Beaches in Video Games

Introduction

The bright Sun shining down on your face, the calming sounds of waves in the background, and most likely some great music playing—all of these elements make beach levels in video games so compelling. Today, we will explore a few of my favorite beach levels: ones that are interesting or that I simply felt like discussing. So grab yourself a drink, sit back, and relax.

Summers from Earthbound

Summers from EarthBound is a fascinating location you visit halfway through the game. It's not challenging or dangerous, with no powerful enemies, dungeons, or bosses. This vacation town is where people hang out on the beach, drive convertibles, and soak in the sun, giving it the nickname "the Eternal Tourist Trap."

Given its tourist nature, plenty of places in Summers overcharge you. A prime example is the Royal Iced Tea at the Summers restaurant, which costs $ 78 despite having the same healing properties as much cheaper items. The magic tart, another Summers-exclusive item, is useful for restoring PP (Psychic Points). One significant moment in Summers is when Pooh, a party member with unique abilities, joins your squad, completing your quartet of heroes.

Woohoo Island from Wii Sports Resort

Woohoo Island in Wii Sports Resort is a vast resort island with a pervasive beach vibe. Two notable beach-related activities include playing Frisbee with a dog and the Sword Play mode’s third stage. Sword Play takes place on the beach at midnight with a fascinating aesthetic of a bonfire and glowing lights. Cycling and Island Flyover are other activities that allow you to explore the island's captivating landmarks

Isle Delfino from Super Mario Sunshine

Super Mario Sunshine introduces Isle Delfino, a tropical island resort. The game utilizes its island setting with levels like Gelato Beach and Serena Beach. Serenna Beach, notable for its hotel with a casino, haunted vibes, and the spooky touches, stands out. Another memorable aspect is chasing ghosts within the hotel.

Destiny Islands from Kingdom Hearts Series

Destiny Islands is the first major area in the Kingdom Hearts series. This sunny, typical beach setting with palm trees, caves, and wooden structures introduces the player gradually to game mechanics. Characters Sora, Riku, and Kairi build a raft to explore other worlds, but their lives dramatically change when the Heartless invade. The island, shrouded in darkness, becomes a menacing environment, marking the beginning of their adventure.

Sonic's Beach Levels

Beach and tropical themes are common in Sonic the Hedgehog games. From Green Hill Zone to Emerald Hill and Angel Island, these levels offer fast-paced, engaging environments. Emerald Coast from Sonic Adventure is especially memorable with moments like being chased by a whale. Both Sonic and his companions, Big the Cat and E-102 Gamma, traverse this stage for different objectives, adding variety to the gameplay.

Lightening Round: Brief Highlights

Kanuki Beach from Street Fighter 5

A banned competitive stage due to its obstructive waves.

Crust Cove from Pizza Tower

With an impressive music track, "Tropical Crust," this stage offers a fast-paced coastal setting.

Sunset Shore from Donkey Kong Country Returns

A visually stunning level with an ocean sunset background and silhouetted foreground.

Tortimer Island from Animal Crossing: New Leaf

A peaceful place to gather resources and play mini games with friends.

Dewford Town from the Pokémon Series

This small settlement in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald is notable for its fighting-type gym and tight-knit community.

Undela Town from Pokémon Black and White

A vacation town that is calm off-season but bustling in the summer. Notably, Cynthia, a champion from a previous game, challenges you to a battle here.

Keywords

• Earthbound
• Woohoo Island
• Isle Delfino
• Destiny Islands
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Kanuki Beach
• Crust Cove
• Sunset Shore
• Tortimer Island
• Dewford Town
• Undela Town

FAQs

1. Which game features Summers, the Eternal Tourist Trap? Summers is featured in the game EarthBound.

2. What kind of activities can you do on Woohoo Island in Wii Sports Resort? Activities on Woohoo Island include playing Frisbee, Sword Play at midnight, cycling, and the Island Flyover.

3. What makes Serena Beach in Super Mario Sunshine particularly memorable? Serena Beach is memorable for its hotel, which includes a casino and haunted elements, contributing to its spooky vibe.

4. In the Kingdom Hearts series, what significant event occurs on Destiny Islands? Destiny Islands is invaded by the Heartless, marking the start of Sora's adventure.

5. What iconic feature is part of Emerald Coast in Sonic Adventure? A memorable feature of Emerald Coast is being chased by a whale.

6. Why is Kanuki Beach from Street Fighter 5 banned in competitive play? Kanuki Beach is banned because the waves obscure visibility, potentially covering up projectiles and other elements crucial to gameplay.

7. Name two Pokémon locations that feature beaches. Dewford Town and Undela Town in the Pokémon series feature beaches.