As open world games continue to top the charts, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the genre has a permanent spot in the industry. The free flowing nature of these games drives players to want more. Whether it’s the unique playfulness of something like Minecraft or the epic crime saga of the Grand Theft Auto series, open-world games are big business, with GTA alone having sold over 150 million copies.
We’re looking ahead to games like Destiny, Assassin’s Creed: Unity and Arkham Knight to move the genre forward in the hopes that we’ll see another great shift in the open-world formula. There’s never been a better time to enjoy open world titles than this past few years. Looking back on the wonderful open-world games of the past, we’ve made a Dummies’ Guide to Open World Games which will help you discover some of the best ones 🙂
Grand Theft Auto V
When GTA III came out, it completely changed gaming forever with its open-world environment and free-form game play. GTA IV took it into a new direction, but it still felt a little stale in comparison to the other open-world offerings out there.Grand Theft Auto V revolutionized open world gaming yet again with the fictional world of Los Santos being one of the most intricately designed, believable worlds ever seen in a game. It never breaks the illusion so much that you’re reminded that you are playing a game, opting to go for a stunning sense of immersion that is unmatched by many of today’s games.
Just Cause 2
Let’s just get one thing straight right now; the storyline in Just Cause 2 is not going to win you over for its gripping narrative and complex characters. It’s a truly silly, campy set of cut-scenes that are put together to give you an excuse to blow stuff up for an hour or two. Fortunately, once you are set free into an open world consisting of a series of interconnected islands, you probably won’t pay attention to that pesky story anyway.
Just Cause 2 such a fantastic open world experience is the pure fun factor involved, as the absurd, over-the-top antics you get involved in will keep you entertained for hours.Almost nothing in Just Cause 2 is impossible, creating some of the most intensely fun, memorable gaming experiences of all time.
Far Cry 3
Well you guys must be expecting this game to make the cut. As we look ahead to the upcoming release of UbiSoft’s Far Cry 4 in November, it’s fair to hope that it is even half as exciting and fun as Far Cry 3. It drops you right into the middle of a kidnapping plot on a tropical island; and you’re the victim. It hinges on a strong power-fantasy plot, playing Jason Brody as a reluctant hero who gets consumed by forces much larger than he could ever comprehend.
It’s hardcore stuff, with some powerful moments of self-realisation, and that’s not even the best part. As you explore the vast island that you now call home, it’s difficult to not get caught up in the beauty of it all.
It looks absolutely stunning, shining a darker shade on the violent secrets that it holds, all of which you uncover. Exploring the island of Far Cry 3 is a daunting prospect, as you are often outnumbered in the early moments of the game and lack the weapons to fight back. But as you get deeper inside the game, enhancing Jason from unlucky tourist to badass one-man army, you begin to feel the subtle rushes of power that Ubisoft is giving you. There’s something invigorating about taking out a jeep full of bad guys with your fully-upgraded compound bow that fires explosive arrows, a feeling of raw power that so few games can achieve.
Fable
Fable, was touted as the greatest game in the history of mankind. While that was probably a little off the mark, Fable remains as one of the most uniquely-fascinating games in recent memory.
There’s a childlike innocence to the game, as the ongoing narrative seems heavily inspired by fairy tales, weaving its own dark take on these classic yarns. As you explore the surrounding world however, you begin to notice how densely packed the world actually is. The world of Albion feels very organic and flowing, as if you’re living within your own storybook. There’s a nice bit of optional side-questing as well, and it all tends to meld together in a very realistic way.
Batman: Arkham City
When Rocksteady released Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009 tthe dreams of comic book fans everywhere had come true. Exploring Arkham Island was a joy, making it seem unlikely that Rocksteady could ever top it, but they were up to the challenge and released Arkham City, a game that is in every way superior to Arkham Asylum. For the first time, you could control Batman in an open-world city with buildings and skyscrapers, heading down to the streets below to deliver some justice. It’s a wondrous experience, putting you directly into the boots of the Batman.
Gliding around the city is freeing, as the wind rustles through your cape and creates a sense of real velocity. Running around the city, beating up random bad guys in the middle of their crime sprees – it was everything you ever wanted in a superhero game, borrowing loose elements from the No Man’s Land storyline with an isolated city that left you feeling trapped, yet powerful thanks to all of Batman’s skills.
