Of course Nintendo’s 2002 Zelda-series swerve Wind Waker is on this list. It’s a huge, brightly colored world filled with islands, beaches, and oceans to explore. As a kid on summer break, I would play outside with friends and create worlds that feel ripped right out of Wind Waker. Playing it today is like going back in time and reliving those summer memories, minus the heat and sunburns.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list, as there are plenty of other video games that perfectly capture the feeling of a hot summer day or a quiet trip to the beach. In fact, there’s a very good chance you’re thinking “Wait, where’s [INSERT GAME NAME]!?” In which case, I am deeply sorry. If you’ve got other summer faves, share ‘em with the world in the comments below.
