It’s the summertime and folks everywhere are looking to stay in the air conditioning to beat the heat. That means more video game time! You might still want to experience those exciting summer vibes, even if you’re gaming inside to stay cool. For some video games with incredible summer vibes, look no further than the list below.

Super Mario Sunshine

Not only is Super Mario Sunshine one of the best Mario games around, but it’s also one of the most perfect video games to play during the summer. Delfino Plaza is surrounded by beautiful beaches and would be one of the most ideal vacation spots in video games. The game celebrates sunny weather and even has Mario collecting little suns called Shine Sprites. Plus, the core mechanics of the game center around a device known as F.L.U.D.D., which is essentially a sentient, super-powered Super Soaker. 

Splatoon

The whole Splatoon series is summery and sunny. Humanoid sea creatures using water guns to shoot colorful ink battle it out to take over a turf. They may not be able to go in the water, but every level feels like it takes place on a beach boardwalk. These games have the same feeling of a summer episode of a Nickelodeon cartoon.

Another Crab’s Treasure

For a game that takes place entirely on the ocean floor, there’s Another Crab’s Treasure. It’s a Soulslike game in which the player controls a hermit crab who battles his way through the sea, collecting various objects to use as shells along the way. It’s cute and colorful and provides a surprising challenge. Seeing the unique sea creature animal designs and vivid oceanic environments is enough to make any gamer want to go swimming.

Dead Island

What’s a more summery location than a tropical island with vacation homes and beach-side resorts? Dead Island has people trapped on an island just like that in the zombie apocalypse. As you’re blasting members of the undead, you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery with palm trees and swimming pools. 

Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel that takes the world of Horizon Zero Dawn and moves it to a warmer, more tropical location. This is especially the case with the Burning Shores DLC. The west coast of the United States is filled with gorgeous landscapes with surf and sand, and it can all be enjoyed while hunting down mechanized beasts.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The Grand Theft Auto video game series is all about heists and gang wars, and Vice City is no different. Vice City, though, does take place in a much more tropical environment than the rest. Hawaiian shirts, coast-side boardwalks, and neon lights shining over beaches all blend together to perfectly capture the feel of a summertime trip. Sure, most people won’t be taking part in the gunplay and theft, but the vibe is still there.

Far Cry

The Far Cry games all take place in the sweltering heat of jungles and deserts and the like. There are also beaches that look especially welcoming after the playable characters being stuck in the most dangerous places and events of their lives. The secret ending of Far Cry 6 even features the character relaxing on a beach sipping on a mojito, which is what we should all be doing this summer.

Donkey Kong Country

Who wouldn’t want to spend their summer on a secluded tropical island? Donkey Kong must since he lives there. The Donkey Kong Country series are some of the best side-scrolling platformers out there, and they each offer their own summer vibes. Traversing through tropical jungles, collecting sweat-tasting fruit, and battling pirates who have taken over the coast of your island all sound like an enjoyable way to spend your summer, right?

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Each Assassin’s Creed game takes place in a different setting, with Black Flag taking place on the high seas. Sail across the ocean to beautiful islands to search for the ultimate treasure and assassinate those who oppose you. If the water looks inviting-enough to you, you can even dive in and swim around with the various critters who live down there.

Sea of Thieves

For more pirate fun while sailing over the deep blue sea, Sea of Thieves has been called the perfect pirate experience. Sail off to some island beach and hang out in the sunshine with friends in an incredible multiplayer experience. If that’s not your thing, you can always work together to sink enemy ships.

Sonic Adventure

The “Station Square” music from Sonic the Hedgehog’s first mainline fully 3D game could and should be the theme of summer. From being chased by a killer whale along a sunshine-filled beach to battling a monster known as Chaos who is basically made out of water, this game gives off extremely strong summer vibes. It also features six intertwining storylines, which is pretty neat.

Crash Bandicoot

The N. Sanity Islands from Crash Bandicoot are probably one of the best summer vacation spots in the realm of video games. When the first level opens on Crash being washed up on a beach, it’s hard not to want to just sit there and appreciate the view. There are a few tropical islands in this game, but maybe only stick to the ones Cortex hasn’t taken over yet for your summer vacation.

Read Next: 12 Nerdy Movies With Summer Vibes