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There are many places where a developer can put their next big game. Some choose to create their own fantastic lands and kingdoms, while others decide it’s best to try and base their game on some sort of realism. Whatever the reason, South America seems to be quite a popular destination for video game settings.


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It is not difficult to see why that is the case. The entire region is filled with unique and fascinating history, lush wildlife and some of the friendliest people anyone could meet. Being able to throw a character out of their comfort zone or into a rich historical plot with ease, the many South American countries are a fantastic choice to play almost any game.

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10 Ducktales: Remastered

Although there is only one level set in South America, it is one that is so memorable that people all over the world wanted to see it remastered. Since The Amazon was the first level selected in Ducktales, most people probably started with it.

It’s not the most complex level in 2D platforming, but it serves as a fantastic introduction to a surprise hit. There are plenty of caves to explore and even more riches to find as you bounce around like Scrooge McDuck. Watch out for those pesky duck-eating flowers!

9 Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

Instead of a single level in South America, a whole scenario takes place there. It’s one of the more interesting scenarios in the recent Resident Evil because it’s a bit of a prequel to the events of Resident Evil 4.

Leon and Krauser are sent to South America to investigate some classic Resident Evil shenanigans, and exactly what you’re probably thinking is what’s happening. Zombies, strange creatures and a lot of green herbs are what you will encounter as you explore The Darkside Chronicles.

8 The Emperor’s New Groove

While it wasn’t a groundbreaking game by any means, The Emperor’s New Groove is a seriously solid movie tie-in game. The game roughly follows the events of the movie as you run and jump through various 3D environments.

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The film is inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures, and as such both the film and the game sees set in the region. The early 3D effort doesn’t do the beauty of Peru justice, but those looking to relive classic Disney games won’t be disappointed by throwing it in.

7 Shadow Of The Tomb Raider

It might be strange to compare Shadow Of The Tomb Raider to a game like The Emperor’s New Groove, but both games feature a lot of Peru. Where Shadow Of The Tomb Raider thrives above most games is in its unique take on the lost city of Paititi.

The setting is perfect for a Tomb Raider game as there were many hidden secrets and beautiful environments to be found. While it’s hard to say how much liberties the team took with the history references, it’s a fun adventure for anyone remotely interested in the region, and the ending is a lot of fun.

6 Hitman 2

Choosing to send an assassin to a relatively remote Colombian village may sound like a recipe for disaster, but it’s actually one of the best missions in Hitman 2. The Three-Headed Serpent mission sees you tasked with taking out several members of the cartel without arousing suspicion.

It’s unbelievable how far you can go to commit the murders. One of the over-the-top sequences you can play is that you record an instrument as a member of an entertainment group.

5 FIFA Street 2

While most sports video games today are the same annual release titles that usually remain serious, there was a time when sports games were a bit more fun. Hectic releases like NFL: Blitz and NHL: Hitz were brutally fun, but for those with a sophisticated palette, Fifa Street was the way to go.

The game took place all over the world, but you could often visit Brazil for your games. Since much of the focus was on seeing what incredible tricks you could string together, many people found it a much more enjoyable look at the world’s favorite pastime.

Metal Gear Solid 4 is an absolutely immense game. The story goes in all directions and also contains more than a few surprising moments. A nice aspect is that South America is quite important for the overall story.

It was never specified exactly where in South America the game takes place, which is the best decision for some. It’s hard for the average person to do anything wrong when the events could be happening anywhere on the continent. Jungles can usually be seen, but who doesn’t love a good jungle?

3 Just cause 4

It’s almost hard to say that Just Cause 4 is really set in South America, because it has a made-up country in it, but that made-up country would be in South America, so it counts. It certainly helps that Just Cause 4 is a great game for lovers of huge worlds to explore.

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The fictional nature of the location allows many liberties to be taken with the story and overall design of the world, making it a fantastic place to visit. For many it is still vaguely reminiscent of various South American countries.

2 Ghost Recon Wildlands

There is actually some controversy surrounding this game for those coming from Bolivia. The game is set in the country, but those in charge there weren’t too keen on how their homeland was portrayed. Apparently the violence inside and the depiction of various drug lords who ruled everything was not appreciated.

Despite the issues, Ubisoft released an eloquent statement to make sure it was clear that they respected the beautiful country. With all the stealthy infiltrations and fantastic firefights, Wildlands is a Ghost Recon game that fans of the series should not miss.

1 Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

A list of the best games set in South America could not be complete without a mention of the game that was the start of a bona fide franchise, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. Much of the adventure sees you crawling through the Amazon rainforest.

Even once you move to the Hidden Island, it’s off the coast of Peru, so most people would consider that part of South America anyway. Everyone knows the thrilling adventure right now, especially considering the game has seen countless other entries to the series, and everyone would love to be Nathan Drake one day.

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