dressed in authentic period clothing. If you want to escape into history and enjoy summer vibes, this game is made for you.
Review of AC Odyssey
Number 7: Firewatch
Released by Campo Santo in 2016, Firewatch is an adventure masterpiece set during the summer on land. The story unfolds in a Wyoming forest reserve where fire lookout Henry communicates with his supervisor Delilah via walkie-talkie. Although the graphics are somewhat simple and the gameplay not cutting-edge, the story elevates the game beyond average. The summer vibe comes through dense pine forests, sunlight filtering through the canopy, and nature sounds that create a romantic yet tense atmosphere of a summer mystery.
Number 6: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Released in 2013 as part of the Assassin’s Creed series, Black Flag stands out as a unique entry. It’s an adventure game set in the early 18th century during the golden age of piracy in the New World. The summer feel is palpable while exploring beaches and ships, hunting for treasure, and roaming an open world. Naval battles are top-notch, offering some of the best sea gameplay in any game. Players can also hunt animals on land and sea. The blazing tropical sun, the sound of waves, and seagulls create a strong sense of adventurous summer in the Caribbean, reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe.
Number 5: Grand Theft Auto V
Though not the first game that comes to mind as a summer title, GTA V definitely fits. It’s one of the most popular games of all time, even 12 years after its release. Players control three vivid characters—Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor Philips—in a sprawling open world based on Los Angeles and surrounding deserts and ocean. Players can freely choose mission paths. The summer vibe hits while strolling the sun-soaked city in Hawaiian shirts, driving sports cars or scooters, playing intense missions on highways, and listening to classic hits like Boston’s “Peace of Mind,” Black Eyed Peas’ “Meet Me Halfway,” or Survivor’s “Burning Heart” on the radio.
Number 4: Just Cause 3
Avalanche Studios released Just Cause 3 in 2015, part of a popular series. Many consider it the perfect summer fun game because it plunges players into a true summer adventure. The protagonist Rico Rodriguez returns to his fictional Mediterranean island Medici to fight a dictatorship. The open-world islands invite exploration of hidden coves, sunny landscapes, and spectacular explosions. Parachuting (including wingsuit flying) and speedboat rides add to the excitement.
Just Cause 3 review
Number 3: Subnautica
Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s Subnautica (2018) was an unexpected hit. This survival adventure FPS puts players in the shoes of Ryley Robinson, who crash-lands on an alien ocean planet to explore and survive. The goal is to gather resources, navigate rich flora and fauna, and find a way off the planet. It’s perfect for lovers of diving and underwater exploration, as the game unfolds beneath the waves.
Number 2: Far Cry 3
The legendary Far Cry 3 (2012) is often considered the best in the series. Unlike many typical FPS games, this Ubisoft title shines with a well-crafted story, diverse vehicles and weapons, and a rich open world—all set in a deceptively idyllic tropical island. But it’s no paradise: pirates, criminals, and psychopaths rule here. The main villain, Vaas Montenegro, is a key reason protagonist Jason Brody fights to survive. Players can dive, swim, hunt, and explore cliffs and beaches, fully immersed in a wild jungle survival experience.
Far Cry 3 review
Number 1: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Few games radiate a fantastic summer vibe quite like GTA: Vice City. Released in 2002, this unique summer hit shaped generations, including this author. Vice City is a Miami 1980s replica, inspired by the cult film Scarface and the TV series Miami Vice. Whether on a mission or freely roaming the streets, you feel the summer groove—Miami breathes the summer vibe. The game’s soundtrack reflects the golden era of ’80s music, featuring legends like Michael Jackson, Toto, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Laura Branigan, and more. Anyone craving summer should play Vice City. Although remastered in 2021, the update was disappointing with many bugs and poor graphics. Hopefully, Rockstar will release a proper remaster in the future.
Vice City review
A Sweet Selection
These are just some of the best summer-themed games out there. There are many more to choose from, so everyone can find one that suits their taste. Sometimes playing a summer game in the middle of winter is just what you need to lift your spirits. Whatever the case, the most important thing is to feel the magic of summer within ourselves. Sometimes, the experience behind the screen is even stronger than in real life.
