STACK #159 Jan 2018

GAMES FEATURE

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Forza Horizon 3 (2016) Mention the word Australia to anyone around the world and invariably it will evoke images of scorching sun, beaches, and surf. Clearly, they have no knowledge of a Melbourne winter. Still, what better way to combat the thought of your mates off enjoying an incredible summer surf road trip than driving around this damn fine country without spending a cent on fuel! Turn the fan on full and aim it towards your face for added authenticity when cruising in your BMW Z4.

There’s every chance that at this very moment you’re enjoying a pleasant holiday in the sun somewhere on this capacious island. For everyone else stuck at home (including the STACK editorial team) in this oppressive heat, praying that the grinding sound inside the air- conditioner isn’t symptomatic of an impending mechanical failure, we’ve put together a list of summer-themed games that will at least give you the momentary perception that you’re having fun in the sun. Words Paul Jones

Dead Island (2011) While this probably wouldn’t be your idea of a perfect summer getaway, it is set on a tropical resort, perched on the fictional island of Banoi. However, unfortunately you share this bit of paradise with flesh-eating zombies. Playing as one of four characters, there’s a whole open-world island to battle through in a bid to eradicate the zombie threat. Forget sipping cocktails in a hotel pool up at Port Douglas when you could be cracking open skulls with a tyre iron on Banoi.

Far Cry 3 (2012) Fear not the lost opportunity to go to the Whitsundays over the summer hols; you can always settle on an interactive visit to the Rook Islands. Granted, the food won’t be top tier, it’s unlikely you’ll find anywhere that specialises in spa treatments, and long walks along the beach are best avoided, but you will find plenty of hang-gliding opportunities, off road jeep trips, and even a spot of shark fishing. It’s also one of the best games released on the last generation of consoles.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) Know someone close to you who is enjoying the summer break on a cruise? Counter any seasickness worries, overpriced food and drinks, or outbreaks of gastro by popping Black Flag into your console. What else could possibly put you in a summer mood in front of your telly than your Bermuda sloop, under blue skies, cutting a gentle swathe through a coral bay, or diving into the warm Caribbean ocean. Well, maybe the sharks.

GTA V (2013) You don’t need the Gold Coast when you’ve got the expansive summer paradise of Los Santos at the tips of your fingers. Be that person that everyone hates at the beach and ride a jet ski, or head out in a boat for a spot of scuba diving. Rob a bank and then drive to the beach in your sports car, or fly overhead in a stolen plane. People are still playing GTA V five years after it released, so at least when the holidaymakers return broke and sunburnt, you’ll have hours of potential summer fun in front of you.

012 JANUARY 2018

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