Summary
- Metroidvanias like Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow offer vast worlds for exploration & discovery.
- Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot allows fans to explore Earth & Namek in an open-world RPG setting.
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus provides a free-form Pokemon game with open-world exploration.
In creating many types of fantasy games, developers often aim to draw players deeply into the fictional worlds they’ve designed, whether these are entirely new creations or adaptations from other sources like films or anime. The allure of stepping into such a world and actively participating is unique to video games, as this level of interactivity isn’t typically found in other media formats.
Among both vintage gaming consoles and contemporary ones, you’ll find numerous captivating fantasy realms boasting intriguing virtual terrains to traverse. It’s not always the case that these arenas are open-world games; even smaller landscapes can hide remarkable secrets. This ranking will evaluate some of these games according to the depth of player interaction with their worlds and overall game quality.
8. Castlevania: Dawn Of Sorrow
Don’t Mess With A Metroidvania
Metroidvania-style games emphasize exploration and uncovering secrets, and one game that exemplifies the genre is Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. This castle and its expansive surroundings, while typical in 2D games, offer a wealth of activities. From acquiring and upgrading equipment to duplicating enemy abilities, these tasks contribute to the exhilaration of discovery that defines this genre.
One of the more accessible “Castlevania” titles, it first appeared on the DS, and now, thanks to the “Castlevania Dominus Collection”, you can find it on numerous gaming platforms today.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Goku’s Journey
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is ideal for longtime fans of the series as it unfolds from the Saiyan arc in the anime up until the Buu arc, with additional DLC episodes from subsequent storylines incorporated later on. The game primarily revolves around Goku’s journey to achieve supreme strength, but presents this narrative within an open-world action RPG framework.
As a gamer, diving into this series’ rendition of Earth and alien worlds like Namek feels utterly unprecedented. Although there are moments where it’s condensed, it’s a faithful adaptation that stays true to the original source material. For those who pay attention, there are plenty of hidden gems and references for both avid gamers and anime enthusiasts alike.
6. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
A Free-Form Pokemon Game
Pokemon Legends: Arceus presents a unique take on the Pokemon franchise, marking it as the initial game where players can roam an expansive open world and capture Pokemon at their leisure without engaging in battles each time. This idea has long been desired by fans since the Pokemon series first emerged in Japan back in 1996.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus offers an enjoyable trip down memory lane, as it sets its story in the past compared to other games within the series, and it even incorporates the isekai genre. Although the main focus is capturing Pokemon, the game remains engaging due to its immersive world exploration and discovery of new species, embodying what a Pokemon game experience should be like.
5. Kingdom Hearts 3
Expansive Disney Worlds Like Never Before
In Kingdom Hearts 3, you’ll encounter a wide variety of Disney worlds, ranging from animated movies such as Tangled to live-action films like Pirates of the Caribbean. Unlike earlier games, these worlds aren’t entirely open, but they are significantly larger compared to their counterparts in previous installments.
Similar to how Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot allowed fans of the Dragon Ball series to immerse themselves in familiar stories as if they were fresh experiences, Kingdom Hearts 3 offered Disney enthusiasts a chance to revisit their beloved movies and relive them with renewed excitement. In addition to its expansive exploration elements, the game also showcased an enhanced combat system, with Sora’s Keyblade transformations adding an element of constant intrigue.
4. Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Studio Ghibli Comes To Life
The video game “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is a joint production by Bandai Namco, Level-5, and Studio Ghibli. Although Studio Ghibli had dabbled in gaming previously, “Ni no Kuni” was a unique opportunity for them to exert greater creative control. From start to finish, the game embodies the spirit of a Ghibli film, with its character designs, music, and emotional storyline, which sparked immense interest among players eager to delve deep into the game’s rich content.
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic Pokemon games from that time period, providing players an expansive map to discover, filled with numerous hidden treasures. It’s a nostalgic trip back to the SNES and PS1 eras, representing the golden age of retro RPGs, a period when many enthusiasts first became enamored with this genre.
3. Hogwarts Legacy
Harry Potter On A Magical Scale
Hogwarts Legacy offers a chance for gamers to immerse themselves in a unique world previously unexplored in video games. Although there have been several Harry Potter games prior, Hogwarts Legacy is the debut of an original tale, enabling players to craft their own Hogwarts student character and participate in the school’s daily life across all four seasons.
The expanses are enormous, brimming with hidden gems and winks to the storyline that are ripe for exploration. Beyond Hogwarts, there lies an immense universe yearning to be explored, whether by foot or by broomstick – something that devoted fans have longed for, and hopefully, they’ll get a sequel someday too.
2. Final Fantasy 9
A World Where Chocobos Matter
Final Fantasy 9 harks back to the roots of the franchise, incorporating classic elements like Crystals, bosses, and explorable locations. However, what truly sets it apart from its predecessors is the richness and authenticity of its world. This is achieved through the inclusion of various races that coexist within each kingdom, giving the game a sense of depth and liveliness that other titles in the series may lack.
As a gamer, what really spices up the adventure for me is the thrill of the Chocobo Hot and Cold mini-game. I use these tablets to sniff out hidden treasures scattered across the game world. It’s an intriguing process that adds layers of depth to the world, making it feel more vibrant and immersive. Many fans would argue that this is one of the series’ standout features due to its engaging interactivity.
1. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Still The King
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is tough to surpass in terms of its impact on the series and open-world games, as a whole. It’s nearly impossible to convey the electrifying sense of excitement that comes with diving into this rendition of Hyrule on the Nintendo Switch for the first time.
2017 stood out as a remarkable year for video games due to the seamless integration of gameplay and console technology, making it hard to forget. And while it’s another open-world game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild pushes boundaries by offering unique features such as safe gliding from high places and the ability to scale most surfaces, expanding the possibilities for exploration almost infinitely. To describe this game as groundbreaking would be a significant understatement.
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2025-05-06 07:35