As the mercury flirts with negative temperatures, there’s nothing like a virtual getaway under a radiant sun to beat the winter gray. Here is a selection of five independent games that will instantly transport you to warmer lands. If you’re an absolute fan of winter, don’t forget to check out our other list of games that will keep you in that frosty mood.
A paradise island of a thousand colors
Summer in Marajewel of the Spanish studio Chibig, invites you to follow the adventures of Koa, a young heroine with a strong temperament. In this shimmering universe mixing farming and maritime exploration, each day will bring its share of discoveries. You will be able to sail aboard your own boat in a huge archipelago, each island concealing its own secrets and colorful inhabitants.
The cultivation and crafting system, perfectly integrated into the narrative, allows you to create more than 150 objects useful to your progress which will help you achieve the hundreds of quests that the game offers. Cultivate, fish, cut wood, explore, etc. No room for boredom!
Released June 16, 2020 on PCNintendo Switch, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, Summer in Mara is a real success. Its artistic direction clearly inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli, its peaceful rhythm which invites contemplation and its atmosphere feel good hit the mark.
Mysteries and secrets in the forests of Wyoming
Firewatchthe first creation from the talented Campo Santo studio, puts you in the shoes of Henry, a forest ranger running from his past. During the scorching summer of 1989, your lookout tower overlooks the majestic forests of Shoshone National Park.
As the days go by, punctuated by radio conversations with your supervisor Delilah, a captivating intrigue is woven that will always make you want to go further and discover what is going on in the park. A warm atmosphere, a shimmering artistic direction that smells of nature, an atmospheric soundtrack composed by Chris Remo and a very well-executed narration make this (too) short adventure a real pleasure game.
Firewatch has been available since February 9, 2016 on PCPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and macOS, and has since become a reference of walking simulator.
The call of the Mediterranean
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure will transport you to the fictional Mediterranean island of Pinar del Mar. The Ustwo games studio depicts the summer vacation of Alba, an 11-year-old apprentice photographer, with her grandparents. Armed simply with her smartphone, she walks around taking photos the dozens of animal species present in the game.
Every corner of the island is a real treasure to discoverpopulated by a very varied fauna and each of your escapades will be accompanied by musical themes inspired by Spanish culture.
The title aptly addresses environmental themes through an awareness campaign led by Alba and her friend Inès to save this threatened nature reserve. Marketed since December 11, 2020 on PCPlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure suitable for both children and adults. It’s calm and relaxing and we can only advise you to reach the sunny shores of Pinar del Mar.
A cubic adventure in the tropics
The Touristcreation of Shin’en Multimedia, revisits the codes of the adventure/puzzle game through a unique visual style, its universe being composed entirely of voxels. Playing as a casual tourist in a Hawaiian shirt, you will also explore an archipelago with Polynesian and Mediterranean influences, called Monument Islands. Each island comes with its share of puzzles, fun activities (scuba diving, caving, arcade games, etc.) and ancient monuments to explore.
If the style low poly you like, that of The Tourist is impeccably made and highlighted by very beautiful plays of light. Available since November 21, 2019 on Nintendo Switch and July 30, 2020 on PCXbox One, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
A space ranch brimming with life
Do you like life/farm simulations? Do you like slimes, these strange gelatinous creatures? You will love it in this case Slime Rancheroriginal creation by Monomi Park studio. On the planet Far Far Range, a thousand light years from Earth, you will play Beatrix LeBeau and manage a breeding of these creatures while discovering your environment to guarantee them a pleasant living environment.
Resource harvesting, a little combat (it’s still nice), and exploration, a trio that ensures the game has a robust gameplay loop. You will also be able to meet your slimes with more than 150 hybridization possibilitieseach with their own food preferences and particularities.
Since its release on August 1, 2017 on PCPlayStation 4, Xbox One and Android, the title has continued to grow in content through numerous free updates and has attracted more than 15 million players. In 2022, its sequel, Slime Rancher 2 was also a success, despite the lack of new features.
Beyond their stylistic and mechanical differences, these five games share the same desire: that of offering you a virtual haven of peaceOr chill is the key word. Very beautiful invitations to travel, particularly welcome when winter is in full swing.
- Summer in Mara And The Tourist offer a mix of maritime exploration and puzzles in a summer atmosphere with vibrant colors.
- Firewatch And Alba combine introspection, mystery and ecological commitment in sublime settings.
- Slime Rancher reinvents the farming simulation by giving you the opportunity to raise slimes on an alien planet.
