"Escape Winter: 9 Games for Tropical Gaming"

As the winter chill sets in across the Northern Hemisphere, many are seeking refuge in the warmth of their homes and the comfort of video games. While some may opt for games that embrace the cold, such as Frostpunk 2 or Skyrim, others are looking for a mental escape to sunnier climes. Here are nine games that offer just that, allowing players to explore tropical settings and bask in the virtual warmth.

Sea of Thieves, now available on Xbox Series X/S, One, PS4, and PC, is a great starting point for those seeking a sweaty gaming experience. This action-adventure game drops players into a fictional sea filled with islands to explore, bosses to fight, and other players to interact with. The standout feature is the beautifully lit waves and lush islands teeming with palm trees, parrots, and flowers.

Forza Horizon 5, also available on Xbox Series X/S, One, and PC, offers a racing experience set in Mexico. Players can race through hot jungles or down beautiful coastlines in a variety of hypercars, racing machines, and Jeeps. The game's colorful and visually enchanting graphics make it a perfect choice for those looking to escape the cold.

The Assassin's Creed series, available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offers several entries set in warmer climates. Assassin's Creed Odyssey takes players to Ancient Greece, while Assassin's Creed Origins is set in Egypt. For a swashbuckling adventure, Assassin's Creed Black Flag puts players in the boots of Edward Kenway for some high-seas piracy.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, available on PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S, One, and PC, takes players from the streets of Tokyo and Yokohama to Honolulu, HI. In this game, protagonist Ichiban Kasuga has a series of misadventures before eventually turning an island into a perfect tropical resort.

Sea of Stars, available on Switch, PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S, One, and PC, is a love letter to the RPGs of the 1990s. Set in a fictional archipelago of islands, players will explore gorgeous 16-bit-style pixel art jungles and islands, either alone or with up to two friends in cooperative play.

The Monkey Island series, available on Switch, PS5/PS4