In the immersive realm of video games, we often find ourselves enchanted by the stunning visuals of virtual worlds. Yet, it’s vital to remember that the breathtaking cityscapes of our own reality can be equally mesmerizing.
Real-world urban landscapes can be just as compelling as the luminescent neon streets of Night City or the gritty alleyways of Gotham. However, it’s worth noting that the latest generation of video games may not fully capture every aspect of densely populated cities, leading developers to creatively interpret and meticulously construct them.
This article explores several video games that ingeniously reimagine real-world locations into immersive digital environments. Sometimes, a simple glance at your neighborhood on Google Maps just doesn’t quench the desire to step into it and explore it in a gaming universe.
10 United States of America (Death Stranding)
Reconnecting a Fragmented Country
The haunting landscapes of Death Stranding, where Sam Porter Bridges navigates through desolation, bear the title of “America, ”albeit with virtually no identifiable landmarks linking it to actual states. This is largely due to the catastrophic events known as “Death Stranding, ”which led to devastating void-outs—explosive phenomena reminiscent of nuclear detonations. Compounding this are the Timefall rains, which accelerate the decay and growth of organic matter, creating a world that is intensely foreign.
While the experience unfolds in a setting referred to as America, the game’s visuals draw significantly from the stark beauty of Iceland’s rocky terrain and verdant hills. A closer examination of the game map reveals that many of the Knot Cities are inspired by real locations, with Capital Knot City likely representing Washington, D. C., and Edge Knot reflecting aspects of Los Angeles.
9 Washington D. C.(The Division 2)
Explore the Capitol
Set against the backdrop of a nation reeling from the deadly Dollar Flu pandemic, Tom Clancy’s The Division and its sequel, The Division 2, invite players into a post-apocalyptic version of Washington D. C.The game faithfully reconstructs several historic and governmental landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
Exploring the city reveals the aftermath of societal collapse, with vandalized memorials and ruined structures. Fortunately, engaging with the so-called Dark Zone in The Division won’t result in dire consequences for players as it does in the game world.
8 San Francisco (Watch Dogs 2)
Featuring the Bushman
Watch Dogs 2 invites players to immerse themselves in a digital rendition of San Francisco, offering a vibrant urban playground that encourages exploration and hacking.
While it doesn’t aim for an exhaustive replication of every block, Ubisoft succeeded admirably in capturing significant cultural highlights, including iconic attractions and the endearing Bush Man—a street performer known for startling tourists at Fisherman’s Wharf. The game serves as a delightful representation of San Francisco for both outsiders and locals, complete with charming Easter eggs scattered throughout the city.
7 Tsushima Island (Ghost of Tsushima)
Officially Recognized by the City
Ghost of Tsushima has garnered such acclaim that the local tourist association is collaborating with the game to promote the island. Set against the historical backdrop of a fictionalized Mongol invasion in the late 13th century, this title captures the enchanting beauty of Tsushima Island in Nagasaki pref.
While the game takes creative liberties with its portrayal, the breathtaking topography is evident throughout, particularly at historical sites like Komoda Beach, which marks the location of the initial Mongol assault in the game’s prologue.
6 Paris (Assassin’s Creed Unity)
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is renowned for its engagement with historical events, seamlessly weaving its fictional narrative into real-world contexts. Assassin’s Creed Unity is no different, as it immerses players in Paris during the tumultuous French Revolution of the late 1700s, allowing them to experience significant events like the Siege of the Bastille first-hand.
Playing Unity feels akin to taking a historical tour of Paris, where you can visit several iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Catacombs, all while unraveling the revolutionary storyline.
5 Seattle (The Last of Us 2)
Overgrown but Not Forgotten
Thanks to the structured narrative of The Last of Us 2, the developers at Naughty Dog have masterfully transformed Seattle into an overgrown, hauntingly beautiful cityscape. As players traverse the deserted streets, they encounter detailed replicas of real Seattle landmarks, prominently featuring the Space Needle and the Seattle Central Library.
These recognizable locations primarily come into play during the early parts of the game as Ellie and Dina venture into the city, searching for vital clues in their quest.
4 Kingdom of Bohemia (Czech Republic)
Going Medieval
In a landscape dominated by medieval-themed games often set in England or France, Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out as it immerses players into the historical Kingdom of Bohemia, present-day Czech Republic, during the year 1403.
With a dedication to historical accuracy, Warhorse Studios painstakingly recreated many architectural wonders, such as the Sazava Monastery. Players can freely explore significant real-life locales that served as inspiration for the game’s vivid universe, discovering secrets even within the overgrown walls of the monastery itself.
3.Kabukicho (Yakuza 0)
Don, Don, Don, Donki, Don Quijote
While the entire Yakuza franchise draws heavily from real Japanese locales, Kamurocho stands out as its most iconic setting. Modeled after Tokyo’s bustling Kabukicho district, Kamurocho serves as a vibrant backdrop for the majority of the series.
This digital adaptation captures the spirit of Tokyo remarkably well, showcasing details such as arcade centers, Don Quijote discount stores, and various local eateries, making it a fantastic representation for anyone wishing to experience Tokyo from the comfort of their home.
2 New York (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2)
Empire State of Mind
What could be more iconic than the exhilarating fusion of New York City—the concrete jungle where dreams are made—and the most famous superhero, Spider-Man?
Marvel’s Spider-Man and its sequel artfully recreate the vast cityscape of New York with impressive attention to detail, achieving nearly a 1:1 scale in many areas. Players can navigate various landmarks, from the towering Empire State Building to the scenic High Line, where both locals and visitors converge.
It’s worth noting that Insomniac Games has introduced some original elements due to licensing constraints, replacing certain real-world landmarks with creative interpretations, yet maintaining the city’s essence throughout the gaming experience.
1 Hong Kong (Sleeping Dogs)
The Fragrant Harbor
As a proud resident of Hong Kong, I hold a deep appreciation for Sleeping Dogs, which remarkably captures the essence of my city, presenting both its allure and its unique cultural identity.
This underrated title artfully depicts the dynamic energy of Hong Kong, with its frenetic taxi traffic and vibrant neon lighting, creating an experience that invites players to immerse themselves fully. Even if a visit to Hong Kong might not be feasible, stepping into the virtual streets of Sleeping Dogs provides an authentic feel of the city.
The authenticity is not only reflected in the visual aesthetics but also in the incorporation of cultural elements, enriching the game with distinct Cantonese language and accents, demonstrating the developers’ commitment to an accurate and respectful representation.
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