9 great video games for a virtual summer getaway

Summer is here (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere), and with it comes the freedom to sit by the seaside, sipping a cold beer and listening to the waves wash over the sand. Well, at least for some people! For most of us, though, summer just brings warmer weather and more work.

But that’s OK! Even if you can’t get away in real life, you can get away virtually with these video games that’ll take you to some perfect summertime destinations. Granted, once you get to these beaches it’s not all going to be fun in the sun, but hey, summer’s no fun without a little drama anyway, right?

1. Far Cry 3

The original Far Cry would work too, but since we want this to be an immersive vacation, let’s stick with the nicer-looking Far Cry 3. Sure, the game is full of angry mercenaries, crazy islanders, and hostile wildlife. But it also features some absolutely killer tropical beaches you’ll have almost completely to yourself. Getting sick of the beach? Hike a mountain and enjoy scenic views from one of the game’s many conveniently-placed hang-gliders. Or just bomb around in a jeep taking in the sights and drinking with the locals. Heck, the islands of Far Cry 3 are even 420-friendly if you like blazing the ganja.

2. GTA V

It’s perpetual summer in Los Santos, and while there’s plenty of other stuff to do, we’re going to head straight for the beach. There, you can find speedboats and sailboats and take to the seas, or just cut around the local jet ski course. There’s plenty to see diving under the waves in the seas around San Andreas, but if you’re the type that prefers to stay on the beach, you can check out the local seaside skate park, ogle the shirtless dudes working out at Muscle Beach, or head onto the boardwalk to ride the ferris wheel. San Andreas also has rivers and a huge lake to explore, and there are more secluded beaches all over the map if you like the atmosphere but hate those Los Santos crowds.

3. Tropico 5

Visiting a tropical island is nice…but how about owning one? Sure, being an island dictator is a little like work, but who can complain when you’re raking in cash from gullible tourists or building seaside mansions to keep your filthy rich citizens satisfied? Being a dictator is hard work, but it’s much more fun under blue skies and next to crystal seas.

4. Just Cause 2