Open-world games ignite an insatiable curiosity and thrill of exploration that linear games simply can’t match. Yet, it’s important to note that not everyone shares this enthusiasm – for certain players, open-world games are deemed excessively large.
In adventure games, the joy of exploration ranks high, and fortunately, certain games skillfully integrate this sense of adventure even when the game world isn’t sprawling vastly beyond its own boundaries.
These games don’t strictly follow a linear path nor are they full-fledged open-world experiences. Instead, they’re categorized as semi-open world, providing a spacious environment to explore at your leisure without becoming disoriented or overpowered by its size.
In these semi-open world games, you’ll find the ideal balance for those seeking an adventure that follows a main storyline yet offers occasional deviations from the usual route.
10. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Large Regions Feel Like an Open World
The Dragon Age series of games is renowned within the role-playing game (RPG) world, and Dragon Age: Inquisition stands out as a standout title among them. This game was even named Game of the Year in 2014, often referred to as one of BioWare’s biggest successes.
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, the game isn’t a typical open-world title, as it doesn’t consist of one vast, explorable area. Instead, the map is composed of several substantial regions that players can traverse across the two distinct countries where the story unfolds.
In each region and during the main storyline, there isn’t complete freedom for players to roam about and act randomly. Instead, there’s a defined framework or structure that guides their actions.
Rather than offering the ability to journey between cities, these regions can be thought of as fully immersive, character-driven role-playing games, filled with opportunities and welcoming enough for players to return multiple times.
At a quick look, it may seem like an open-world game, but upon playing, you’ll notice that the gameplay structure is distinctly unique, and thus, doesn’t fit the traditional definition of an open world. Instead, this design maintains the adventure within certain boundaries.
9. Metro Exodus
Only Some Levels Are Open World
Following their departure from the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. development team, 4A Games channeled their post-apocalyptic imagination into a chilling new series, Metro. Among all the installments, Metro Exodus stands out as the crowning achievement of the franchise.
In essence, Metro Exodus showcases an almost authentic open-world environment, where certain stages (specifically six) adhere to a strictly linear progression, while others offer the freedom for exploration.
Additionally, when it transformed from a horror game into a survival-shooter, it fundamentally overhauled the entire series by presenting bleak portrayals of survival.
In open-world environments, your firearm serves as an essential link to survival. Each bullet you have is even named after a sewer rat, making it crucial to ensure your weapons remain in optimal condition.
As a hardcore gamer, let me tell you, the regular gameplay is a piece of cake compared to cranking up the difficulty with the Ranger’s Ultra Immersion Full Dive mode. It’s like jumping into a virtual reality survival challenge that pushes every limit, for those who seek the ultimate gaming thrill.
This game is ideal for individuals seeking a strongly narrative experience, as it provides plenty of opportunities to explore and compensate for any time spent on the main plot.
8. Dishonored 2
Individual Maps are Individual “Worlds”
In the world of gaming, I’ve found few experiences as captivating as the Dishonored series. As a player in Dishonored 2, I’ve been granted the opportunity to step into the shoes of a stealthy assassin, a role that never feels repetitive thanks to the unique approach it offers. Each level offers distinct maps, providing a fresh canvas for exploration, albeit confined within the boundaries of that specific level.
Initially, the maps are much taller, featuring a gameplay experience where you move or battle through various apartment buildings, climbing numerous floors.
The stealth operations in this game are packed with engagement, offering enjoyment at every turn, no matter how a player chooses to navigate the levels.
In this setting, you’re limited to discovering as you go, without the option to retrace your steps or leapfrog ahead – a contrast to the freedom found in conventional open-world games.
In the intriguing steampunk city of Dunwall, there are numerous mysteries waiting to be discovered. However, these secrets can only be found at specific locations, not during casual exploration.
As you advance through the series (particularly for newcomers to this stealth genre), remember that once you’ve moved forward, there’s no turning back – so make sure to accomplish all the tasks you wish to do before proceeding further.
7. Like a Dragon/Yakuza Series
Confined to Inner Tokyo
Although it might seem that the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series are open-world games, most of them are not fully open. Instead, these games offer semi-open environments, where players are primarily restricted to Tokyo, specifically the Kamurochō District, which is said to be modeled after the real-life Kabukichō area.
As a gamer who’s been fortunate enough to explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo, including the lively Kabukichō district, I can’t help but notice the uncanny resemblance, even down to the ever-present tune of Don Quijote blasting through the speakers. It’s evident that the creators behind Yakuza have a deep understanding and appreciation for Japan’s unique culture, as they’ve skillfully captured its essence in their games.
In these games, the world design is nothing short of fantastic, and let me tell you, it gives me ample opportunity to wander freely around Tokyo’s vast expanse.
Fortunately, it’s good news that you won’t be exploring all of Tokyo as it requires several months to fully immerse oneself. For context, my week-long visit barely scratched the surface of the vast city. Indeed, it’s enormous!
Playing these games in their original Japanese language is highly recommended, as doing so immerses players into the game’s narrative, characters, and atmosphere set in Tokyo, enhancing the feeling of strolling through its alleys.
Until you’re engaged in some utterly outrageous, zany antics, it feels as if you’re part of an ordinary game. But then, you recall that you’re immersed in the world of a Yakuza title.
6. Thief (2014)
Chapter-Based Open World
It’s clear that stealing is morally incorrect and illegal everywhere, making it an intriguing fantasy that games like “Thief” capitalize on. These games provide a platform for players to explore this secretive, forbidden act.
In this scenario, you assume the role of Garrett, a skilled cat burglar, who finds himself entangled in something greater than his personal affairs. However, despite the larger circumstances, he’s got bills to settle, specifically rent.
In simpler terms, your actions involve burglarizing various residences, commercial properties, and other locations, making off with anything that isn’t securely fastened. The bigger the amount of money you amass, the better the enhancements and bonuses you earn.
In this game, you should keep in mind that while it shares some aspects with open-world stealth games, it’s not completely an open-world game. Instead, the world within each chapter is accessible, but once you decide to advance, you’ll be unable to return to previously explored areas.
Players who reach Chapter 3 won’t have the option to return to Chapter 2 to gain its advantages. Instead, they need to ensure they’ve covered everything in Chapter 2 before moving on.
In other words, feel free to spend as long as needed in each chapter or specific tasks within those chapters. However, it’s crucial to stay alert to your environment and make use of any chances that come your way.
5. Tomb Raider (2013)
Linear with Open Exploration
2013’s “Tomb Raider” reboot didn’t merely resurrect the series, but it significantly expanded the scope of exploration beyond what the original games were capable of.
In this game, along with the entire reboot series, the storyline follows a highly structured path. The renowned character, Lara Croft, finds herself shipwrecked on the mysterious island of Yamatai, uncovering its hidden history as an ancient kingdom from Feudal Japan.
While navigating through treacherous terrains with death lurking at every turn, you uncover hidden mysteries of the realm, observing how Lara gradually transforms into the iconic Tomb Raider character we’re familiar with.
Upon completing the game, you’ll be granted access to an entirely open world map, allowing you to search for all the hidden treasures at your leisure. This feature resembles the one found in Arkham Asylum.
4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Free Reign Exploration of Favourite Planets
While the official Star Wars website states that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is an open-world game (being the first in all the Star Wars games), upon playing it, you’ll notice that the ‘open world’ isn’t as free-roaming as one might expect.
The game presents itself as a deeply narrative-focused CRPG, yet it provides such extensive freedom for exploration that it creates the impression of an open-world setting, making it truly captivating.
Furthermore, the abundant possibilities for role-playing make the game feel incredibly lively, and players might not even notice that they’re exploring a semi-open world.
In the game KOTOR, you can perceive the initial ideas of an open-world game taking root, and even though it operates on a smaller scale, the ingenious ways to circumvent technical constraints result in it being “technically open world.” This aspect is truly commendable.
While it takes skill to make something, it takes even more skill to make an illusion.
As the development of the KOTOR Remake continues, there’s a buzz among players about whether the game will expand the world further or maintain a similar level of exploration as its predecessors, leaving some in anticipation and speculation.
3. Control
Open-Ended Environments
Speak freely about “Control“, but let me assure you, it’s an incredibly captivating game that possesses an unusual charm in the most appealing manner possible.
The game, created by Remedy Entertainment, places you in the role of Jesse Faden, the latest head of the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control, where you encounter and investigate diverse supernatural entities.
The environment is incredibly vast and full of areas to discover, but it’s not an open-world game – it’s simply huge, which might lead to some misunderstandings. The endless hallways may leave players feeling disoriented, as if they were in an open world, without a doubt.
The game adopts a substantial Metroidvania-style structure, focusing on intricate puzzles, immersive details, and a multitude of engaging aspects in its exploration-based gameplay.
Exciting news! A recent update (at no cost) makes it possible to play this game on PC right now. Plus, the game will be released for current console generations very soon. And get this – there’s a cameo by Hideo Kojima in it!”
Or simply:
“Players can now enjoy this game on their PC thanks to a free update! It’ll also be available soon on current-gen consoles, and guess who makes an appearance? Hideo Kojima!
2. God of War (2018)
Each Area Branches to Another
The God of War series often employs a hybrid, semi-linear and semi-open game structure. The more recent installments in the God of War franchise adhere strictly to this design, featuring designated pathways that link together, yet are presented individually and uniquely.
The Norse Mythology video games offer an almost equal balance between structured and open-ended gameplay, creating a delightful experience not only for gamers but also for the protagonist Kratos and his narrative journey.
In the grand tradition of ancient Greek mythology, I find myself destined to traverse various divine realms, challenging the mighty gods and goddesses of each pantheon, ultimately vanquishing them from existence in this epic journey.
Before you can delve into exploring it, you’ll need to traverse a specific route sequentially through the area first. However, this isn’t an entirely free-roaming open world, as there are predefined paths in these regions, irrespective of the European folklore being portrayed.
In essence, this game series is certain to astound players with its immersive experiences, leading them to become so engrossed in the narrative that they may find themselves focusing more on the storyline rather than the exploration.
1. Hitman (2016)
By Any Means Necessary
Without a doubt, Hitman serves as a great illustration of a semi-open world game. In this game, you assume the role of Agent 47, an iconic assassin, who is given various targets to eliminate. The way you complete these missions can be flexible – you’re free to choose your own methods.
As a gamer, I’m jet-setting across the globe for each mission, but once I step into a level, it feels like my own private playground. I can roam freely, don different outfits, and grab any weapon that catches my eye. The possibilities are mind-blowing – just within the boundaries of the game world.
In a straightforward and conversational manner: Hitman is essentially a semi-open world game, offering players numerous ways to carry out their assassinations. However, the options available are confined by what each level can accommodate.
Consequently, these actions can result in quite inventive results too – for instance, destroying an entire town using just a rolled-up newspaper.
As far as completing the mission goes, the method or specific actions taken within the area are flexible. The key guideline is to avoid being discovered.
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2025-03-20 16:13