Video games often transport us to incredible worlds filled with breathtaking landscapes, from the bustling cities of Grand Theft Auto to the fantastical kingdoms of The Elder Scrolls. But did you know that many of these video game worlds are inspired by real-world locations? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the real-world locations that inspired popular video games, and how you can explore these landscapes for yourself.
Monteriggioni, Italy – Assassin’s Creed II
Assassin’s Creed II is set in Renaissance Italy and features many famous landmarks and cities, including the town of Monteriggioni. This small town in Tuscany served as the inspiration for the game’s fictional town of the same name. You can visit the real Monteriggioni today and see its well-preserved medieval walls and towers, just like in the game. You can also explore nearby towns like Siena and Florence, which are also featured in the game.
Petra, Jordan – Uncharted 2
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan served as the inspiration for the lost city of Shambhala in the game Uncharted 2. The city is carved into sandstone cliffs and is one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. You can explore the city’s temples, tombs, and amphitheater, just like the game’s protagonist Nathan Drake. You can also hike through the surrounding desert and see the stunning landscape that inspired the game’s setting.
Skellig Michael, Ireland – Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
The remote island of Skellig Michael off the coast of Ireland served as the inspiration for the mythical land of Asgard in the game Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. The island is home to a well-preserved monastic settlement that dates back to the 6th century. You can take a boat tour to the island and climb its steep cliffs to explore the ruins, just like in the game.
New Zealand – The Lord of the Rings series
The Lord of the Rings series of books and movies have inspired several video games, and many of the films’ landscapes were filmed in New Zealand. You can visit locations like Hobbiton, which was used as the filming location for the Shire, and hike through the stunning landscapes of Mount Tongariro and Fiordland National Park, which served as the inspiration for Mordor.
In conclusion, video games often draw inspiration from real-world locations, and exploring these landscapes can be a thrilling adventure for any gaming enthusiast. Whether you want to climb the medieval walls of Monteriggioni, hike through the deserts of Petra, explore the ruins of Skellig Michael, or visit the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings, there are countless ways to discover the real-world connections to your favorite games. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an epic adventure inspired by your favorite video games.
Leave a Reply