Top 5 Video Games Made in Australia

Australia is not just home to unique wildlife and the iconic Sydney Opera House. It’s also a hotspot for video game development, with some of the industry’s top titles hailing from this sun-soaked land. Australian developers have showcased their creativity and innovation, from engaging indie games to blockbuster hits. 

Here, we celebrate the top five video games made in Australia, proof of the country’s vibrant and thriving gaming industry.

1. 50 Lions

50 Lions is a well-known title by Aristocrat, a renowned Australian gaming company. As a slot game, 50 Lions may seem quite different from typical video games, but its impact and popularity are undeniable.

Transported to the African savanna, players are immersed in a world of untamed wildlife with 50 Lions. Filled with captivating graphics and an unforgettable soundtrack, symbols such as lions, zebras and giraffes complete the safari experience. 

And it only gets better – this exciting five-reel slot game features fifty paylines that provide plenty of chances for players to win big.

50 Lions has been a hit, and the game is now available in almost every online casino in Australia. Its fun theme and generous bonus features make it a favourite among slot players. It shows the Aristocrat’s creativity and expertise in creating engaging gaming experiences.

2. BioShock

BioShock is a jewel in the crown of Australian game development. Developed by the Canberra-based studio 2K Australia in collaboration with 2K Boston, this title left a lasting imprint on the industry. 

BioShock plunges players into the depths of Rapture, an underwater city brimming with dystopian horrors and philosophical dilemmas. It masterfully blends first-person shooter mechanics with role-playing game elements. 

Not only does it have thrilling combat, but also the game offers deep exploration and puzzle-solving. 

A standout feature is the plasmids system, which gives players various superhuman abilities. Equally compelling is BioShock’s narrative. It combines chilling horror with thought-provoking societal, power, and morality themes. 

With its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and thought-provoking storylines, BioShock has become a beloved franchise in the gaming community.

BioShock garnered critical acclaim upon its release in 2007, receiving numerous awards including Game of the Year. Its success led to two sequels, BioShock 2 and BioShock Infinite. Thanks to its rich story, atmospheric setting, and innovative gameplay, it is considered a classic in video titles.

3. LA Noire

Set in 1940s Los Angeles, LA Noire was developed by the Sydney-based Team Bondi and puts players into the shoes of Detective Cole Phelps. Players will take on a series of crime cases, from arson to murder, as they attempt to find truth within each situation.

The game is unique for its groundbreaking interrogation system. Players need to read characters’ facial expressions to determine if they’re lying or telling the truth, which was achieved using advanced motion capture technology. LA Noire skillfully blends action-adventure gameplay with detective work, offering a rich, atmospheric experience. 

Players are hooked on the compelling narrative of LA Noire. This game is filled with unexpected surprises and plots which keep them guessing throughout the entire experience. Its vivid recreation of post-war Los Angeles reveals an astonishing level of detail from Team Bondi, highlighting that Australian game development can create true masterpieces.

4. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is another fantastic game born in Australia. It was developed by 2K Australia, working closely with Gearbox Software. Set between the first and second Borderlands games, The Pre-Sequel brings players to Pandora’s Moon. 

The low-gravity environment adds a fresh twist to the series’ beloved shoot-and-loot gameplay. Players can float through the air, dishing out destruction while enjoying the moon’s breathtaking vistas.

The title introduces new playable characters, each with their unique abilities and skill trees. It also expands on the story of Handsome Jack, providing insight into his rise to power before becoming a villain in Borderlands 2.

5. Crossy Road

Honoring the classic Frogger gameplay, Hipster Whale crafted Crossy Road – a deviously simple yet captivating game. This endless runner challenges players to assist their chosen character as they maneuver through an ever-changing scenario of roads and rails without hitting a moving vehicle or getting stuck in any other obstacle. 

As you go further into the journey, be prepared for more speed and complexity!

The game stands out for its blocky, colorful graphics and easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay. It also features a host of unlockable characters, adding to the replay value.

Crossy Road went down a storm from the moment of its launch, grabbing attention for its fun-filled mechanics and eye-catching art. The runaway success of the game has seen it become an oft-cited work in mobile gaming, proving that even simplistic designs can be met with huge acclaim when accompanied by imagination and sophistication.

Conclusion

Australia has significantly contributed to the global gaming industry. From the dystopian depths of BioShock to the colorful chaos of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Australian developers have proven their ability to deliver varied, high-quality experiences.

These top five games made in Australia show the country’s talent, creativity, and growing influence in video games.