My 15 Favorite Open World Games
Emphasis on the open world setting and gameplay. So it doesn't really mean that a game is better overall than the one ranked below, it just means they are better at being an open world experience. Ultimately it's a question of "do I like ... as an open world game? or would I rather see it stripped down to a linear structure instead?"
15 Games
Every frame of this game's world is a fucking amazing painting, the art direction is just untouchable. Exploring it is incredibly immersive thanks to the smart usage of the wind, an important element of the samurai movies that the game imitates. And even though the game doesn't have free form climbing, 99% of the time it always has climbing spots put in the right place, just where you need it. Even with the occasional jank and bugs, there is no other open world game that feels as cinematic and naturalistic to play.
1
Not even the game's clunky controls can distract from how detailed, lively and beautiful the world is. The art direction is just sublime, and combined with the light survival mechanics, it forms a very authentic atmosphere and feel of the Old West. You can observe the daily activities of the human and animal NPCs closely too, for an even deeper appreciation of how much work the devs put into this game.
2
Back then, this is a game truly ahead of its time. Now, it's one of the coziest games you can play. Exploring Ryo's hometown and soaking in all the details, it's like coming back home. There's also an interesting effect of having to come home every night: you're not only finding the way forward in the story, but remembering the way back, which only furthers your immersion and knowledge of your surroundings, making for an intimately home-y open world experience. The game's slight expansion to the docks area later on is also appreciated, furthering the sense of being in a vast world.
3
A mini, fully working solar system, with each planet having entirely unique problems to deal with. It's one of those games where the more you play it, the more you start to wonder, how a game like this can be made, and in such a polished state.
4
The American Dream is dead, and Liberty City is its carcass. In terms of atmosphere, no other GTA game achieved this level of brilliance. The decay and poverty scattered in and all around the glitz and glamour of the rich; it's so well presented. Not to mention GTA IV's best in class vehicle physics, which is very important considering you're in a car-centric city. I also appreciate having more interiors to explore, and also the ability to go out on dates/hangouts and partake in the open world experience not as a typical murderer, but as a ordinary group of fellas trying to have fun.
5
New York's urban jungle feels very familiar at this point. And yet, SM2 makes it even more exciting to explore than ever. The level of speed that you can achieve in its traversal is simply amazing. Who knew that you can do more than just swinging and zipping as Spider-Man? I also appreciate quality of life features such as the instant fast travel, which you still have to earn by putting in the effort.
6
Shenmue II traded the first game's small, cozy hometown feel for a fish-out-of-water experience: exploring a far larger land mass, with entirely different architecture and culture. Even when you found your way forward in this world, coming back to find rest can be just as hard and alienating. At times I feel like the game can be too big for its own good. But it is still very much a monumental feat.
7
There's just no denying the level of variety and scale in this game's open world. It certainly feels like the most expansive GTA game, still.
8
Ghostwire might not have the most innovative or satisfying gameplay mechanics and elements, but there is no denying how well they brought Tokyo to life. Getting to explore an actual walkable city, taking in all the details of the world, interacting with the cute animals along the way, and learning about the deeper mythology of it all, it's an amazing experience that not many other games can replicate.
9
GTA V isn't as a big of a leap as IV or San Andreas, but it certainly gets close. V doesn't have the best map in the series, but it does have some of the best side activities, which showcases the world's best qualities. I will never forget the sights and sounds of Los Santos, as I raced through it in the amazing triathlons.
10
Ubisoft's open world magnum opus. There is no other modern open world setting that feels as vibrant and bouncy as this game's San Francisco. The unique hacking angle of Watch Dogs also adds many one-of-a-kind gameplay moments to the experience, like hacking a forklift so you can reach a high hidden collectible.
11
Rent-a-Hero is pretty much a Shenmue clone, in terms of its exploration gameplay. While it is nowhere near as expansive, detailed or atmospheric, the effort you have to put in to know the ins and outs of the game's world in order to succeed as a hero is very satisfying. By the end, you'll feel like a true hometown hero, not only loved by the populace, but also in love with the town that you've grown to know so much about.
12
One of the most famous GTA clones ever made, and not without good reason. Hong Kong is a wonderful city to explore, with all the neon lights and distinct taste of urban Asian atmosphere.
13
There is no other game that plays like this. You basically get to fall to any direction you want. And it's a very fun way to explore big, floating worlds. The feeling of breaking through the clouds to transfer to another layer of Jirga Para Lhao is just so good. And the returning Hekseville is a nice surprise, now explorable with far better controls. Not to mention the colorful characters you'll meet in the story and side quests.
14
Probably the best example of a concise, focused open world experience. Finding your way forward with the sonar ping-esque mechanic is a refreshing break from all the map-focused games. And the unique rhythm game-esque way of exploring the world never gets old. There's also a ton of fun, mind stimulating puzzles to solve all over the place. There is a big flaw in the way it forces stealth sections every now and then.
15
Armakeen
4 months ago
I know Liberty City like the back of my hand at this point