10 Best Linear Games That Feel Open World

In the 2010s, the popularity of games such as Skyrim and Breath of the Wild significantly increased the demand for open-world games. To this day, it can be said that many people are still eagerly seeking out more of these expansive gaming experiences.

Open-world games often offer a depth of engagement, player autonomy, and enjoyment that’s tough to beat in other formats. Yet, there are titles that somehow manage to excel at this.

They achieve this balance by structuring their storyline sequentially while incorporating enough design elements for exploration, autonomy, and decision-making, giving players the impression that they’re the master of the world they’re playing in.

These games skillfully navigate a delicate balance, providing linear adventures that give off the sensation of an expansive open world – exactly what many gamers desire.

10. Atomic Heart

Crispy Critters

Despite the fact that some may disagree, including myself understanding their reasons, I firmly believe that Atomic Heart surpassed many people’s expectations in terms of its quality as a game.

The visuals were breathtaking, the combat was reminiscent of a blend between Wolfenstein and Bioshock, and it provided a dreamlike atmosphere where one could easily lose oneself, although in truth, it wasn’t possible to become genuinely lost within it.

This game may appear spacious, featuring expansive areas and an enlarged midsection, but it primarily follows a mission-focused structure. This design allows for a more customized player experience, with frequent predefined events or sequences.

Although Atomic Heart may appear to be an open-world game, in reality, it offers frequent chances to stray from the main path, explore optional game elements, and battle mechanical creatures – but it isn’t truly an open-world title.

9. Final Fantasy XVI

Roaming Rosaria & Beyond

In simpler terms, the newest addition to the Final Fantasy series is ideal for newcomers to Japanese-style role-playing games (JRPGs) because it’s the easiest entry in the series to get into. At times, it plays more like an Action RPG, making gameplay smoother and more accessible for beginners.

In this game, the user-friendly nature extends to its layout and advancement too. Players are gently guided towards partially open zones and central hub worlds while progressing through the compelling narrative. Throughout it all, Clive remains front and center in the unfolding events.

This linear journey through expansive, stunning landscapes offers a multitude of intriguing side missions and rewards for exploration. Plus, the option to ride your Chocobos adds an element of freedom, making the seemingly straightforward path feel more open-ended than it initially appears.

8. Stray

Little Cat, Big World

I frequently express the viewpoint that Stray is among the most exaggeratedly praised games ever made, not because it was a poor game in itself. Instead, it simply didn’t live up to the hype the internet portrays. This situation demonstrates the power of an adorable cat in boosting your promotional efforts.

Despite not being an exceptional game overall, it stood out for numerous commendable aspects. It delivered a deeply moving narrative, presented a raw and compelling environment, and allowed players the freedom to thoroughly explore miniature open worlds at their leisure.

The majority of the game follows a straightforward path, but occasionally, it offers more freedom, such as in the Slums and Midtown areas, creating an illusion of an open world.

Although you may not invest hundreds of hours delving into every nook and cranny, each region within this game has been meticulously designed to offer an immersive experience, keeping your cravings for open-world exploration satisfied, if only temporarily.

7. A Plague’s Tale: Requiem

So Many Bloody Rats!

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for A Plague’s Tale series, which somehow manages to fly under the radar despite being a gem in every aspect. The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is smooth, and the narrative packs an emotional punch – even if the rat-pope angle might seem a bit outlandish at first glance. But hey, I’m all for creative storytelling, so I’ll gladly overlook that quirk!

The show excels in creating intricate worlds, and the second installment serves as its finest demonstration. It provides numerous opportunities for detours along winding paths and hidden back streets to discover. Additionally, it enriches the world through detailed environment decorations and the conversations of non-player characters inhabiting each region.

As a gamer, I can say that the game world breathes with life, guiding me gently towards my next plot point, but allowing me the freedom to explore each nook and cranny at my leisure, savoring every corner as if it were a delicious meal.

Moreover, the game features sections designed like miniature open universes, giving players the freedom to wander and explore at their own pace, whether extensively or just a bit.

This show is the perfect example of a treasure in the AA category, and I truly hope it gets expanded into a three-part series. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

6. God of War: Ragnarök

Dad Of War

In terms of innovative methods used to create a sense of nonlinear gameplay within linear games, the way Santa Monica Studio divides the realms found in the reimagined God of War series based on Norse mythology stands out as one of the best.

Although the game’s story unfolds in a specific sequence and maintains a customized flow, your sense of freedom as a player while navigating through various worlds prevents it from feeling like a monotonous assembly line journey.

Additionally, with its stunning set pieces, breathtaking visuals, and ample optional content like the game’s version of Valkyries known as Berserkers, there’s often an exciting sense of exploration and discovery, as venturing off the main path can lead to unexpected rewards.

5. Metro Exodus

Not The Nuclear Winter We Wished For

In a unique way, there’s no substitute quite like a touch of Eurojank, and it’s safe to say that apart from STALKER, the Metro series reigns supreme in this particular niche genre.

Metro Exodus deviates from the linear structure of Metro 2033 and Last Light, instead providing a more open-ended gameplay experience that amplifies the series’ existing themes of despair, struggle, and human fortitude by allowing players to explore and interact with a wider range of environments and characters.

The game ensures that the narrative remains structured and moves at a balanced speed, allowing each significant moment in the story to have its intended impact.

Personally speaking, what truly captivates me is the abundance of unexplored, sprawling territories ripe for discovery, the multitude of side quests to uncover, and the numerous instances where my decisions as a player shape the game’s narrative.

Although Eurojank games often have their share of imperfections, Metro Exodus continues to demonstrate why this series is cherished by many. It stands as the most impressive installment so far, even when considering a more recent virtual reality version that also performed well.

4. Bioshock Infinite

The Possibilities Feel Infinite

Bioshock Infinite presents an appearance of multiple choices, but ultimately, the cycle repeats, leading to the same conclusion. A conversation with the eccentric Lutece brothers can help explain this.

The game additionally emphasizes the concept of a seemingly free-roaming environment by allowing players to explore Columbia, where they encounter different plot points along the way. This design sometimes restricts access to previously visited locations and pushes players towards new ones.

Despite the clear progression of events in these scenes and the open structure of each chapter’s layout, it doesn’t feel as if someone is pushing you from behind to move ahead, even though they are guiding your progress.

Completionists might find frustration in discovering no option to retrace steps. At first, I was angry too, but looking back, the game design adds a sense of grandeur to Columbia, maybe even surpassing its actual scale.

3. Dishonored

Level-Based With Lots of Space

A challenging kind of game to develop is an immersive sim, as it requires intricate design for providing players with extensive freedom and multiple possibilities for growth, which demands careful planning and integrated thought. Yet, when executed successfully, it can make traditional level-based or linear games feel just as open-ended and diverse as any other game available.

In the game Dishonored, you’re dropped into diverse open environments within Dunwall, with the primary objective being to explore, avoid detection, and handle your designated target. This can be accomplished through traditional methods like assassination, or by employing more inventive approaches.

Despite the numerous paths to maneuver through various situations and the abundance of open areas, it never feels like anything other than a game where you’re the one calling the shots. However, unbeknownst to you, you’re actually bound by the linear progression of levels and tasks, which are meticulously structured for you.

2. The Last of Us: Part Two

A Saunter in Seattle

Although The Last of Us Part II may not match the original in terms of narrative depth, it’s hard to dispute that the sequel significantly improves in almost every aspect, and its world design is undeniably one of these improvements.

This game stands out as one of the most visually stunning games from its time, offering an engaging exploration experience set in Seattle and its surroundings – a delight to discover.

In various games, whether they are compact urban landscapes like downtown Seattle or expansive environments filled with adversaries, loot, and points of interest, they all give an impression of immense size and grandeur, despite the fact that in actuality, they are quite small spaces.

This game offers an openness typical of its genre, yet manages to maintain a smooth and engaging storyline. Although it might not receive the same level of adoration as the original release, overall, it surpasses it significantly. The game’s world design is a significant contributor to its superiority.

1. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Uncharted & Unguided

To conclude, if we’re planning on mentioning The Last of Us, it would be fitting to incorporate Naughty Dog’s other flagship series as well.

The Uncharted series has typically been characterized by its structured and sequential gameplay, which combines action and storytelling seamlessly but in a predictable pattern. However, the fourth chapter in the Nathan Drake saga deviated from this norm.

Instead of being filled with just action-packed scenes and daring maneuvers that put your life on the line, there’s now plenty of room for relaxed exploration, giving you the freedom to wander around without needing to be always vigilant for unexpected gunfire threatening your head.

As I venture through this captivating world, I stumble upon hidden gems, ancient artifacts, and intriguing conversations that only the intrepid explorer can uncover. Not only do I have the freedom to traverse this realm by land and sea via boats and jeeps, but doing so adds a unique twist to my journey as well!

In the end, Drake must ultimately fulfill his destiny, and nothing can deviate it from its course; however, you certainly have the chance to delay for quite some time in the expansive, unexplored territories of Uncharted 4.

2025-03-21 20:11