Tour guide games are a rare but engaging genre where, instead of shooting and racing, you explore cities, learn about the culture, and point out the sights to others. These games emphasize observing, listening, and sharing knowledge. Below is a selection of games where you can try your hand at being a tour guide, traveler, or explorer.
When you need a break from reality and a vacation, Pattaya excursions immediately come to mind —walking through the temples, markets, and beaches of Thailand. Similar experiences can be had in the virtual world: excursion-themed games allow you to explore new places and learn interesting facts without leaving home.
Assassin’s Creed: Origins / Odyssey / Valhalla – Discovery Tour
Ubisoft has created a separate “Discovery Tour” mode, where you can leisurely wander through historical locations without combat. These are fully-fledged interactive tours of Egypt, Greece, and Scandinavia, with narration from scholars and historians.
Pros:
- Real facts and accurate reconstructions of eras.
- It is possible to explore cities, monuments and everyday life without violence.
Cons:
- There is no gameplay in the classic sense.
- It gets boring quickly if the story isn’t interesting.
The Tourist
A sweet indie game where the protagonist travels between islands, visiting landmarks, solving light puzzles, and photographing the scenery. Everything is designed with a sense of relaxation and curiosity about the world.
Pros:
- Colorful graphics and relaxing atmosphere.
- Short but varied tasks.
Cons:
- The plot is simple and moves along quickly.
- The mini-games are monotonous.
Google Earth VR
Not quite a game, but a true planetary tour simulator. You can soar above the city, fly over the mountains, or stroll through the streets in 3D.
Pros:
- Real cities and natural landscapes.
- VR support makes the immersive experience powerful.
Cons:
- Requires a powerful computer and a VR headset.
- There is no game goal, just free exploration.
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
A narrative game in which the player explores an English village and learns the stories of its inhabitants. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a tour of a place where time stands still.
Pros:
- Deep history and beautiful music.
- A meditative pace that allows you to appreciate the details.
Cons:
- Very slow movement.
- Not suitable for everyone due to minimal interaction.
Geoguessr
A browser game that turns world exploration into a quiz. The player is dropped into a random Google Street View location and must guess its location.
Pros:
- Develops attentiveness and geographical knowledge.
- You can play with friends.
Cons:
- Internet and subscription required for full access.
- Some locations are repeated.
Result
Tour games are a way to relax, learn new things, and experience the spirit of travel. Some prefer ancient civilizations, others modern cities, but they all have one thing in common: the joy of exploring the world. Even if you can’t make it on a trip today, virtual tours can help you experience that same sense of discovery.
