There are myriad elements that render a video game unforgettable. The Last of Us may linger in memory because of Ellie’s indomitable presence, while the Verdansk map in Warzone could be the chief reason behind our unwavering admiration for its first season. One such ingredient is the iconic locations found within these games. Although it’s an impossible task to catalogue all such memorable landscapes, we’ll select four iconic locations in games to guide you on a delightful journey.
Do note that the following listing doesn’t follow any ranking from best to worst. Rather, it’s a blend of the first locations that instinctively spring to mind.
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1. Grove Street – GTA: San Andreas
Los Santos as a whole is exceptional, but Grove Street trumps all with its distinctive charm. As the residential street of San Andreas’ protagonist CJ, it stands out as one of the most iconic locations in gaming history. It mirrors the inner-city cul-de-sacs found in Los Angeles, adding to its recognisable charm.
What makes Grove Street so iconic? The unique layout is a crucial element. Designed as a circular dead-end, it’s easily remembered due to its shape. Additionally, being a frequently visited site in San Andreas elevates its significance among gamers. Grove Street is the starting point of CJ’s story, a narrative of personal growth as he ascends from humble neighbourhood beginnings to the city’s apex.
We’re aware of Rockstar Games’ reputation for valuing its player community. Therefore, we’re confident that Grove Street will reappear in some form in GTA VI. If not as a tangible locale, it will likely emerge as an easter egg, allowing us once again to enjoy this one of the most iconic locations in games.
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2. Rapture City – BioShock
BioShock is far more than an ordinary game – it’s a deeply narrative work of art. The tale it weaves is a piercing critique of contemporary humanity, presented through its intricate characters and settings rather than straightforward prose.
Established under the stewardship of Andrew Ryan, Rapture City is a subaqueous utopia. Foreseeing the end of humanity in the aftermath of the Second World War, Ryan poured his resources into constructing this city beneath the North Atlantic Ocean. This idealistic haven, brimming with artists, scientists, and intellectuals, swiftly devolves into a dystopia.
BioShock truly excels when experienced spoiler-free, making its narrative all the more impactful. Therefore, we’ll withhold further details here. However, we urge you to explore Rapture City, a stark, walking critique of both Capitalism and Communism. Better yet, delve into the book describing the pre-game world (BioShock: Rapture by John Shirley) to fully appreciate this richly layered universe. If this isn’t one of the most iconic locations in games, we don’t know what is.
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3. Malibu Club – GTA: Vice City
We hadn’t initially planned on featuring two locations from the Grand Theft Auto series, but the allure of the Malibu Club was simply too irresistible. If you sought to encapsulate Vice City within a single frame, the neon-soaked entrance of this club would suffice.
Another factor contributes to the Malibu Club’s status as one of the most iconic locations in games. Its design is, in fact, inspired by the Babylon Club featured in the film Scarface. It’s a brilliant touch from Rockstar Games to embed a tribute to the ’80s, and specifically 1983’s Scarface, into their game.
As the protagonist Tommy Vercetti, you have the opportunity to purchase the club once you’ve accumulated substantial wealth towards the game’s end, turning it into a profitable venture. We’re confident that any Vice City player would be intimately familiar with this club. After all, who could resist stepping onto that balcony and stirring up the dance floor?
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4. Dust 2 – Counter Strike
While discussions about iconic locations in games tend to veer towards single-player titles, that’s fairly natural since we often remember those locations due to their integral role in the game’s story. However, if we’re to include a familiar setting from the online gaming sphere in this list, it simply has to be Dust 2.
With Counter Strike 2 on the horizon and the final CS:GO major wrapped up, it’s only fitting to pay homage to arguably the most iconic multiplayer map of all time. While it might not tell a solitary narrative, since its introduction in the first game, it has played host to millions of players engaged in fierce combat. And it will undoubtedly continue to do so in CS2.
Modelled after real-life Moroccan locales, this map is so familiar to players that many could probably navigate it with their eyes closed. Despite its official moniker of de_dust2, it’s universally known as Dust 2. And while we’re touching on the subject of successful sequels, let’s not overlook the undeniable greatness of this “Sequel map”.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the City in The Last of Us?
The initial setting of The Last of Us is Austin, Texas. Prior to the virus outbreak, we see Joel residing here with his daughter and brother. However, fast forward 20 years, after the disease has wreaked havoc across the globe, we find Joel now based in Boston. Consequently, the majority of the game’s “Playable” portion takes place in and around Boston. As for TLOU2, the action primarily unfolds in Seattle.
Will There Be a Counter-Strike 2?
Yes, Counter-Strike 2 has officially been announced. While the precise release date is yet to be confirmed, the new game is scheduled for launch before the 2024. Set to arrive as an update to CS:GO, CS2 promises new mechanics, maps, and technical improvements. It’s anticipated that with the release of the new game, the competitive side of Global Offensive will ultimately come to an end.
Is BioShock 2 a Sequel?
Yes, BioShock 2 is set approximately eight years after the concluding events of the first game. Though some sections do shed light on the narratives preceding the first game, it wouldn’t be entirely accurate to label it a prequel. Hence, it’s advisable to play the original game before delving into BioShock 2. Understanding the uniqueness of Rapture City truly necessitates the experience of the first game.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
