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5 Video Game Worlds You Know Better Than Your Own Home

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Chances are, if you've unearthed every possible secret from the inner nooks and crannies of a video game, then you've probably played that game a little too much. There's nothing wrong with knowing one of the worlds you're immersed in, of course, but there's definitely a moment that crosses every mind as if to say, you know, you've probably overstayed your welcome. Or at least, it isn't so much of a vacation anymore, but a permanent port of call, one where you've traced the blueprints better than the ones of your own home.

That all being said, you know a game is punching well above standards if it's able to draw you in to the point of knowing its every passage and hillside. And on that note, there are a few worlds that come to mind, all of which we probably know a little too well. Maybe it's just us, but we can't help but think that these five regions were built to be remembered for all eternity.

 

5. Hyrule (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)

Home

At this point, it seems as though every living person and their great-grandparents have traipsed the fields of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time. Makes sense, given the fact that it was considered the greatest game of the Nintendo 64 era. But of course, its popularity was established through its rich and vigorous world of luscious forests, scorching canyons, and watery coves. And let's not forget the actual narrative itself, among a treasure trove of other award-winning elements, all of which helped lay the foundations for one of the most memorable video games of all time.

To be fair, Ocarina of Time isn't known for just the one location. And while you could quite easily argue that Kokiri Forest and its melodic atmosphere helped establish the tone, it was really just a trickle of water cascading down what could only be described as gaming's very own Niagara Falls. You know it as well as I do, and that's okay. Hyrule, along with all its connecting regions, are without a doubt some of the most spectacular places in the book.

 

4. Princess Peach's Castle (Super Mario 64)

Home

Like Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64 shared a whole lot of success on the Nintendo 64. Again, its accomplishments stemmed from its featured location, which of course revolved around Princess Peach's instantly recognizable castle. Between its rooms and hidden paintings loomed an entire galaxy of iconic levels, boss fights, and easter eggs. When sewn together, it became an all-encompassing bastion of wealth and joy, one that we proudly hoisted for years.

From the moment you stepped foot on Mushroom Kingdom's grassy meadows, Peach's castle opened up to a plethora of locations. Its crowning glory, of course, sat within the majestic hall, a centerpiece that housed a number of paintings leading to unknown regions, each as vast and unique as the other. And that's where the heart of the game was: the central chamber of Peach's beloved home. Close your eyes, and you are likely to recall every square detail about it, whether you like it or not.

 

3. Los Santos (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)

Rockstar is in possession of one of the loftiest open world portfolios in the industry. Of course, the bulk of it ties in with Grand Theft Auto, a series best known for its fictional cities and outspoken protagonists. San Andreas, though, holds one of the most memorable canvases in the franchise. Specifically, Los Santos, a place which later went on to stage the events in 2013's Grand Theft Auto V.

The one thing we automatically think of when picturing San Andreas, of course, is Grove Street. As the block that holds the lion's share of the campaign missions, it makes it almost impossible to forget. And to be fair, we couldn't forget it even if we wanted to. We know it like the back of our hand, and we have no shame in that. And as for the rest of Los Santos goes, well, let's just say we could probably point you in the direction of most, if not all tagging spots. Again, no shame.

 

2. Albion (Fable 2)

Fable is as elegant as it is compelling, and it's because of the enchanting world of Albion that we celebrate it. Although going through a number of transitions after the release of the first game, the heart of the region remained the same in the sequel, and as a result, actually became a far more memorable place to explore, all things considered.

From the gypsy camp in the first quarter to the markets of Bowerstone and beyond, Albion inscribed an anthology of tales in every nook and cranny. The simple fact is, we probably spent way too much time learning all its secrets and origin stories. The payoff for such devotion was relativity small, and yet, it was an effort we found ourselves making regardless. Well played, Lionhead.

 

1. Croft Manor (Tomb Raider)

To our absolute surprise, Croft Manor has never really played a significant role in the Tomb Raider saga. And yet, even with the lack of visits, we still know where to find the walk-in freezer. Oh, and the butler for, you know, reasons. And to be fair, we've probably spent more time traversing the lavish manor than the bulk of the campaign's regions.

Admittedly, Croft Manor was a sight for sore eyes during the saga's earliest chapters. Although the series was heavy on memorable content and innovative level designs, its tutorial grounds were still perhaps some of the most thought-out and immersive. It wasn't built to hoard the lion's share, but it most definitely received it, anyway. As a result, we now know the layout of Croft Manor better than any other video game home in the world. Kudos to Core Design for that one.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.