Ireland's Hidden Gems in Gaming and Why We Need More

Ireland's rich culture and truly stunning landscapes have inspired countless works of art through literature and on canvas, but its presence in video games remains modest - to say the least. My recent playthrough of AC: Valhalla's DLC sparked curiosity about other games set in the mystical island of Ireland.

This also led me to reminisce briefly about my earliest encounter with an Irish character in gaming. The one that sprang to mind was in Shadow Man on N64 (yes I'm old). The game's perfectly eerie atmosphere and depressingly labyrinthine map was ever so briefly lightened by Jaunty, the skeletal gatekeeper with a wicked tongue and distinctive brogue. His punchy quips and candid observations stuck with me long after completing the game: "She's been filling your head with that fetid pillow talk again, I'll bet - doomsdaying and armagiddying until you're drunk with this stuff".

This nostalgia for what remains one of my favorite games, prompted me to look into the world of Irish-themed video games, picking out 5 in particular. In a way, this came from wanting to better understand the breadth of Ireland's culture and history in games.

It would be good to see if mainstream video games have captured the Irish theme as fervently as online casinos - who seem to just get it; with cultural nods, vibrant green flairs and charm. We'll see.

Top 5 Games with an Irish Twist

Folklore

Folklore is an old one now but still worth playing. It whisks players away to a place called Doolin, a somewhat quaint seaside village on Ireland's west coast. Here, two protagonists, Ellen and Keats, unravel a long mystery steeped in Celtic lore. The game's unique spin is its vivid, otherworldly realms teeming with creatures called "Folks".

Critics tended to praised Folklore's visual splendor and atmospheric soundtrack. IGN praised its "immensely enjoyable" storyline, while others noted its "intriguing, convoluted story". Although, some found fault with pacing and repetitive gameplay, which is understandable.

Personally, I was more captivated by the quirky characters and lush environments. Jaunty (not the dead snake) and witty dialogue along with comic book-style cutscenes lent real charm to an already enchanting world. Despite its flaws, Folklore remains a hidden gem that captures Ireland's mystical essence. A must play for retro lovers.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars

Shadow of the templars' Irish segment takes place in Lochmarne, a village (albeit fictional) brimming with tonnes of charm and secrets. Players guide American tourist George Stobbart and French journalist Nico Collard through a long web of never-ending conspiracies.

In Lochmarne, you'll encounter memorable and colorful characters like the affable pub owner Doyle and eccentric "nutter" Fitzgerald. Each adding a depth to the Irish setting with their distinctive personalities and classic Broken Sword dialogue.

Although George's moral high ground can get a little in-your-face after a while, it's part of his endearing naivety (I suppose). The game's overall charm and success lies in its dialogue, stunning hand-drawn backgrounds, and well thought out puzzles. Broken Sword masterfully blends humor with mystery, creating an unforgettable Irish nod to the game.

The Darkside Detective

The Darkside Detective was developed by Spooky Doorway, an Irish indie studio, and oozes wit and edgy charm. This point-and-click adventure follows Detective Francis McQueen as he investigates supernatural occurrences in Twin Lakes.

McQueen and his sidekick, Officer Dooley, tackle six bizarre cases. From a missing child to a possessed appliance store, each mini-adventure holds quirky characters and an abundance of clever puzzles. The Darkside Detective's pixel art style and synthwave soundtrack also complement its offbeat humor and supernatural themes.

While not strictly set in Ireland, the game's humor and overall feel is distinctly Irish owing to it's development team. Witty banter and plenty of pop culture references, delighted players (including me) with their sharp dialogue.

If Found...

The game's interactive nature allows players to erase Kasio's memories, creating a unique storytelling experience. Set on Achill Island off Ireland's west coast, If Found... is a visual, interactive novel that explores identity and belonging. It follows Kasio, a young transgender woman, during a pivotal month in 1993. Hand-drawn art and a haunting soundtrack bring you gradually deeper into Kasio's world.

Those who praise the game often bring up its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of Irish rural life. If Found... offers a poignant look at Ireland that's rarely seen in games.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (Wrath of the Druids DLC)

Wrath of the Druids takes you to 9th century Ireland. Viking-turned-assassin, Eivor, explores a lush, open world from Dublin all the way to the Giant's Causeway.

Characters like Ciara, the bard, easily embody Ireland's rich cultural heritage and mystique. Her haunting songs and complex backstory add depth to the already substantial narrative. While not a standalone game, Wrath of the Druids still offers a compelling glimpse into Ireland's Viking Age, giving a good depiction of its turbulent history and enduring pull.

The DLC also brings together historical figures like High King Flann Sinna with Irish mythology. Players encounter otherworldly beings and ancient Celtic sites, blending fact and folklore in true AC fashion.

We'd Like Some More Please

It's pretty clear that Jaunty's razor-sharp wit in Shadow Man left a notible mark on my early gaming memories. His quips still make me chuckle, a testament to the impact of well-crafted Irish characters and the entertainment that follows.

Yet, such personalities remain scarce in the current gaming landscape, where the untapped potential of Irish themes in video games is actually staggering. Ancient myths, actual histories, all the way to modern Dublin streets, there are countless areas to be explored offering a springboard for deep story lines that would inevitably stay with us.

Online casinos have certainly jumped on to this, offering a range of Irish themed games. Mainstream video games could learn something here I think. To embrace the Irish culture and feel, offering more to their players who enjoy sharp dialogue, memorable characters, charm and luck.