The summer is definitely one of the best times of the year. For younger people, it means no school and being able to game all day and night. While the dog days of summer can wear you down through the oppressive heat, the virtual worlds of online games provide a welcome escape as you game in air-conditioned comfort. Summer does provide people with a lot of extra time to enjoy gaming, so we thought we would compile a worthwhile list of titles that bears checking out. It’s time to beat the heat with our top five summer MMO games.
1. Team Fortress 2
The first of our top five summer mmo games is Team Fortress 2, and we chose this shooter because it’s insanely fun. The action in Team Fortress 2 is essentially non-stop and zany as hell. Few things are more fun that seeing idiots running around in weird hats while wielding crazy guns as they blast away at each other. The humor of the game is infectious, which means that you normally don’t even get mad when you’re knifed in the back by the Spy. Plus, there’s sweet revenge when you finally nail that bastard who’s been killing you over and over again. Team Fortress 2 is also perfect for quick games of mayhem where you can get into the thick of the action in just a few moments.
2. Card Hunter
Next on our list of our top five summer mmo games is Card Hunter, the great browser mmo that combines old school role-playing (Dungeons and Dragons), board games, and card mechanics from the creator of Magic: The Gathering. When I was growing up, my friends and I would stay up all night playing role-playing games, slinging dice, and guzzling Mountain Dew. As soon as we woke up and ate, we would start right back up again. Card Hunter made our list because the game is a nostalgic look at the pen-and-paper rpgs of yesteryear, but with the implementation of the latest mechanics. Plus, the game is a hoot to play. It deftly balances challenging gameplay and laugh-out-loud humor.
3. Pokemon Go
The third entry on our list of the top five summer mmo games is Pokemon Go. We chose this game because summer is the perfect time to go outside and do some exploring. Pokemon Go has revolutionized mobile games, getting millions of avid gamers off their duffs and getting some exercise. Not only will you learn more about the area you live in, chances are that you’ll make some new friends by coming across other Pokemon Go players. I’ve seen a good number of groups traveling around together in my town, and every geek convention usually holds a gathering of players. Explore the nooks and crannies of your hometown and stray off the beaten path. Not only will you have fun playing the game, but you’ll probably discover some new things about your home that you didn’t know before.
4. Marvel Heroes Omega
Coming in at number four on our list of the top five summer mmo games is Marvel Heroes Omega. Every summer features a number of superhero movie blockbusters, and this year has seen Logan and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 with The Defenders releasing on Netflix in a few weeks. What better way to join in the spandex fun that firing up Marvel Heroes Omega and playing as one of your favorite heroes or villains? Both PC and console players can enjoy the cosmic action as players can choose from a diverse roster of X-Men, Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. (I’m still waiting for Alpha Flight!) The action is literally non-stop, and there quite a few game modes to enjoy, such as the Danger Room. Plus, it literally takes mere seconds to get into the fray or change characters. Excelsior!
5. EVE Online
The last of our top five summer mmo games is EVE Online. I know that many of you are wondering about this choice as the game is definitely not casual. The reason why EVE Online makes our list of summer mmo games is that new players will finally have enough time to actually figure out the nuances of the “spreadsheets in space” game. While tongue-in-cheek, this is actually a halfway serious suggestion as the lack of school (and hopefully work) means that you’ll have ample time to learn the ins-and-outs of the game and get started on your intergalactic journey. Some may say that EVE Online is more of a lifestyle than a game, and summer allows you the opportunity to find out! Plus, it’s always worthwhile to dip your toe into a true sandbox mmo where players scheme, forge alliances, and go to war with each other. Perhaps you might discover a hidden streak of Machiavellian impulses that you never knew about.
The focus on most of our top five summer mmo games is fun, fun, and more fun. Team Fortress 2, Card Hunter, and Marvel Heroes Omega provide some light-hearted amusement with some stellar gameplay to while away those long summer days. Pokemon Go allows players to get some fresh air as they explore outdoors, and summer vacation is the perfect time to shut away the outside world and dive into the unforgiving universe of EVE Online. Just make sure you stay hydrated.
