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Open-World Games, An Endless Adventure
By Eyad Elkhatib, Jordan News
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AMMAN — Open-world
games is an experience that allows its players to explore a massive virtual sandbox
with no boundaries and few restrictions, offering an unparalleled experience.
From their gigantic maps, intricate storylines, fleshed out character
developments, and so much more, its clear to see why games like these tend to
be so popular.اضافة اعلان
And although it could be a bit overwhelming to find the right one for you, the list below should help push you in the direction that suits your playstyle.
No Man’s Sky
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Android, Microsoft Windows
It may surprise a lot of people to see No Man’s Sky on this list. Yes, it did have a notoriously bad launch, but, its developers “Hello Games” have gone above and beyond to polish it into an out-of-this-world title.
A game that will scratch the itch of anyone interested in space exploration, NMS has a bit of everything, but most notably, an almost infinite galaxy to explore. With a mind-blowing 18 quintillion unique planets to discover, it’s safe to say that NMS is a game that won’t stop giving. But be wary, as each planet you explore is filled with its share of danger, whether it’s a species of hostile lifeforms, colonies of baddies, deadly fauna, or the literal atmosphere hosting a number of different hazards, NMS is sure to keep you on your toes.
It isn’t all as hopeless as it sounds for the player though, its your duty to stock up on a plethora of materials that will help make your adventure one that you can survive. Use these materials to build a base on the planet of your choice serving as a safe haven, upgrade your ship and mining tools, or choose to invest in weapon upgrades. The beauty of NMS lies in its style of gameplay, offering the player the choice to play however they want to. So, prepare for a solo adventure, or grab a buddy, and blast off to an unforgettable adventure among the stars.
Fallout 4
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Fallout 4 is a fantastic addition to an already brilliant franchise. An action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, Fallout has you playing as the “Sole Survivor”, a husband/wife of a pre-war family.
Like most role-playing games, you are in charge of creating your own character, appearance and all, but also has you making all your character’s decisions. This leads to a unique branching storylines and scenarios that throw an element of surprise to the already enticing story. What adds to this experience is the world you get to explore, abeautifully gritty 1950s style hellscape that’s filled with heaps of irradiated critters, bandits, automatons and more.
Fallout will have you eagerly exploring while throwing curveballs at every turn. The story isn’t everything though, but do not fret, the game has a lot of variety when it comes to its gameplay: intricate crafting systems, legendary loot, huge suits of mechanized armor, and even bullet-time combat mechanics that allow you to land some insanely precise shots. Fallout 4 is a solid choice for your open-world slot.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
The Witcher 3 is a fantastic choice for open-world enthusiasts, and although it was released six years ago, it is clear to see that it has stood the test of time. So why should you play it?
For starters, it looks fantastic. And no, this isn’t a game whose graphics can be compared to the games being released today, but it was way ahead of its time in that department. Pair this with a world that is easy to traverse and get sucked into, this game will have you taking unintended routes only to discover a slurry of side quests and goodies. With computer and console specs advancing so much over the years, it’s safe to say that The Witcher 3 will not only look good, but will also perform incredibly.
But a game’s graphics were never the reason to play them, thankfully this game has an incredible story to go with it, frequently being referred to as one of the greatest, if not the greatest role-playing games of all time. The game has you playing Geralt of Rivia, who ventures to find his lover Yennefer and long-lost adopted Ciri. The story is filled with suspense, thrills, and a roller-coaster of emotional moments that’s sure to dent even the coldest of hearts. If that isn’t enough, the questing aspect of The Witcher 3 is impeccable, finding a way to avoid repetitive tropes that other games of this genre tend to fall into. There is so much more the game has to offer, with fantastic combat mechanics, secrets to uncover, and even the ability to play a fully fleshed out card game. This game is sure to have its players glued to their screens.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Released 10 years ago, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, is a game that looks like it’ll be around forever. With multiple editions being released and its availability on practically every console, picking up how to play this game has never been easier. If you haven’t heard about the Elder Scrolls franchise or what to expect from it, we’ll try to keep it simple.
Skyrim is one of the most satisfying games to sink your teeth into, unlike most role-playing games (RPGs), it allows players to completely customize their experience. Most RPGs provide a variety of “classes”, but Skyrim does not exactly do that. Sure, you choose from the initial warrior, thief, or mage set-up, but as you progress you get to choose how much of each class you want mixed and matched together to create the character you want to play. And as you proceed to go along with your questing, you’re given even more chances to define what the character you’re playing truly is.
Next up is just how much Skyrim has to offer. Skyrim, to put it simply, is massive, even when compared to most games out today. Not only is the map huge, but it boasts a large number of questlines, dungeons, cities, and a variety of non-player characters (NPCs) and enemies to interact with. With all there is to explore and experience, Skyrim will have you playing for hundreds of hours while still discovering new things along the way.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna
The Assassins Creed franchise needs no introduction, anyone who’s owned any gaming device has most likely already heard of at least one of its games. The latest addition to this franchise, Valhalla, has taken many by surprise.
Valhalla steers away from the typical stealthy assassin trope of its predecessors with this stunning title, having you explore its vast world set in the Viking era, choosing to swap out the stealthy combat gameplay with brutal axe swinging combat. The game is gorgeous when compared to others of the franchise, and utilizes the current generation of hardware extremely well. With your gear being more upgrade-focused than looting-focused, you’ll have to meticulously decide what gear you want to invest your materials into before choosing how to play the game. Valhalla has also implemented a new “raiding system”, staying true to its Viking inspirations, giving you the option to raid cities and plunder its resources for yourself. As you progress through the game your character will gain experience points that you can use to upgrade your character and their abilities, allowing for a more catered experience.
There’s so much content for you to explore in Valhalla, so sharpen your axe and prepare yourself for the Viking experience of a lifetime.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
The odd one out of the bunch, only being available on the Switch and Wii U platforms, is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it is a must play for anyone. A game which many say has a “true open world”. The game will have its players constantly coming back to play.
So, what makes it so special? In Breath of the Wild players will be in control of the Link, the hero of Hyrule, who awakens from a 100-year slumber only to jump right back to saving the kingdom. The game literally throws you into this world as soon as you leave the initial shrine you awaken in, allowing you explore and do anything you want. Where this game shines is truly in its exploration, and that isn’t just with following the map. This game allows its players to explore with anything. You see a hoard of enemies you want to take out? You can go in like a maniac swinging your sword or completely bombard them with bombs, boomerangs, and even the environment itself. There really is no one way to do anything in this game. With a stellar soundtrack that adjusts to whatever scenario you’re in, you get lost in what you’re doing, be it fighting, exploring, even cooking some meals.
If running out of content is something you worry about, Breath of the Wild fortunately has an insane number of things to do, with players still discovering things in the game four years after its release. Whether it’s the sheer amount of side quests, quirky characters with polished dialogues, or its 120 puzzle shrines to solve, the game never seems to want to end. So, wake up hero, because Hyrule is waiting for you.
Ghost of Tsushima
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
If you own a PlayStation and have yet to pick up Ghost of Tsushima, what are you waiting for? In the game, you play Jin Sakai, a samurai who is forced to struggle with the code of the samurai in order to defend the island of Tsushima from the Mongol invaders. The combat in this game is stellar, combining parrying, stance changes, long range weaponry, and ninja tools, the game keeps its players engaged and alert as they figure out the best course of action.
These features in combination with incredible graphics makes you feel like you’re in a Kurosawa film, especially when using the aptly named “Kurosawa Mode”, transforming this vibrant masterpiece into a black and white samurai experience. If you’re looking for an open-world game with puzzles, unfortunately, this game doesn’t have any, but that isn’t saying it should deter you.
Ghost of Tsushima is packed with “hidden gems” moments that are sensational. Whether it’s a flock of birds fluttering to a point of interest, foxes leading you to hidden shrines, or just the overall fluidity of the world around you, this game makes it a priority to provide its players with an unparallel tranquil experience when not in combat. This can be seen in its choice to hide the HUD when out of combat, allowing its players to truly enjoy everything around them, or its waypoint system, substituting typical markers with having a gust of wind show you the way. With so much beauty at every turn, fine tuned combat, and a heart wrenching storyline, this game is a must play title that everyone needs to experience.
These are just a few great titles for you to try out if you’re interested in dabbling in the open-world genre, each one provides you with an experience that you won’t get enough of. So, whether you choose to pick up any of the above titles, or go for other games of the genre, be ready to start one of your many endless adventures.
Read more in Gaming
And although it could be a bit overwhelming to find the right one for you, the list below should help push you in the direction that suits your playstyle.
No Man’s Sky
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Android, Microsoft Windows
It may surprise a lot of people to see No Man’s Sky on this list. Yes, it did have a notoriously bad launch, but, its developers “Hello Games” have gone above and beyond to polish it into an out-of-this-world title.
A game that will scratch the itch of anyone interested in space exploration, NMS has a bit of everything, but most notably, an almost infinite galaxy to explore. With a mind-blowing 18 quintillion unique planets to discover, it’s safe to say that NMS is a game that won’t stop giving. But be wary, as each planet you explore is filled with its share of danger, whether it’s a species of hostile lifeforms, colonies of baddies, deadly fauna, or the literal atmosphere hosting a number of different hazards, NMS is sure to keep you on your toes.
It isn’t all as hopeless as it sounds for the player though, its your duty to stock up on a plethora of materials that will help make your adventure one that you can survive. Use these materials to build a base on the planet of your choice serving as a safe haven, upgrade your ship and mining tools, or choose to invest in weapon upgrades. The beauty of NMS lies in its style of gameplay, offering the player the choice to play however they want to. So, prepare for a solo adventure, or grab a buddy, and blast off to an unforgettable adventure among the stars.
Fallout 4
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Fallout 4 is a fantastic addition to an already brilliant franchise. An action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, Fallout has you playing as the “Sole Survivor”, a husband/wife of a pre-war family.
Like most role-playing games, you are in charge of creating your own character, appearance and all, but also has you making all your character’s decisions. This leads to a unique branching storylines and scenarios that throw an element of surprise to the already enticing story. What adds to this experience is the world you get to explore, abeautifully gritty 1950s style hellscape that’s filled with heaps of irradiated critters, bandits, automatons and more.
Fallout will have you eagerly exploring while throwing curveballs at every turn. The story isn’t everything though, but do not fret, the game has a lot of variety when it comes to its gameplay: intricate crafting systems, legendary loot, huge suits of mechanized armor, and even bullet-time combat mechanics that allow you to land some insanely precise shots. Fallout 4 is a solid choice for your open-world slot.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
The Witcher 3 is a fantastic choice for open-world enthusiasts, and although it was released six years ago, it is clear to see that it has stood the test of time. So why should you play it?
For starters, it looks fantastic. And no, this isn’t a game whose graphics can be compared to the games being released today, but it was way ahead of its time in that department. Pair this with a world that is easy to traverse and get sucked into, this game will have you taking unintended routes only to discover a slurry of side quests and goodies. With computer and console specs advancing so much over the years, it’s safe to say that The Witcher 3 will not only look good, but will also perform incredibly.
But a game’s graphics were never the reason to play them, thankfully this game has an incredible story to go with it, frequently being referred to as one of the greatest, if not the greatest role-playing games of all time. The game has you playing Geralt of Rivia, who ventures to find his lover Yennefer and long-lost adopted Ciri. The story is filled with suspense, thrills, and a roller-coaster of emotional moments that’s sure to dent even the coldest of hearts. If that isn’t enough, the questing aspect of The Witcher 3 is impeccable, finding a way to avoid repetitive tropes that other games of this genre tend to fall into. There is so much more the game has to offer, with fantastic combat mechanics, secrets to uncover, and even the ability to play a fully fleshed out card game. This game is sure to have its players glued to their screens.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Released 10 years ago, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, is a game that looks like it’ll be around forever. With multiple editions being released and its availability on practically every console, picking up how to play this game has never been easier. If you haven’t heard about the Elder Scrolls franchise or what to expect from it, we’ll try to keep it simple.
Skyrim is one of the most satisfying games to sink your teeth into, unlike most role-playing games (RPGs), it allows players to completely customize their experience. Most RPGs provide a variety of “classes”, but Skyrim does not exactly do that. Sure, you choose from the initial warrior, thief, or mage set-up, but as you progress you get to choose how much of each class you want mixed and matched together to create the character you want to play. And as you proceed to go along with your questing, you’re given even more chances to define what the character you’re playing truly is.
Next up is just how much Skyrim has to offer. Skyrim, to put it simply, is massive, even when compared to most games out today. Not only is the map huge, but it boasts a large number of questlines, dungeons, cities, and a variety of non-player characters (NPCs) and enemies to interact with. With all there is to explore and experience, Skyrim will have you playing for hundreds of hours while still discovering new things along the way.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna
The Assassins Creed franchise needs no introduction, anyone who’s owned any gaming device has most likely already heard of at least one of its games. The latest addition to this franchise, Valhalla, has taken many by surprise.
Valhalla steers away from the typical stealthy assassin trope of its predecessors with this stunning title, having you explore its vast world set in the Viking era, choosing to swap out the stealthy combat gameplay with brutal axe swinging combat. The game is gorgeous when compared to others of the franchise, and utilizes the current generation of hardware extremely well. With your gear being more upgrade-focused than looting-focused, you’ll have to meticulously decide what gear you want to invest your materials into before choosing how to play the game. Valhalla has also implemented a new “raiding system”, staying true to its Viking inspirations, giving you the option to raid cities and plunder its resources for yourself. As you progress through the game your character will gain experience points that you can use to upgrade your character and their abilities, allowing for a more catered experience.
There’s so much content for you to explore in Valhalla, so sharpen your axe and prepare yourself for the Viking experience of a lifetime.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
The odd one out of the bunch, only being available on the Switch and Wii U platforms, is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it is a must play for anyone. A game which many say has a “true open world”. The game will have its players constantly coming back to play.
So, what makes it so special? In Breath of the Wild players will be in control of the Link, the hero of Hyrule, who awakens from a 100-year slumber only to jump right back to saving the kingdom. The game literally throws you into this world as soon as you leave the initial shrine you awaken in, allowing you explore and do anything you want. Where this game shines is truly in its exploration, and that isn’t just with following the map. This game allows its players to explore with anything. You see a hoard of enemies you want to take out? You can go in like a maniac swinging your sword or completely bombard them with bombs, boomerangs, and even the environment itself. There really is no one way to do anything in this game. With a stellar soundtrack that adjusts to whatever scenario you’re in, you get lost in what you’re doing, be it fighting, exploring, even cooking some meals.
If running out of content is something you worry about, Breath of the Wild fortunately has an insane number of things to do, with players still discovering things in the game four years after its release. Whether it’s the sheer amount of side quests, quirky characters with polished dialogues, or its 120 puzzle shrines to solve, the game never seems to want to end. So, wake up hero, because Hyrule is waiting for you.
Ghost of Tsushima
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
If you own a PlayStation and have yet to pick up Ghost of Tsushima, what are you waiting for? In the game, you play Jin Sakai, a samurai who is forced to struggle with the code of the samurai in order to defend the island of Tsushima from the Mongol invaders. The combat in this game is stellar, combining parrying, stance changes, long range weaponry, and ninja tools, the game keeps its players engaged and alert as they figure out the best course of action.
These features in combination with incredible graphics makes you feel like you’re in a Kurosawa film, especially when using the aptly named “Kurosawa Mode”, transforming this vibrant masterpiece into a black and white samurai experience. If you’re looking for an open-world game with puzzles, unfortunately, this game doesn’t have any, but that isn’t saying it should deter you.
Ghost of Tsushima is packed with “hidden gems” moments that are sensational. Whether it’s a flock of birds fluttering to a point of interest, foxes leading you to hidden shrines, or just the overall fluidity of the world around you, this game makes it a priority to provide its players with an unparallel tranquil experience when not in combat. This can be seen in its choice to hide the HUD when out of combat, allowing its players to truly enjoy everything around them, or its waypoint system, substituting typical markers with having a gust of wind show you the way. With so much beauty at every turn, fine tuned combat, and a heart wrenching storyline, this game is a must play title that everyone needs to experience.
These are just a few great titles for you to try out if you’re interested in dabbling in the open-world genre, each one provides you with an experience that you won’t get enough of. So, whether you choose to pick up any of the above titles, or go for other games of the genre, be ready to start one of your many endless adventures.
Read more in Gaming
