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Irish themed games provide a unique opportunity to explore some aspects of Ireland’s culture, history, and mythology through storytelling and interactive gameplay. Some esteemed games are set in Ireland, are inspired by Irish scenery, or include Irish figures and mythology. Here’s a closer look at some of the most high-flying Irish themed video games and what makes them so special.
12 Irish Themed Games to Know
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids
‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids’ is a well-liked expansion that immerses players in 9th century Ireland, focusing on the kingdom of Dublin about 80 years after the Viking invasion. The game incorporates actual Irish sites such as Dublin and the Giant’s Causeway, combining history with Celtic mythology and Viking legend. Players encounter historical figures including High King Flann Sinna and interact with characters such as Ciara, a bard whose presence enriches the story.
Developers also partnered with historians to make the game realistic and immersive, offering us a slice of Irish history. I think it’s incredible that the game weaves historical fact with mythology and works as this really cool window into Ireland’s past.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Skellige Isles
If not set in Ireland directly, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt contains the Skellige Isles, an archipelago of rocky islands reminiscent of the actual islands on Ireland’s west coast. The Skellige Isles are home to warrior clans, which harkens back to the strong and proud cultures of ancient Irish and Scottish Islanders. Players explore these islands in an open world and get involved in sailing, warfare and even quests reminiscent of the Celtic warrior culture. The atmospheric world building and lore of this world has made it a favorite among those who love Irish themed games.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – Windfall Island
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Windfall Island is based on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands in County Galway, Ireland. The island is inspired by the rugged, natural landscape of the Irish island, so players can look forward to a whimsical, culturally rich setting to explore. This reference of the Irish geography imbues the game with excellent world-building but also makes the setting feel more culturally authentic, something fans of Ireland will appreciate.
The Long Dark – Dublin Mountains
This survival game has an area referred to as the Dublin Mountains, based on Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains. Players have to navigate challenging terrain and find their way through a harsh and beautiful Irish landscape. Additionally, the Irish-influenced geography adds a unique twist to the survival aspect of the game, making the environment itself a character and challenge.
Dishonored 2 – Emily Kaldwin’s Irish Heritage
Emily Kaldwin, the main character in Dishonoured 2, is Irish from her mother’s side. The game doesn’t shy away from mentioning her roots, which adds more depth to her character, and it adds a layer of Irish culture to the story. It’s worth noting that the game’s world is fictional, but this detail adds a touch of Irish identity into the story.
Fable Series – Aurora Island
In the Fable series, there is a character named Reaver, who is a rich mogul and pirate from the mythical island of Aurora, which is based on Ireland. Here we mix a bit of Irish culture into the game fantasy world, blending folklore and storytelling styles with the game’s narrative and quests.
Traditional and Indie Irish-Inspired Games
Here are two older and indie games with an Irish flair:
- ‘Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye’ is an old DOS fantasy strategy game, set in ancient Ireland, drawing on Celtic mythology.
- ‘Ku: Shroud of the Morrigan’ is set in Ireland and takes place during a specific period in Irish history, with its narrative rooted in Irish folklore.
Irish Themes in Gambling and Slot Games
We see the impact of Irish culture not only in conventional video games but also in the gambling sector, with the Irish-themed slot games being an amazing hit with players. These are typically complete with symbols of shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and Celtic symbolism. A collection of the most popular Irish-themed slot names includes:
- Rainbow Riches.
- Irish Eyes.
- Leprechaun’s Luck.
- Shamrock Spin.
Final Thoughts: Why Play Irish Themed Games
I think Irish themed games with can act as an important cultural bridge, connecting players from across the globe with the history, mythology and landscapes of Ireland in a way that’s immersive and engaging. In games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and The Witcher 3, we’ve seen how Irish culture can add to storytelling and world-building, creating a more immersive narrative and a game experience with real depth. It’s great to see more developers drawing on Irish themes, as it continues to expand the range of game settings and stories.
I think there is plenty of scope for more Irish-orientated gaming. With its rich folklore and gorgeous landscapes, Ireland could be the inspiration for countless games across genres, from action and adventure to puzzles and survival. I hope to see more games that include Ireland’s fascinating history in the years to come.
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