The Best Open World Video Games Ever
Have you ever played an exciting game where you could choose and have your own adventure? Does getting that adrenaline rush from its immersive graphics and stories give you goosebumps? If you’re familiar with these gaming experiences, you probably love the fun of open-world gaming!
Open-world games enable players to explore at their own pace and walk around freely in a huge, connected gaming environment. Casual players and even professionals haven’t stopped patronizing these games, not just because they have great graphics but also due to the immersive gameplay style of which they are fond. Gaming experiences can range from someone playing in virtual reality like the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator to playing in online casinos to getting Bitcoin bonuses at Bovada or other sites. Still, the ultimate and most rewarding gaming experiences are often found in open-world video games.
This blog post will cover some of the best open-world video games of all time!
The Criteria Used in Choosing the Best Open-World Gaming
The best video games are based on many things, such as graphics, gameplay, and story, among others. To assist us in evaluating these open-world games, let us look at the following criteria:
Graphics
How visually unique and appealing is the game? How authentic and intricate are the surroundings, characters, and objects in terms of their realism and level of detail?
Gameplay
How enjoyable is the game to play? How interesting and varied are the activities, tasks, and quests? How intuitive and responsive are the controls and mechanics? How smooth and dependable is the game’s performance?
Story
How intriguing is the plot of the game? How well-crafted and well-written are the characters and their dialogues? How emotional and engaging is the story?
Freedom
How many options does the game provide? How huge and diverse is the game’s world? How vast are the maps? How many interactive elements and encounters with non-player characters are available to the player?
Response Time
How seamless and dependable is the game’s performance in terms of responsiveness and speed? How quickly does the game react to player input? How minimal are the delays or lags during gameplay?
Indeed, open-world games demand more complex game design. That’s because there is an increasing likelihood that players will become disinterested or bored without certain variations and twists in the overall gameplay.
The Top Open World Games of All Time
The following are our top choices for the best open-world video games ever created:
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an exceptional game set in a vast and stunning open world. The story is engaging, featuring a gang of outlaws fighting against progress. The game offers a remarkable level of freedom, with countless options and interactions.
The world is immersive and alive, filled with wildlife and diverse environments. The game’s mechanics, such as looting and crafting, add depth and reality. Red Dead Redemption 2 is an authentic masterpiece that keeps players intrigued for hours on end.
Fallout 4 (2015)
Fallout 4 is a post-nuclear RPG with impressive exploration, well-written side quests, and a morally complex storyline. It offers a diverse and detailed world, a streamlined benefits system, and a compelling crafting system.
However, early access to powerful armor diminishes the sense of progression, and the armor system lacks consistency.
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
Horizon: Zero Dawn is a visually stunning RPG that falls short in terms of gameplay innovation. The game’s hunter/gatherer mechanics and open-world design are reminiscent of Far Cry and Tomb Raider, while its combat against robotic creatures is the standout feature. The story is engaging but weighed down by excessive exposition and optional activities.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is an open-world fantasy RPG with a massive and immersive environment. It offers excellent combat, deep RPG mechanics, and a rich storyline, although the main quest can feel like a series of errands.
The game’s world is vast, authentic, and filled with meaningful activities. The technical performance on the PS4 version has some issues, but they don’t significantly affect gameplay. The side quests and optional activities provide fascinating insights and have a significant impact on the world.
Minecraft (2011)
Minecraft unleashes creativity like no other game, offering limitless possibilities. The unique aesthetic and nostalgic charm enhance the experience. Crafting and exploring create a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
The learning curve is steep but rewarding. Adventure is thrilling, especially with friends. Minecraft is an open world where you define success and bring your dreams to life.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
GTA V is a satirical game that parodies modern society. It features a vast open world, a compelling narrative, and thrilling gameplay with some elements of violence. The game offers a seductive vision with astonishing visuals and rewards for exploration.
While it has flaws in its treatment of female characters, it remains a guilty, ridiculous, and enjoyable experience. It serves as a monstrous parody of celebrity-obsessed and self-absorbed culture.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Reimagining a franchise that spans three decades, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild showcases a remarkable open-world design. Set at an undefined time in a vast and magnificent version of Hyrule, you play as Link, a hero who emerges from a 100-year slumber to defeat an evil entity.
With its vast sandbox environment, intriguing mysteries, and captivating adventures, this game offers freedom, stunning visuals, intricate puzzles, and engaging combat, delivering a memorable gaming experience.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an immersive RPG renowned for its expansive open world, engaging quests, and stunning visuals. Players embark on a captivating journey in the land of Tamriel, filled with rich lore and memorable characters.
From epic battles to intricate role-playing choices, Skyrim continues to captivate gamers with its timeless appeal.
The Future of Open World Games
Open-world games continue to evolve through time, becoming more immersive, as seen in modern innovations and improvements in the gaming industry, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), cloud gaming, and more.
These technologies will shape the future of open-world games and create new possibilities and experiences for gamers.
We can also look forward to some of the upcoming or anticipated open-world games that are in development or production and promise to deliver amazing open-world experiences that will blow our minds.