As a hardcore gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these underrated open-world games are hidden treasures that deserve more recognition. Each one offers a unique gaming experience, from the terrifying hordes of Freakers in Days Gone to the epic fantasy world of Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning.
In the realm of top-tier gaming, open-world games have become the standard. However, because there are so many open-world games available now, some truly exceptional titles might not receive the recognition they deserve.
Although they may not receive the same level of acclaim as popular titles like Skyrim and Elden Ring, these games offer exceptional open-world experiences that are definitely worth the cost to play.
To ensure you have plenty of exciting virtual realms to delve into, I’d like to recommend ten lesser-known games that are worth exploring.
10 Sleeping Dogs
As Gritty as it Gets
Sleeping Dogs is undeniably one of the most overlooked games in terms of recognition, particularly within the open-world genre.
Initially, the game progresses in a straightforward manner, but soon expands to an expansive urban landscape ripe for exploration. It’s filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, additional missions to embark on, and plenty of opportunities for mayhem within the open world.
In this hard-hitting crime drama, you’ll step into the role of Wei Shen, a police officer working undercover, as he aims to dismantle a powerful triad criminal organization.
The game boasts exceptional close-quarter fighting sequences that are unforgettable, and certain stages, like the one set at a wedding, will linger in your memory long after you’ve finished playing.
Here, there’s an abundance of fascinating side missions too. One of them immerses you in a Bruce Lee-inspired martial arts tournament on an island, where you don the legendary costume he is known for.
It’s disappointing that there hasn’t been another installment so far, but we continue to keep our fingers crossed for a future comeback.
9 Elex II
Weird But Original
In a unique twist, “Elex 2” stands out as one of the more unusual games available, yet it still manages to offer a fantastic journey through an expansive world.
Big emphasis on the word ‘open’ here, as the open nature of this game is pretty staggering.
Right from the start, you have free reign to venture wherever your heart takes you. Unlike many other open-world games, this one allows for exploration not just on the ground, but also upwards with the use of a jetpack. This vertical freedom sets it apart from most other titles in the genre.
The combat is a unique mix of melee and ranged combat, with a heavy sci-fi twist to switch it up.
In one instant, you could find yourself wielding a two-handed sword to slash through foes; in the very next, you might be clad in heavy armor, firing off extraterrestrial weaponry.
The blend is energetic, ensuring the game remains exciting throughout. The narrative, while complex at times, has depth that significantly enhances the overall feel of the experience.
Although Elex 2 may not have the high-quality shine in multiple aspects that some gamers look for, it offers an intriguing option for players seeking a fresh experience.
8 The Forgotten City
Unravel the Past
The Forgotten City is an exceptional instance of a mod evolving into a standalone game, originating from the renowned Skyrim mod. This game immerses you in the enigma of a city that has succumbed to decay, and it’s your mission to journey through time to uncover the secrets behind its downfall.
You do this through a highly creative mix of puzzle-solving, combat, and your own creativity.
Without a doubt, what makes this game standout is its exceptional writing and the freedom it offers, eschewing traditional guidance, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of classic games that trusts players to use their gaming acumen to navigate successfully.
Additionally, there’s a feature where the game resets to an earlier state whenever its main rule (without revealing too much) gets violated, creating something like a recurring time cycle.
Each time, you’ll need to reexperience the day, vary your strategies, anticipate the actions of specific characters, and, generally, possess slightly more knowledge than the previous day.
The result is a time-twisting journey to the past that is as original as it is surprising, and it’s easily the best example of what a mod can become when it has support behind it.
7 Mad Max
Fury Road
In the bustling gaming year of 2015, Mad Max was quietly launched, managing to establish its own distinctive territory rather than contending with blockbusters like The Witcher 3, Fallout 4, and Metal Gear Solid: V. Despite not being able to match their popularity, it excelled in the niche it created for itself.
In the game, Mad Max lets you journey across a desolate landscape, using various personalized vehicles. You’ll find yourself involved in thrilling close-quarter fights, as well as engaging in intense vehicular battles. All these elements seamlessly fit within the game’s setting.
In the game, each mission aligns seamlessly with its overall theme. It challenges you to participate in wild races, scavenge for water resources, enhance your vehicle using various materials, and engage in similar activities.
Instead of typically being a flop, movie tie-in games like Mad Max break the mold by developing their own interpretation of the famous character. This rendition is just as compelling as the films themselves.
This item may not be exceptionally impressive in terms of quality, but it falls into the category where it’s worth giving it a shot. It might not receive the highest praise, but it certainly deserves your attention.
6 Outward
Old School In a New World
The game, titled “Outward,” caters to individuals who enjoy self-discovery and prefer not to be guided step-by-step. These gamers prefer to decipher the rules and objectives on their own.
In today’s gaming landscape, Outward stands out by offering something truly distinctive. Upon starting the game, you find yourself on a beach, tasked with finding a way to repay your family’s outstanding debts.
Moving forward, the narrative becomes a touch intricate, yet it’s important to note that the storyline isn’t the main focus of this game; instead, it’s the game’s openness and autonomy that truly matter.
From that starting area, the world is your oyster; there is so much to explore here.
In this game, unlike many others in the open-world category I’ve played, there are real consequences when I die or venture into areas that are too challenging for my current abilities.
At times, it seems like I’ve stumbled upon an intensified edition of Skyrim, where the magic system is nothing short of extraordinary, ranking top among all gaming experiences I’ve encountered so far.
One delightful aspect of this game is that you can enjoy playing it together on the same couch, a feature that’s becoming increasingly scarce in today’s gaming world.
5 Watch Dogs
They Had Something Special Here
Initially, Watch Dogs generated significant buzz primarily because of its impressive visuals during its announcement. However, in my opinion, Ubisoft may have been overemphasizing the incorrect aspect.
What they should’ve been focusing on was the gameplay and the story.
To the present day, I firmly believe that no other open-world game tells a narrative as compact and concentrated as the one found in Watch Dogs.
Aiden Pierce stands out as an exceptional main character, occupying the ambiguous zone of righteousness and unrighteousness rather than being the usual overly cheerful, witty hero common in modern video games.
In this portrayal, he seems genuinely authentic, and the environment where he exists appears equally genuine. What we’re dealing with here is a raw representation of a not-so-distant Chicago, offering you an immersive, destructible environment to explore.
The use of hacking in this game is brilliant, and the gunplay is excellent in its own right.
They don’t try to go too big here, which is a smart decision.
It’s usually on sale these days and remains a shining example of what the series could have been.
4 Mass Effect: Andromeda
Still a Star
Initially, upon its release, Mass Effect: Andromeda became a target of numerous jokes because it had numerous technical issues or bugs.
Currently, much of it has been set, and what’s left is a title in the Mass Effect vocabulary that is often overlooked but deserves more recognition.
A fresh adventure unfolds, picking up from the conclusion of the Mass Effect Trilogy, where you’ll assume control over one of the Ryder twins as they embark on a journey to settle a new galaxy.
As a fervent admirer, let me share my perspective: The storyline in this captivating tale unfolds on a grand scale, with intricate layers added by the emergence of a formidable extraterrestrial adversary, the Kett, and the resurfacing of an enigmatic ancient race, the Remnant.
It might not hit every mark with the story, but the gameplay more than makes up for it.
In terms of quality, this combat stands out as unrivaled across the entire series, offering breathtaking movement mechanics and abilities that surpass even the wildest imaginations of the original trilogy.
7 years on, its beauty remains unparalleled, and the settings continue to impress with their grandeur. For those longing for another dose of sci-fi excitement, although it may not reach the pinnacle of the original game, Mass Effect: Andromeda is still an enjoyable experience.
3 Ghostwire: Tokyo
How About Something Different?
In the realm of open-world games, Ghostwire: Tokyo feels like a refreshing change. Unlike the usual themes of swords, magic, or sci-fi, this game offers a completely new and distinct experience that is yet to be found in the gaming world.
In this narrative, you find yourself in the heart of Tokyo after a catastrophic incident, where you experience being inhabited by an otherworldly entity. From there, you’re drawn into a peculiar tale that bears no resemblance to any gaming experience you’ve had before.
As a gamer, I must say, the combat in this game truly sets it apart. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before, veering towards horror yet keeping a unique edge. You find yourself battling these eerie entities, and the magic system is fascinatingly different. Instead of traditional attacks, you manipulate elements to unleash them on your foes. The climax? Extracting their very essence from them!
Delving into this expansive environment is equally thrilling, boasting stunning graphics, optional missions, and secrets to uncover that shed light on the history behind the world’s current status.
In my opinion, Ghostwire: Tokyo, though a tad eccentric, is absolutely worth exploring for those craving an unconventional take on the open-world genre that strays far from the norm.
2 Days Gone
Open World Apocalypse
Days Gone” is often recognized as a game that didn’t receive its due appreciation initially. Critically panned at launch, the developers faced opposition, but eventually, it garnered a devoted fanbase, earning the title of a cult classic. In essence, it embodies the journey from underestimation to acclaim.
While the game will likely never see a sequel, that doesn’t detract from its excellent content.
As a die-hard gaming enthusiast, I can confidently say that I’ve never encountered zombies in a video game quite as chilling as those in this open-world title. Instead of the traditional zombie moniker, they go by Freakers here – a name that only adds to their menacing allure.
In huge groups numbering in the hundreds, you’ll encounter colossal beasts that tested the boundaries of the PS4’s capabilities.
Additionally, the central storyline boasts an exceptional protagonist, Deacon St. John, creating an authentic depiction of a society surviving post-zombie apocalypse. Remarkably, it avoids many clichés common in such video game genres.
As a gamer, I’m always blown away by the vastness of these virtual worlds and the countless secrets they hold. The best part? Just when you think you’re nearing the end of the game, a brand-new area suddenly appears, offering captivating narrative twists and culminating in an epic climax that neatly wraps up the entire storyline.
Despite the fact that the game world might have been overrun with zombies, Days Gone still delivers an abundance of captivating elements even today.
1 Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
A New Take on Fantasy
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning” is a hidden gem – a game that was incredibly bold and unique, but somehow flew under the radar despite successfully achieving its grand ambitions.
What’s the reason for this happening? It seems that it was launched only a few months following a massive title called “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”.
Furthermore, it came out following “Dark Souls” at a time when we were witnessing a gaming transformation. Regrettably, it didn’t manage to join the elite group during that period.
Despite the criticism, it still attracted plenty of positive feedback; it even managed to build up a fan base, albeit temporarily.
The combination of R.A. Salvatore’s storyline and Todd McFarlane’s artwork in the game made a path to success stand out prominently.
From the beginning, it’s evident that the player has a lot of control over their actions, and the gameplay feels reminiscent of traditional God of War series games rather than anything produced by Bethesda. Moreover, this game offers a unique, thought-provoking storyline that deviates significantly from typical fantasy stereotypes.
This unique world offers endless opportunities for exploration, and once you dive in, you might find yourself engrossed for hours without even realizing it – and you’ll never feel like those hours were wasted!
The vibe is reminiscent of the Fable series maturing and leaving behind certain less appealing aspects, resulting in a grand, yet surprisingly underappreciated game that’s eagerly awaiting your exploration.
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2024-11-14 21:10