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Abroad, Guests

Top Travel Destinations Found in Video Games Every Adventurer Must Visit

posted by Dario
Jan 7, 2019 1136 2 0
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Gamers may have a bit of a reputation for staying in front of the computer for too long, but it doesn’t mean they haven’t seen as much of the world as others. From dystopian war zones to historical monuments, gamers have actually been to many virtual renditions of spectacular destinations across the globe.

Just like books and films, video games have the power to transport viewers to another land. In fact, they tend to do escapism better than most media, since developers are known to put serious commitment into perfecting these motion graphics. Thanks to technology, players are able to engage with these beautiful realities from the comfort of their own homes.

But of course, these places aren’t just pulled out of thin air. Often, they draw inspiration from the real world we live in. And now with the growing popularity of advancements like Augmented Reality, effects are now more elevated than ever, increasing video games’ resemblance to real-life locations and experiences even more. Whether or not the similarities are intentional, using familiar locations makes it more relatable for players, and may even inspire them to get off their screens and experience these environments in the flesh.

Video game fan or not, here are some fantastic gaming world locations that might inspire your next trip or gaming binge.

  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • Montana
  • Rome
  • Nepal

Cambodia

As seen in: Tomb Raider

According to Business Insider‘s gaming reporter Kevin Webb, the cult popularity of the Tomb Raider franchise catapulted Lara Croft from female protagonist to the gaming industry’s poster child. Having been created in 1996 by British developers at Core Design, Lara Croft and the franchise surrounding her are one of the longest running of their kind in the whole video game history. Throughout the years, the leading lady’s journey has been explored in two Hollywood films, various magazine covers, advertisements, and more.

But on top of all these accomplishments, Tomb Raider was also able to shed light on the wondrous land of Cambodia. The game takes players around the Angkor Wat, which is known as the largest religious monument in the world, housing ruins from a 12th century temple built during the Khmer Empire. While you probably wouldn’t want to include ravine diving and rattlesnake fighting in your itinerary like Lara Croft has had to in the games, you can opt to visit Siem Reap, the closest city to the temple.

Cambodia
Photo credits: Pixel Pasts

Hong Kong

As seen in: Sleeping Dogs

From the distinctly blinding neon lights to the city’s rugged urban charm, it’s almost hard to tell Sleeping Dogs’ virtual version of Hong Kong from the real thing. The game completely immerses players in the environment, all thanks to the intricate details that the developers have injected into the effects and game play. Pleasantly lurking in the scene are some modern day landmarks and institutions, such as the impressive Bank of China Tower. Even the atmosphere and vibe in the game has been perfected down to a tee, as heard in the background characters’ uncanny local accents and the street vendors serving up true-to-life Chinese cuisine.

Photo credits: Digital Trends

Montana

As seen in: Far Cry 5

The Wild Wild West is an instantly recognizable setting, constantly playing host to many of our favorite pop culture classics. Its dramatic landscapes and iconic rock formations are simply the perfect backdrop for action, as seen in hit shows like Westworld and Little House on the Prairie. Unsurprisingly, video games have followed suit, as in the case of Ubisoft’s Far Cry 5.

While the game’s main location, Hope County, isn’t an actual place, developers were inspired by the rugged beauty of Montana in Northwestern USA. In fact, they have created such an accurate portrayal of the state that the game’s locale has taken on a role as one of the most influential characters in the entire Far Cry 5 game. Just a few levels in and you’re sure to be pulled in by the allure of Montana’s mountains, too.

Photo credits: PlayStation Blog

Rome

As seen in: Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed is pretty much a masterclass for creators on how to ensure the world you make is well-represented and credible. For Brotherhood, its developers designed it in a way that was almost obsessive in ensuring that it historically accurate, even going as far as consulting a Renaissance scholar. And although modern-day Italy has an endless array of potential breathtaking backdrops, the game takes players back in time to Ancient Rome, showing many of its iconic structures such as the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill.

The city is such a rich resource for inspiration that countless other games have been influenced by its heritage. Online slot gaming giant Slingo hosts titles such as Soldier of Rome, Ave Caesar, and Spartacus, which are all deeply influenced by the ancient empire and life in it. Because many of the locations have been carefully preserved, it makes for an interesting encounter once you actually see and touch them personally. Moreover, Ancient Rome’s impact is so immense that it can be felt even across other industries, too. One example of this is the vast world of fashion. The Telegraph notes that many modern trends and labels consistently take their cue from Greco-Roman looks, from the gladiator sandal to asymmetrical body jewellery.

Photo credits: Assassin's Creed Wiki - Fandom
Photo credits: Assassin’s Creed Wiki – Fandom

Nepal

As seen in: Far Cry 4

Another destination from the Far Cry universe, the fourth installment makes use of the surreal Himalayan mountains of Nepal. Just looking at the vast snow-capped peaks and seemingly infinite frozen terrains can almost make you feel the cold ice between your own hands. The environment is so impressively accurate, with developers even matching their game to the locals’ own clothing. For sure, you’ll be itching for the authentic experience with every in-game goal you accomplish.

Photo credits: Far Cry 4
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Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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