London’s rich history and iconic landmarks have long served as an inspiration for video game developers, offering immersive backdrops that enhance storytelling and gameplay. Below, we present a curated list of the top 10 critically acclaimed video games set in London, each providing a unique virtual experience of the UK’s capital.
Hellgate: London
Released in 2007 by Flagship Studios, “Hellgate: London” is an action role-playing game that plunges players into a post-apocalyptic London overrun by demonic forces. Combining first-person shooter mechanics with hack-and-slash elements, players navigate through iconic locations such as the Tower of London and various Underground stations, transformed into battlegrounds against the infernal invasion. The game’s atmospheric depiction of a ravaged London offers a compelling setting for its intense combat and exploration.
Vampyr
Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and released in 2018, “Vampyr” is an action role-playing game set in early 20th-century London amidst the Spanish flu pandemic. Players assume the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a newly turned vampire who must grapple with his predatory nature while seeking a cure for the afflicted populace. The game meticulously recreates districts like Whitechapel and the West End, enveloping players in the city’s fog-laden streets and gothic architecture, which serve as a haunting backdrop to the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist.
The Getaway
“The Getaway,” developed by Team Soho and released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2, is an action-adventure game that immerses players in London’s criminal underworld. The narrative follows ex-gangster Mark Hammond and detective Frank Carter, whose intertwined stories unfold across meticulously recreated London locales, including Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Soho. The game’s commitment to realism extends to its navigation, eschewing on-screen maps in favor of in-world cues, thereby enhancing the immersive experience of traversing London’s streets.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Frogwares’ 2014 release, “Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments,” invites players to step into the shoes of the legendary detective as he tackles a series of intricate cases in Victorian London. Available on multiple platforms, the game emphasizes investigation and deduction, requiring players to gather clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together evidence. The richly detailed environments, from foggy alleyways to opulent estates, faithfully capture the essence of 19th-century London, providing an authentic backdrop for cerebral sleuthing.
Watch Dogs: Legion
Ubisoft Toronto’s 2020 release, “Watch Dogs: Legion,” is an action-adventure game set in a near-future, dystopian London. Players join the hacker group DedSec to combat an authoritarian regime, with the innovative “Play as Anyone” feature allowing recruitment and control of virtually any character encountered in the game. This mechanic offers diverse gameplay experiences across a sprawling, detailed recreation of London, encompassing landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Camden Market.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Set during the Industrial Revolution, “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate” (2015) by Ubisoft Quebec transports players to Victorian-era London. Protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye navigate the city’s seven boroughs, from the bustling streets of Westminster to the perilous alleys of Whitechapel, aiming to wrest control from Templar influence. The game’s open-world design and historical accuracy offer an immersive experience, allowing players to engage in activities such as train heists and gang wars, all while encountering notable figures like Charles Dickens and Alexander Graham Bell.
ZombiU
“ZombiU,” developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and released in 2012 for the Nintendo Wii U, is a survival horror game that thrusts players into a zombie-infested London. The game’s permadeath mechanic heightens tension, as each character’s demise is permanent, leading players to assume the role of a new survivor. Landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are reimagined as eerie, desolate sites teeming with the undead, providing a chilling exploration of the city under siege.
Resistance: Fall of Man
Insomniac Games’ “Resistance: Fall of Man,” released in 2006 for the PlayStation 3, is a first-person shooter set in an alternate 1950s where an alien race, the Chimera, has invaded Earth. Players, as Sergeant Nathan Hale, engage in battles across war-torn London, with iconic structures like the Houses of Parliament serving as backdrops for intense firefights. The game’s atmospheric depiction of a besieged city contributes to its compelling narrative and gameplay.
Medal of Honor: Underground
“Medal of Honor: Underground,” developed by DreamWorks Interactive and released in 2000 for the PlayStation, is a first-person shooter that casts players as Manon Batiste, a French Resistance fighter during World War II. The game features missions set in London during the Blitz, where players navigate bombed-out streets and clandestine operations, capturing the resilience and turmoil of the city during wartime.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
Naughty Dog’s “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception,” released in 2011, follows treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he unravels a mystery tied to Sir Francis Drake. The game features an unforgettable sequence set in London, where players explore underground tunnels and engage in high-stakes brawls in an atmospheric pub. While only part of the game takes place in London, its depiction is exceptionally detailed, adding to the cinematic adventure’s gripping narrative.
Conclusion
From post-apocalyptic survival to historical adventures, these critically acclaimed games capture London’s essence in unique and engaging ways. Whether you’re exploring its eerie backstreets, battling supernatural threats, or engaging in high-stakes espionage, these games offer players an unforgettable virtual tour of one of the world’s most iconic cities.