World Tour: Oregon’s Natural Wonders
A practical guide to visiting forests and mountains in Days Gone, without the zombie hassle.
Welcome back to Artcade, the smell of gasoline you inexplicably can’t stop sniffing. While you indulge this nasal obsession (we all have our things), I want to remind everyone (myself included) that the United States isn’t just what current events make it look like. There are tons of people who never make it into the news. People who are probably a little freaked out by the way things are going. To find a bit of beauty even in these rough days, I organized a trip inside a video game that celebrates the nature of one of the U.S. states. Sure, the video game also has a zombie apocalypse, but you can’t have everything, right? The world is often bittersweet. Enjoy the read!
Inside the red rectangle you see on the map there’s an area that includes four counties. That’s the heart of Oregon and, with great pragmatism, it’s called Central Oregon. In the center of the center there’s a city called Bend, famous because the last living specimen of an extinct species survives there: Blockbuster. For those too young to remember what a Blockbuster is, just know that, before movies reached our couch through Netflix, we used to go pick them up there. And they also sold ice cream and popcorn because we are unbelievably snacky, but that’s another story.
Bend Studio is named after the city where it was born. And honestly, what else could the folks at Bend Studio possibly make, when even the video store where they go rent movies has the subtitle “The Lone Survivor”? It was basically mandatory: a game where you explore Central Oregon during a zombie apocalypse.
The truth is, Oregon has landscapes that are perfect for a nice nature vacation. And I’ll prove it with a slightly traumatic approach: let’s wait for the sun to set and go explore the hills. Nighttime is horror’s natural habitat, but in Days Gone it’s beautiful, and it seems to take advantage of the fact that urban light pollution no longer exists. The sky is full, dense, theatrical, and it makes you want to stay hidden in the bushes until dawn, just so you don’t miss a second of the Milky Way.
The advice for a safe trip is: don’t stick out too much from the grass, and make as little noise as possible. Looking doesn’t make noise, but one sneeze too many and someone might remind us that we’re not part of the scenery, we’re part of dinner. And if we hear some weird grunting in the distance, it’s time to move.
The sharpest among you have already pointed it out: ““Wait. Sneezes are dangerous… but motorcycles are fine?” Glad you asked. First of all, we ride a motorcycle because we’re cool. Second, and maybe more importantly, a motorcycle is faster than zombies. Add to that the fact that on a bike every trip feels more real: you feel the road, you feel the wind, you even feel the potholes. All while surrounded by landscapes that look like postcards.
Inner Oregon, the Cascades, where fir trees pop up everywhere, is full of interesting characters. You can pick any random corner and the photo will always be gorgeous. For the more reckless among us, taking advantage of the apocalypse, it’s recommended to venture onto towers and pylons.
Of course, like in all the best vacation spots, the malls, restaurants, and rest stops are extremely crowded. So are the caves. Don’t get mad if you can’t find a spot, and above all remember: locals don’t look kindly on tourists who think they own the place.
Bend Studio grew up in Central Oregon, and it shows. The real-life inspirations are so obvious that the people who live in the region are excited to play Days Gone. Some even put together a tour and shared the route on Google Maps (it’s just under nine hours, if you’re interested).
But the most beautiful and cinematic part is definitely Crater Lake National Park, a national park born around the flooded mouth of a volcano. There’s also a wonderful little island that plays a very specific role in the game. A place so breathtaking in a world where you often have to conserve your breath carefully, because you might need it for running.
Visit Days Gone and you won’t regret it. Even if the locals’ affection can seem a little too hungry, don’t be discouraged: they’re zombies, after all, you have to understand them. To relieve everyday stress, there’s nothing better than some wholesome hiking in the woods, then resting on a porch with a friend. Oregon at its finest.
Bend Studio (2019) Days Gone [Video game] [Action-adventure, open world] [36½ hours] (PlayStation 5) [Windows, PlayStation 4] Sony Interactive Entertainment
My last two coins
Most people I’ve asked (a statistically valid sample, exceptionally) claim the real vacation is by the sea, on the beach. Maybe it’s an Italian thing: we’re basically made of coastlines, cliffs, and saltwater. Personally, I like the cold, the snow, the gray clouds. My problem, you say? Yeah, you’re probably right. Until the next episode, ciao!