Environmental Matters: Part II

Here are some more of my favorite gaming environments.  They are in semi-numerical order (Rapture is my ultimate favorite, but the others are pretty much a toss-up).

4.) The Citadel--Mass Effect/Mass Effect 3

From the first time the Normandy approached the Citadel in Mass Effect to the last moments of the Citadel in Mass Effect 3, it has always been one of my favorite places in gaming.  I like the concept of having this central place where the members of an entire galaxy can co-exist.  If the Citadel were an actual place to travel, I'd totally go there.  I'd hang out with an Elcor and dance with a Hanar while a Turian looked on with disdain.

5.) Skyrim--The Elder Scrolls V:  Skyrim

I know I've said before that I get tired of some open-world games.  It's true.  That doesn't mean I can't admire their beauty.  I love the snowy wilderness and jagged peaks in Skyrim.  Standing on top of a mountain and looking down on the vastness of the world is always breathtaking.  Just don't get me started on caves, although I have to give them some credit for their variety of caves.  I also like the Viking-like style influences on the architecture of the cities.

6.) Pandora--Borderlands/Borderlands 2

Sometimes it's not about the beauty of a place.  It's about creating the last place you'd ever want to live.  I think Pandora would be that place.  From the violent flora and fauna to the cast of psychopaths that occupy the planet--it's just not a nice place.  But that's really the idea and it's executed in a completely ridiculous and random way.

So it's pretty.  But then Claptrap started talking....