Immerse yourself in the rich culture and landscapes of Mexico right from your gaming chair! In this compilation of the top games set in Mexico, we’ve assembled an exciting array of digital experiences that embody the vibrant spirit of this stunning country.
Whether you’re embarking on exhilarating quests through historical sites or engaging in high-speed street races across lively urban environments, these games provide a unique virtual exploration of Mexico.
So, get your controller ready and get ready to traverse pixelated terrains and cultural marvels with our carefully selected titles that showcase the essence of Mexico.
The Best Games set in Mexico
1. Red Dead Redemption
In the initial segment of Red Dead Redemption, John Marston travels across the United States in pursuit of his former companions, following directives from the Government. His search ultimately takes him to Mexico, the home of Bill Williamson and Javier Escuella. However, tracking them down proves to be quite a challenge.
In the realm of games set in Mexico, players embark on an adventure where an outlaw collaborates with both the Mexican army and revolutionary forces amid their ongoing struggle. Throughout this engaging narrative, the game allows you to roam freely across the expansive landscape.
You’ll discover various towns and settlements to explore, each offering stunning vistas to admire. A highlight of your journey includes an encounter with the legendary Landon Ricketts, a character who adds depth to the experience. As you navigate this open-world environment, the rich culture and vibrant scenery of Mexico come to life, making for an unforgettable gaming experience.
2. Forza Horizon 5
The fifth installment of the well-known Forza franchise takes place in a reimagined Mexico. This open-world racing game allows players to explore at their leisure, taking in the stunning scenery. You’ll encounter a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from historic ruins and chic urban areas to lively coastal beaches.
In various games set in Mexico, players have the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes that transform with the changing seasons. As you navigate through these virtual worlds, you can witness the beauty of the environment during sandstorms and intense rainfall.
The open-world design of the game allows for moments of reflection, letting you fully enjoy the rich Mexican scenery that might otherwise be overlooked in the heat of a race.
3. Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Sid Meier’s Pirates! takes place across the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea, prominently featuring a significant portion of the Yucatan Peninsula, a densely populated area in Mexico. This iconic game, which pioneered the simulation and strategy genres, saw a revival with an updated release in 2004.
As the title implies, participants assume the identities of wandering pirates, privateers, or law enforcement officials pursuing pirates during a specific historical era. The aesthetics and timeframe are inspired by the Age of Exploration, spanning roughly 200 years from the 1600s to the 1800s, making it a captivating backdrop for games set in Mexico.
4. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
Undead Nightmare stands out as one of the most remarkable expansions in gaming history. In this thrilling addition, players reunite with John Marston, the beloved ex-outlaw, who now navigates a terrifying zombie apocalypse set against the backdrop of the Wild West.
Tragically, his wife and son fall victim to this gruesome outbreak, prompting John to embark on a quest to discover a cure before they turn into the undead and threaten him as well. At one stage, a rumor reaches Marston’s ears suggesting that the Aztecs might be linked to the rise of the undead. This leads him to journey into Mexico, determined to uncover the truth behind the chaos.
As you might expect from such a storyline, this quest is infused with supernatural elements. Ultimately, it’s an entertaining action-adventure game featuring zombies, all while showcasing the vibrant landscape of Mexico.
5. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 takes place in the year 2014, a time that was considered futuristic at the game’s launch. The plot centers on a rebellion unfolding in Mexico. Rather than aligning with either the insurgents or the loyalist forces, you take on the role of a member of the American Ghosts team, highlighting North America’s critical involvement in this civil conflict.
The gameplay mechanics differ from typical shooter experiences, leaning towards a more strategic and deliberate pace. Rather than relying solely on fast reactions, players are prompted to engage in tactical planning to defeat their foes. Fortunately, you won’t be facing these challenges solo; you can rely on a team that you can command throughout your missions.
6. Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Released in 2018, Shadow of the Tomb Raider marks the 12th primary installment in the beloved Tomb Raider franchise. This title has garnered praise from a majority of its players, yet it frequently gets overshadowed by some of the series’ more well-known releases. In this adventure, gamers step into the shoes of Lara Croft as she navigates various landscapes in Mexico and Peru.
In games set in Mexico, players take on the role of Lara, who is in a desperate race against time to prevent a catastrophic Mayan apocalypse that has begun to unfold. In her quest, she will delve into the remnants of ancient civilizations, battle against powerful mega-corporations, and work tirelessly to fulfill her destiny as the ultimate Tomb Raider.
7. Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light
Over the years, Lara Croft has undergone significant evolution, yet one constant remains: her insatiable thirst for adventure. This drive leads her to explore captivating locations, including in the spin-off titled The Guardian Of Light. In this isometric action-adventure game, Lara travels to Mexico on a quest to uncover the legendary Mirror of Smoke, a powerful artifact linked to an Aztec deity.
Throughout her journey, players will experience thrilling challenges and intricate puzzles, all set against the rich backdrop of Mexican culture and mythology. The beautifully crafted environments invite exploration, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the vibrant heritage of the region.
In many games set in Mexico, the main character often finds themselves accompanied by allies in their quest. However, they also face competition from others with dubious intentions who are pursuing the same goal. As a result, Lara and her companion, the Mayan warrior Totec, must work together to stop these adversaries and restore order. Their journey involves a combination of combat and clever puzzles to overcome the challenges ahead.
8. Guacamelee!
Guacamelee! is a captivating 2D Metroidvania game that beautifully showcases elements of Mexican culture, particularly Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) and the world of luchadors.
The story kicks off with a gripping scenario: on the Day of the Dead, the daughter of El Presidente is abducted, prompting a humble farmer to attempt her rescue.
Despite his initial failure, he receives a remarkable mask that grants him the powers of a fierce luchador, allowing him to take on the challenge anew.
Armed with his enhanced abilities, he battles and navigates through different stages to save the abducted woman. The settings and the diverse enemies throughout these stages draw significant influence from the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, reminiscent of many games set in Mexico.
9. Aztez
Dive into an exciting adventure through the ancient history of Mesoamerica with Aztez, an engaging indie title that seamlessly incorporates the colorful essence of Aztec culture into its mechanics. Located in the region that is present-day Mexico, Aztez skillfully reflects the stunning visuals and cultural nuances of Aztec art throughout its gameplay experience.
Developed by Team Colorblind in 2017, Aztez skillfully combines the elements of beat ’em-up gameplay with turn-based strategy, resulting in a captivating experience for those who enjoy straightforward yet impactful mechanics.
Set against the backdrop of the Aztec Empire just before the arrival of the Spanish, players find themselves deeply immersed in a world filled with rapid combat scenarios. Alongside these thrilling battles, they are tasked with making strategic choices regarding the empire’s growth, with the outcomes of their decisions shaping a dynamic storyline.
10. Grim Fandango (Remastered)
Revived from the archives of classic video games, Grim Fandango, which was first launched in 1998 and later remastered in 2015, continues to be a standout title in the adventure game category. Set against the backdrop of the Land of the Dead, the narrative centers around Manny Calavera, a travel agent catering to souls who have just passed away.
Even after all these years, Grim Fandango captivates players with its exceptional narrative and unique artistic approach, merging the elements of film noir with rich Mexican cultural themes, making it one of the compelling games set in Mexico.
11. MayaQuest: The Mystery Trail
The ancient Mayan civilization thrived in different regions across Mexico and Central America. One game that captures this rich heritage is MayaQuest: The Mystery Trail, which draws inspiration from Dan Buettner’s genuine Maya Expedition.
In this interactive experience, players embark on a bicycle journey through the Yucatan Peninsula, where they gain insights into Mayan culture while collecting clues along the way. This engaging adventure serves as an academic exploration aimed at unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Mayan Collapse of the 6th century, all while navigating through the historical ruins scattered across Mexico.
12. Top Gear 2
Numerous car racing games feature Mexico as a backdrop, but Top Gear stands out as one of the most well-known and enduring series in this genre. This game encompasses a diverse range of 16 countries, beginning its journey in the Pacific with Australia and New Zealand and concluding in the United States.
This sequel to a franchise that originated with arcade machines maintains the nostalgic design for home gamers while introducing several enhancements to deliver a more immersive experience. Players have the ability to upgrade their vehicles with unique components and customize their appearance, including selecting different paint options.
In this installment, the focus is on enhancing the gameplay experience with these new features. Gamers can dive deeper into the mechanics of car customization, allowing for a more personalized touch to their vehicles.
13. Desperados III
Desperados III, a real-time tactics game, marks the return of a franchise that had been inactive since 2007. In real-time tactics games, players engage in a blend of strategic planning and mission execution, allowing for diverse approaches to achieving objectives. The decisions made during gameplay can significantly influence the unfolding narrative.
Set in the Wild West during the 1870s, this game features locations across Colorado, Louisiana, and several regions in Mexico. Players can select from five distinct characters, each equipped with unique abilities. The narrative unfolds based on the perspective of the character you choose, making each gameplay experience different.
14. Montezuma’s Revenge
A prime illustration of the Metroidvania genre, Montezuma’s Revenge takes inspiration from one of Mexico’s most infamous historical characters. The game is set within a real-life Aztec temple from the 16th century, a structure that dates back to the era of Emperor Montezuma II. This ambitious design is quite impressive for an 8-bit title.
In Montezuma’s Revenge, players guide the protagonist, Panama Joe, who is also referred to as Pedro, as he navigates through nine treacherous levels within an ancient Mexican temple. During this adventure, players will encounter various items, including snakes, spiders, and a handful of undead foes, all while enjoying traditional folk melodies such as La Cucaracha.
15. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) continues the storyline from the 2019 reboot of the classic Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series. In this installment, gamers explore multiple environments, with a significant focus on the made-up city of Las Almas, located in Mexico, which is one of the prominent settings in various games set in Mexico.
Las Almas is a region where players are likely to invest a considerable amount of time, particularly because of the numerous campaigns set in Mexico that occur in this area. While the emphasis isn’t on the intricate design of the location itself—since the gameplay mechanics of the FPS genre take center stage—the area still offers an enjoyable and culturally rich experience for those diving into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
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source: Gamerode