The best games set in Oceania

about 1 month ago, by Enzo

After visiting many regions around the globe, it's now time to stop off in Oceania. From idyllic beaches to sun-scorched desert expanses, the region offers a setting as vast as it is spectacular, and video games have taken full advantage of this. Between Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific archipelagos, many open worlds have managed to draw inspiration from this region. Let's take a look at our selection of the best games set in Oceania!

Let's start our article with Forza Horizon 3. This installment of the famous racing franchise takes place in the land of kangaroos. From the beaches of the Gold Coast to tropical rainforests, arid red regions, and coastal towns, the game showcases the spectacular diversity of Australia's landscapes. Mad Max is set in an arid desert heavily inspired by the same country. The vast sandy expanses, rusted carcasses, and extreme isolation reflect the imagination of a devastated Australia, where survival depends on mechanics and resourcefulness.

Let's now move on to a distinctly more aquatic atmosphere. Developed by an Australian studio, Submerged features a sunken city reminiscent of certain coastal metropolises. Exploration by boat, lush vegetation, and bright light evoke a peaceful but melancholic Oceanic environment. A direct sequel to this opus, Submerged: Hidden Depths delves deeper into its universe. It features invasive nature, partially submerged modern structures, and a contemplative atmosphere reminiscent of the coasts and urban areas of the South Pacific.

Speaking of the ocean, Far Cry 3 takes place on the fictional Rook Islands, inspired by the archipelagos of Oceania. Dense jungle, coral reefs, tribal villages, and Pacific cultural heritage structure the game's universe. Exoticism and island isolation are at the heart of the narrative experience. Add a few undead creatures, and we find ourselves in the middle of Dead Island and its fictional island, inspired by Papua New Guinea. Hotel complexes, beaches, and lush jungles become the scene of a zombie epidemic, in a setting worthy of a tropical postcard.

Finally, let's head to Polynesia, and more specifically Hawaii. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is mainly set in urban neighborhoods, and the local culture offers a stark contrast to Japan, renewing the identity of the saga. As surprising as it may seem, we'll end our article with the 3DS games Pokémon Sun and Moon. Released 10 years ago, these games represent one of the most exotic journeys Pokémon has offered to date.

From the sunny circuits of Australia to the tropical islands of the Pacific, it's clear that Oceania is a wonderful playground for video game creators. Sometimes wild, sometimes urban, sometimes paradisiacal or post-apocalyptic, it offers a diversity of landscapes and atmospheres that is rare within a single geographical area. See you in a future article for another stopover in a beautiful part of the world!