11. Donkey Kong 64 – Melty

Oooh, BaNaNa~

Donkey Kong 64 takes place on a set of islands. While this isn’t the be-all and end-all of summer, it definitely makes you feel like spending time in the sun. With the multitude of fruit-based weapons, I can’t help but envy the nasties that get pelted with juicy tropical fruit… Maybe not the coconuts, though. Please, give me the quenching nutrients! Speaking of fruit, Donkey Kong 64 has a banana fairy. You read that right, a banana fairy. She’s very enchanting and grants you the power to wield a camera. Ahhh, photography. My favourite summertime hobby. Granted, you can only take a photo of other fairies, but it’s the thought that counts.

Seeing the Kongs swim through the water looks super refreshing, and the fish are cute to see, too. Whilst not my average summer experience with sealife—I come from a family that went fishing—it’s still adorable to see the tropical, polygonal fish float around the islands. The palm trees and plants are a great way for the game to have a tropical feel… if the apes didn’t already do that. There are also pirates (including the obligatory pirate ship) in this game. Sure, the one I remember is a seal pirate, but I think the species just enhances the sunny impression.

Whilst not your average summer-hits playlist, the music is a vibe. I can definitely see a summer garden party with the soundtrack playing in the background of a BBQ and some drinking games, especially when it starts to get a bit late and you have to turn the music down. To end the night, you can finish up with the iconic ‘DK Rap’. What an absolute blast that would be… That gives me an idea…

12. Broken Sword II – Kane

“He had the eyes of a cocker spaniel set in a face like a deflated soufflé.” – George Stobbart

Those who’ve heard of the Broken Sword series will be aware that they’re well known for being globe-trotting puzzle adventures. The second game keeps up the travels from the first, taking you across the world from France to the Amazon and beyond.

Many of these places are the same you might find yourself in on some exotic family holiday, and that’s why I’ve picked Broken Sword II for this list… besides my compulsion to recommend the series to anyone and everyone, I mean.

13. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Azza

Infinite Mental Health

While I would play the previous game in the franchise first, this game features fun activities in sunny Hawaii. If you enjoy Segways, waving at locals, fighting with people as though they were Pokémon, or creating a hotel resort while fighting binmen, all whilst getting spiked, then Infinite Wealth is for you.

The story is that classic series vibe featuring action-packed cutscenes and plot twists that you should come to expect from the franchise. The gameplay has built upon the previous game in such an impressive fashion. It’s bonkers.

14. Wii Sports Resort – Melty

Summer in a nutshell

So, you want to play some games? What about sports games?

Set on Wuhu Island, an island featured in many Wii games, this game is a Summer Olympics-style game without the stadium and medals. However, the sports played in the game are not your average sports. With challenges in wakeboarding, frisbee, and skydiving, the game is giving, pretty much, an adventure vacation. However, with games like canoeing, archery, and cycling, the challenges are also reminiscent of summer camp.

As many of these minigames take place on the sandy beaches, the game is quite seasonally appropriate. The water sports are also suitable for the summer season. And, let’s be honest, with a name like Wii Sports Resort, you knew this one was for the summertime, anyway. Who knows? Maybe this game will get you interested in trying these activities in your real life. If you get into competitive frisbee, let me know.

15. Croc 2 – Melty

Ker-SCHPLATT!

Being one of my favourites growing up, it was guaranteed that I would play Croc 2 every summer. The title screen is a thematic visual of the Gobbos (little fuzzy brown dudes) all relaxing on a beach in their little sunglasses and adorable swimming attire. With beach towels and parasols amongst them, seeing the Gobbos vibing really makes you want to go and chill out with the lil guys. Speaking of the Gobbos, you can see them around the world dressed in their aforementioned bathing suits, head bandanas, as well as little sailor costumes. So cute! You can even see one fishing in the river.

Environmentally, this game is very tropical, with leaves and vines scaling the walls, butterflies fluttering around the area, and even hippos helping you reach higher places. Playing as the titular character, you run through sand-filled areas, navigate over rivers using bridges, and you can even trampoline with a Gobbo. If the warmth of the season isn’t your vibe, there is a whole snow and ice area, complete with snowmen to make you think of the cold and help you cool down a bit.

Water Good Feelin’

This game has riverboat racing. I’m not sure about you, but water sports scream ‘Summer Holiday’ to me. I love spending time in the water when the sun is out, and even though you can’t feel the water in the game, the sentiment is still strong. The first boss is a giant squid, with the battle taking place in the ocean. There is also a boss that takes place on a pirate ship, and one that is an ant. And where do you get ants? Summer picnics. Finally, your main enemy in Croc 2 is the band of pirates, and what kid doesn’t act like a pirate when on the beach?!

To conclude, Croc 2 is probably the most summer you could get in a game. That’s without mentioning the immaculate tropical vibes that you get from the music and the Ginger Soda. Honestly, I’m about to add some of the soundtrack to this year’s summer playlist.