Best Game Locations EVER [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

Juskin

04-10-2008, 12:52 AM

Sometimes some of the fun we get from many video games is not actually completing missions to advance, but actually just slowing down and taking in the great atmospheric locations you're playing in.

In this thread, let's talk about them and feel free to post any screenshots.

Shadow of the Colossus. Dreary and barren, but at the same time beautifully crafted.

http://www.binarymoon.co.uk/files/images/sotc_1.jpg

Who can deny the charm of Delfino Island?!
http://www.dignews.com/admin/screenshoot/mariosun06.jpg

I just love the garden, it's so abstract and pretty.
http://mywii.com.au/img/game/large/Super-Mario-Galaxy-9.jpg

boatofcar

04-10-2008, 01:05 AM

We kind of talked about that in this (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39168) thread, but I agree with you about Mario Sunshine. It's still pretty breathtaking.

http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/mariosunshine_082002_4.jpg

MrRoboto19XX

04-10-2008, 01:30 AM

Let's get things started by one of (In my opinion) the most engrossing in-game environments: Shenmue.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/12/Shen_dobuita.jpg

Secondly, I give a vote to Jet Grind (Set) radio for the Dreamcast, this shot really doesn't do it justice, but it's really a breathtaking environment.

http://medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/screenshot_920_thumb300.jpg

That's my thought for now. More to come, perhaps.

G-Boobie

04-10-2008, 04:16 AM

Nice thread.

Lets get some of the obvious ones out of the way.

God of War.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii236/dahlover77/Ares.jpg

The games are built around the 'epic scope' of their environments, and it really shows throughout all three games. My favorite to this day is the climb up the chains on Pandora's Temple. You're fighting harpies and climbing these enormous chains, while the background is the titan Cronos on whom the temple is built, crawling along oblivious to your character, seemingly miles below you but still taking up the whole screen. I can't find a screenshot unfortunately. :(

Oblivion.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k117/PullTheTricker/Elder%20Scrolls%20Oblivion/oblivion3.jpg

It's been beaten to death by now, but that moment when you first exit the tutorial dungeon is still breathtaking.

Push Upstairs

04-10-2008, 04:30 AM

I Ain't gots no screenshots, but I still hold "American McGee's Alice" in high regard for its atmosphere.

1. Inside the school. The sounds of the kids, and them giggling, with that design are creepy.

2. In the insane asylum. The mirrored hallways with the clockwork robots. Those creepy cherub baby faced spider things. Finding the Door Mouse.

thetoxicone

04-10-2008, 08:15 AM

I'm a big fan of the visuals of Amped 2. Of all things it was the main reason I ended up getting an Xbox since I saw some friends playing it and decided that I must have one. Sorry, I am a bit too lazy to hunt down a picture.

Nebagram

04-10-2008, 08:44 AM

Obviously Cyrodiil is #1 for me, but Crackdown's Pacific City is also fun, if only because of the fact it's essentially one giant climbing frame (where, uh, people fire heat seeking RPGs at you all day). And of course, who can forget Silent Hill? :)

DefaultGen

04-10-2008, 08:49 AM

.....

GrandAmChandler

04-10-2008, 09:26 AM

Phendrana Drifts, how was this not mentioned :o

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8050/metroidprime101012xy.jpg

Wow, That's a great one that I would have never thought of but TOTALLY agree with. When I first got to Phendrana Drifts, I was amazed at what my Gamecube could do!

evil_genius

04-10-2008, 09:33 AM

Wow noone mentioned The Moon from DuckTales for NES.

Pantechnicon

04-10-2008, 09:50 AM

Liberty City, if for no other reason than the sheer amount of detail in the place.

LiquidPolicenaut

04-10-2008, 11:03 AM

Some of those shots really are beautiful! I agree with Jet Grind Radio and Liberty City and I would add almost all the outdoor locations in Dragon Quest 8. I mean, just standing there watching the sun rise or set is a beauty I never tire of...

Others I would add are:
Resident Evil - Gamecube
Dreamfall - Xbox

And, if we can also add 2D games, I would add Snatcher and Luanr: EB for the Sega CD. Both have such great detail in their environments, I always felt like it's a place I want to visit....

Cryomancer

04-10-2008, 12:36 PM

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9356/dfgdfgdfgvu1.png

kaedesdisciple

04-10-2008, 12:45 PM

http://www.csd.uwo.ca/Infocom/Maps/zork3/royalmaze.gif

Anytime I finish this puzzle, I always scream.

ms89

04-10-2008, 01:58 PM

I'll second any of the maps in Jet Grind (Set) Radio.

heybtbm

04-10-2008, 02:34 PM

My vote goes to Dracula's Castle in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Honorable mentions:

San Andreas (GTA: San Andreas)
Pacific City (Crackdown)
Cyrodiil (Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion)
Spanish Village/Castle/Island (Resident Evil 4)
Ivalice (Final Fantasy XII)

Frankie_Says_Relax

04-10-2008, 03:45 PM

1st in on Andrew Ryan's utopian/distopian "Rapture" for it's art-deco stylings gone the way of civil unrest.

http://extralives.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/bio_opp.jpg

blissfulnoise

04-10-2008, 04:13 PM

flOw (PS3) - Credits

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/FLOW_THESIS/FLOW005.jpg

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker - The Great Sea

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/gc/zeldawindwaker/0324/zeldaww_0324_screen224.jpg

Nethack (PC) - The infinite random dungeon

http://tripalot.com/roguelike/images/nethack.gif

Juskin

04-10-2008, 04:21 PM

1st in on Andrew Ryan's utopian/distopian "Rapture" for it's art-deco stylings gone the way of civil unrest.

http://extralives.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/bio_opp.jpg

Damn, I forgot how hauntingly delicious Bioshock looks.

I need to replay that game NOW.

starchildskiss78

04-10-2008, 06:14 PM

I personally liked the tracks in Need For Speed II, especially the Pacific Spirit track set in Vancouver.

PentiumMMX

04-10-2008, 06:16 PM

Zelda: A Link to the Past still looks great IMO.
http://ui21.gamefaqs.com/1812/gfs_4588_2_1.jpg

diskoboy

04-10-2008, 06:39 PM

I second Jet Set Radio and Rapture. I will ad City 17, Vice City, the village from RE4, Pripyat/Chernobyl from S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and the Williamette Parkview Mall from Dead Rising.

But nobody's mentioned synesthesia, so I will....
http://www.megatonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/rez-xbla.jpg

Krook

04-10-2008, 08:56 PM

I have a bunch of favourites but this one is probably the best.

http://loading.se/images/11/43/ub_05b93c7647518865b95ed8a03270847e.jpg

Ryaan1234

04-10-2008, 09:33 PM

When I think of good graphics, I think of Psychonauts. The graphics in that game really took my breath away.

http://l.yimg.com/origin.games.yahoo.com/content/p/2/681410/psychonaut_020604_008_screen001.jpg

Of course, this isn't a picture of the milkman level. That level made my head spin, though I appreciated how well designed it was. I remember seeing some early screenshots for it in a Game Informer, maybe a 2004 edition? I thought "Holy crap, look at those graphics!"

And, of course, no thread about good graphics can go without mentioning Gitaroo Man. Look at that!
http://forevergeek.com/images/gitaroo.jpg

And, also, Incredible Crisis. This game had pretty good graphics for a PS1 game. It also has some well done in-game movies:
http://www.gamelemon.com/media/articles/undergames/Incredible%20Crisis%201.jpg

Kitsune Sniper

04-10-2008, 09:51 PM

Half-Life 2 after the ending happens, and HL2 Episode 1, right at the end.

I wish I had screenies because gawddamn did that place really make my jaw drop in awe.

Cmosfm

04-10-2008, 11:15 PM

I rarely see it mentioned, but the "Hell" level in Painkiller is amazing. Imagine a bomb gets dropped on an abandoned city, blows up, and then a split second after the bomb goes off everything freezes and hangs there. That's what it looks like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jggt-xDuRA

Watch past the first "secret" to see what I mean.

Nesmaster

04-10-2008, 11:31 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Nesmaster/4186-gtaiv-multiplayer-screenshot.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Nesmaster/4194-gtaiv-multiplayer-screenshot.jpg

I can hardly wait any longer to explore Liberty City.

G-Boobie

04-11-2008, 04:22 AM

Clownzilla

04-11-2008, 10:58 AM

The arcade game "Boogie Wings" by Data East had some great location eye candy for the time. Not a well known game but it should of been:(
http://www.mameworld.net/maws/img/shots/ej/boogwing.png

jupitersj

04-11-2008, 01:41 PM

Many, many...many locations in EverQuest(PC).

So many wonderful locations and designs that one picture could not capture it.

Lerxstnj

04-12-2008, 09:51 AM

I will second Half Life 2 and Dreamfall... and throw in Tomb Raider.
I was so immersed in all those worlds.

Juskin

04-12-2008, 12:34 PM

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060214/ico_pic01.jpg

Ico anyone?

This is the type of stuff that dreams are made of!

Dire 51

04-12-2008, 01:06 PM

Wish I had some screenshots here: Rygar: The Legendary Adventure. The sunset (a beautiful homage to the arcade and NES games) and the main field both blew me away.

Lord_Magus

04-12-2008, 02:37 PM

A personal favorite (sorry, couldn't find a larger image):

http://www.socksmakepeoplesexy.net/images/ff6/ff6open.png

No matter how many times I see it, the intro to FF6 always has a huge impact on me.

Frica89

04-13-2008, 06:13 PM

For me, Hyrule Field in Zelda OOT definitely stands out in my mind. Up to that point, no game had ever created such a feeling of space and openness. I know the first time reaching the field and realizing how freaking huge it is was a "holy shit" moment for a lot of gamers.

Berserker

04-13-2008, 06:54 PM

Half-Life 2 after the ending happens, and HL2 Episode 1, right at the end.

I wish I had screenies because gawddamn did that place really make my jaw drop in awe.

I'm not sure which part you mean exactly, but the part that always gets me in HL2 is when you're riding on that metal coffin-on-rails (for lack of a better term) inside of the citadel and get to see all the different combine things going about their business.

As for other games, the first time I saw the three major palaces in Daggerfall, the sheer scale of them blew my mind. I can't find any screenshots at the moment, but I remember the one in Sentinel resembled an enormous arabian palace, Wayrest looked like some kind of Parisian mega-mansion, and Daggerfall was a more traditional medieval castle.

NayusDante

04-13-2008, 10:18 PM

Magicant
Simply because...it's frickin Magicant! I remember the first time I played through EB, I immediately played through again JUST to see Magicant one more time.

http://bp0.blogger.com/_9fB8LlAfMGI/RzjKcfzlV6I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/xzoNBaw3Fu8/s320/magicant.bmp

Total Distortion
The Distortion Dimension (http://youtube.com/watch?v=yxy_uANl5KQ&feature=related) - Strange game, more bizarre than anything I've ever seen. Very unique setting and atmosphere to say the least. I have the whole playthrough uploaded, start with the openings and intros if you're interested.

http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/large/1014150273-00.jpg

FFXI
The Sarutabaruta Region (http://youtube.com/watch?v=8HQA_3-LoYQ&feature=related)
Being a Tarutaru, this place is very dear to me. Screw the beaches and the dunes, I'll take the Windustian fields anyday.

http://lh3.google.com/_vUK4c7noOxY/RoI_FVK9vCI/AAAAAAAAAEA/GJl8CpaLO78/s800/Xan070627180306a.jpg

And the most atmospheric, engrossing game location for me:

Portal's Test Chambers
There's so much debating as to whether they're real or just a simulation, but either way, they're just so perfect. Their construction is definitely repetitive, with only a few different wall styles, but there's enough variation that it all works together to create a sense of unease. Can't wait for the sequel/"more Portal" that we've been promised.

http://orange.half-life2.com/images/screens/portal/Portal_Screen01.jpg

j_factor

04-14-2008, 01:23 AM

Many of the locations in Stranger's Wrath. I couldn't find a shot of New Yolk City, so here's Buzzarton.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2834/screen2bwj1.jpg

Syberia constantly drew me in to the locations, just about everywhere I went. I love the architecture (not a common praise for games) and the atmosphere the game conveys overall.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/508/247000hm6.jpg

Rez was already mentioned, and I remember when Rez was first shown, a lot of comparisons were made to the movie Tron. So it's only fair that we include Tron 2.0 in this thread, as it is pretty damn good.

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/866/216683xc0.jpg

For something older, I gotta mention NiGHTS. My favorite location (level) is definitely the Soft Museum. It's just such a unique, and beautiful area. It doesn't look like an actual place, but it very much looks like a place you'd visit in dreams. Instead of a screen, here's a clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WyCBCT609I). (Not an amazing clip, it's just the first youtube I found)

Finally, this may seem like a strange choice, but, the train in The Last Express. More a "setting" than a location, but the game used its setting so beautifully. It's not about the visual aspect or anything, it's just that the way the narrative works is so compelling.

Jasoco

04-17-2008, 08:32 AM

There is one part in Half-Life Episode 2 that I find amazing. SPOILERS AHEAD (We need a tag) - Not that this stuff wasn't known from the trailer anyway. Still.

It's right at the beginning. When you get out of the train car and Alyx walks to the cliff's edge. First you're staring at an amazing view of City 17 in ruins, a huge blue portal above what used to be the Citadel. Then a Portal Storm. You both turn around and watch as the train bridge collapses.

Then later, well at the end if you allow one of the Striders to destroy a building. That whole area is beautiful.

HL2:E2 has some really awesome outdoor environments. (And I showed my friend the garden gnome all of them.)

Also, I still think Wind Waker's ocean is amazing looking.

Serious Sam had some levels that defied gravity. I remember playing them for the first time. What an experience.

Oh, and I remember Max Payne 2 when Max went into the fun house. Both times you went through it, first when it was working, then as it is falling apart around you, so much "fun".

DJ Daishi

04-17-2008, 04:42 PM

Ed Oscuro

04-17-2008, 07:56 PM

I rarely see it mentioned, but the "Hell" level in Painkiller is amazing. Imagine a bomb gets dropped on an abandoned city, blows up, and then a split second after the bomb goes off everything freezes and hangs there. That's what it looks like.
Wow, that's amazing. Guess I'll have to go get the game after all these years...

Lots of good choices in here, although I'm a bit surprised (not the first one to be surprised lol) that nobody's mentioned:

Ninja Gaiden (XBox)
Riven: The Sequel to eh you know what
Uru: Ages Beyond Myst (any incarnation of the game)
Silent Hill / Siren (pick & choose)
My oddball choices: Thief: The Dark Project and Thief 2

Boogie Wings is a pretty interesting choice. I would've gone with another of their games but in honesty that's probably the most classically pretty of DE's action games, aside from Dragon Gun that is.

Gaiapolis by Konami for arcades is pretty sweet too.

Let's not forget Contra 4, either - the first stage is perfect, art-wise.

Trevelyan

04-17-2008, 10:31 PM

I like the question!

I can hardly wait any longer to explore Liberty City.
Made it, Ma! Top of the world! lol! i can't wait for this game!

Land of the Dead + the islands in Curse of monkey island, i loved the cartoon style

I'm just starting to get into WoW, & this world is awesome

Tyrell pyramid in Blade Runner & Breen's Office in HL2. Similar in a few ways, both places I so wanted to get too & loved

Robbing the Cradle, Thief Deadly Shadows. It's a level in the game & maybe its me & the fact I don't go in for scary games but it was awesome!

I loved the last level in MGS snake eater & also the location where you meet The End (the sniper boss)! I was in hogs heaven in that particular location.

Hyrule Field in OOT

calthaer

04-17-2008, 10:53 PM

There are a few places that come to mind. Don't have screenshots of all of them.

One of them is Erana's Peace from the original Quest for Glory:

http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/quest-for-glory-i-so-you-want-to-be-a-hero/screenshots/gameShotId,95241/

Another is the restaurant by the water in High Hold Pass in the original, old-school, pre-expansion Everquest. Could not find a screenshot of this place for the life of me, but I remember that place. I enjoyed exploring the world of Everquest almost as much - and maybe more - than I enjoyed the tedious level-grinding. I enjoyed fishing in that game. Too bad I will probably never play it again - just don't have the time or inclination to grind like that.

The original Unreal had loads of them: the floating islands, the initial board with the cliffs and waterfalls, the Sunspire...THAT was an amazing game.

Downtown Hong Kong in Deus Ex was amazing.

I still remember the big view of all the islands you get in The Dig when you connected places with the light bridges.

Beyond Good & Evil's entire overworld was pretty much a nice place to hang out.

NayusDante

04-17-2008, 10:58 PM

I still remember the big view of all the islands you get in The Dig when you connected places with the light bridges.

YES! Someone else remembers The Dig! The old Lucas Arts adventures don't get any respect today, aside from "Monkey Island is funny."

Slate

04-18-2008, 08:49 AM

I can't believe no one mentioned Mass Effect.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JwrUhDfBCHc&fmt=18

carlcarlson

04-18-2008, 11:52 AM

The Neverhood had an amazing world. Heck it had an amazing everything.

I also really enjoyed the cliff-side roads in Half-Life 2 with all of the deserted houses. Approaching one cautiously from afar was so great. It was all quiet and you really felt alone.

Cobra Commander

04-18-2008, 12:13 PM

Great topic!
Though it's not my favorite, I have to say Silent Hill. My favorite part? Well, it was one thing to be in the eeire fog shrouded streets, it was another thing to be in those deserted buildings, even in "alternate" Silent Hill, that was pretty damn scary. But what did it fo me, was something I hoped and prayed I wouldn't have to do: Venture outside in Hellish Silent Hill.
The fact that I had to go through all that horror outside in the open....man, I nearly lost my shit.
I used to love exploring some of the more remote areas of older NES games like Metroid, Zelda, and Kid Icarus. I also enjoy the beautiful locations in Assassin's Creed and Eternal Sonata.

FrakAttack

04-19-2008, 02:00 AM

The arcade game "Boogie Wings" by Data East had some great location eye candy for the time. Not a well known game but it should of been:(

Always love searching for Jake & Elwood in that one. LOL

The Library in Halo made my jaw drop from the sheer size of it. During the quiet moments I would just look around and suddenly wish that it was a setting for an grand adventure game instead of an FPS.

Juskin

04-19-2008, 11:25 AM

Myst.

Some of the most amazing prerendered graphics I've ever played in. After all these years, it still looks gorgeous.

http://growabrain.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/myst_riven.gif
http://www.creatrixblog.com/wp-uploads/2006/11/games4girls_myst.jpg

DefaultGen

04-19-2008, 11:37 AM

.....

DeputyMoniker

04-19-2008, 12:00 PM

I'm not sure if I have the name right but I'll go ahead and call it Atlantis. Whatever this level is called is one of my fav levels of any game. I liked the music too. It's from the original Tomb Raider. I love it, especially when it fills with water!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/DeputyMoniker/tr1scenery82.jpg

jjreason

04-19-2008, 12:20 PM

Sarutabaruta in FFXI is nice - especially on the hilltop when you're collecting the ice flake for the citizen in the city. I'll call it glowing snow, but it just looks like little blue stars falling all around you - really, really beautiful. I've gone back there to see it again many times.

The field of white flowers at the end of Metal Gear Solid 3 was pretty striking as well....

Trevelyan

04-19-2008, 05:21 PM