10 Open World Games That Would Have Been Better Linear Games

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Open-world gaming genres hold an exceptional level of popularity, rivaled by few others. What makes them unique is their adaptability, allowing for seamless integration with various other genres.

Additionally, it offers an excellent platform for generating limitless material, fostering intricate narratives and universe development, and essentially functions as a versatile play area for creative exploration.

While it’s true that many industry executives see open-world games as the ticket to success, it doesn’t mean all games thrive in this format. On the contrary, at times, a structured, gradual progression, and a linear narrative can lead to a more rewarding gaming experience.

It would have been great if someone had advised these game developers that their games, despite providing enjoyable overall experiences, might have been even more impressive if they hadn’t opted for an open-world design.

10.
Final Fantasy XV

A Not So Epic Road Trip

Except for a few special cases, you won’t find many pure, open-world Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). However, this doesn’t mean creating an excellent open-world JRPG is impossible. Usually, a semi-open structure or a more guided layout seems to work better in most situations.

Final Fantasy XV stands as an exceptional illustration in this regard. Although the idea of embarking on a journey with your companions on an expansive highway appeals to us, the game often gives a false impression, and the vast open world plays a significant role in this.

In my gaming experience, the vast openness of this game initially felt overwhelmingly slow-moving and monotonous. It seemed like the developers were trying to fill up the space with too much tedious content. However, as I ventured deeper into the game, it transformed into a more structured, fast-paced journey. Reflecting on it now, I can’t help but wonder if a linear approach from the start might have made the entire experience smoother and more engaging.

If the open world had been teeming with engaging content and exciting to traverse, we might have overlooked its flaws. However, the world often appears dull and devoid of life. Consequently, it seems like a game that opted for an open world setting merely because it was feasible, without considering whether it truly suited the gameplay experience.

9.
Ghost of Tsushima

Samurai Killer, With Lots Of Filler

As a devoted fan, I must admit that Ghost of Tsushima is an exceptional open-world game. However, it shares a common issue with many games of its kind – an overabundance of map markers and shallow side missions and quests that can feel somewhat paper-thin.

I believe it would have been more effective if it had been designed more for a cinematic experience, similar to Uncharted or The Last of Us, complete with some open-ended elements. This approach would have allowed players to appreciate the world created by Sucker Punch without getting bogged down by repetitive chores like cleaning camp and incomplete quests.

While Assassin’s Creed Shadow might be a greater issue in this aspect, Ghost of Tsushima offers a captivating narrative that’s worth watching unfold until the very end. Therefore, it appeared to be a more suitable option for my purposes.

8.
Horizon Zero Dawn

More Dinos, Less Distractions

Horizon Zero Dawn boasts several compelling aspects. Its lead character is arguably one of the toughest female heroes since Lara Croft, showcasing immense strength. The game setting is post-apocalyptic yet offers a refreshing twist, while its combat system relies on archery, providing an engaging experience. To top it off, the narrative is rich with unexpected twists and turns.

Instead, most activities beyond the primary storyline in this game can be considered fluffy additions at their best. Lacking a clear objective, the joy of discovering Aloy’s universe is somewhat diminished without a purpose to strive for.

Collecting metal blooms feels quite boring. The bunkers tend to repeat themselves, and the benefits of taking on extra jobs aren’t really worth the effort. If Horizon Zero Dawn was just a straight-forward game, I believe you wouldn’t miss out on much enjoyment.

7.
Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain

A Shift For The Series

I have no disagreement with you on the point that the open-world format seemed like a fitting progression for the Metal Gear Solid (MGS) series and an excellent choice for its development. Nevertheless, The Phantom Pain’s open-world setting falls short in several aspects.

1. Although the world is stunningly beautiful, it doesn’t have many unique landmarks or attractions that would make it an exciting place to explore. The side missions may offer a chance for some self-directed play, but they often feel formulaic and generic. Furthermore, due to Kojima’s signature quirks, this open-ended style makes it even more challenging to embrace the narrative chaos that characterizes Metal Gear Solid.

2. The world might be breathtakingly beautiful, but it doesn’t have significant landmarks or interesting spots that make it worth visiting. The optional missions can provide some fun sandbox experiences, but they tend to feel repetitive and generic. Additionally, the open-ended approach, which is characteristic of Kojima, makes it harder to get caught up in the narrative whirlwind that defines Metal Gear Solid.

3. Despite its undeniable beauty, the world doesn’t have notable landmarks or attractions that would make it an exciting place to explore. The side missions offer opportunities for self-directed fun, but they often feel like they’ve been mass-produced. Moreover, due to Kojima’s distinctive eccentricities, this open-ended style makes it more challenging to connect with the narrative rollercoaster that is Metal Gear Solid.

4. The world might be a visual feast, but it doesn’t have iconic landmarks or points of interest that would make it worth the journey. The side missions can provide some fun DIY entertainment, but they often feel like clones of each other. Furthermore, due to Kojima’s signature offbeat style, this open-ended approach makes it harder to engage with the narrative carnival that is Metal Gear Solid.

5. Although the world is a sight for sore eyes, it doesn’t have many impressive landmarks or must-see attractions that would make it worth exploring. The side missions provide some self-directed amusement, but they often feel like they were made using a cookie cutter. Plus, due to Kojima’s signature quirkiness, this open-ended style makes it harder to jump on board with the narrative spectacle that is Metal Gear Solid.

Instead of using Metal Gear Solid’s (MGS) more filmic and carefully crafted style, or even drawing inspiration from IO Interactive’s contemporary Hitman series, it would have been more fitting. However, what we got was an open world that, despite being a parting gift from Kojima at Konami, didn’t quite live up to the grand finale one might expect.

6.
Hogwarts Legacy

Ten Points From Gryffindor

I have a complicated feeling towards Hogwarts Legacy, leaning both ways between admiration and criticism. As a dedicated Harry Potter fan since my childhood days, and an ardent supporter of the timeless EA games, I yearn deeply to embrace this open-world Potter-themed adventure wholeheartedly. However, despite my sincere attempts, I find myself mostly viewing it as nothing more than a dull, generic open world that lacks life and uniqueness.

Within the confines of Hogwarts, things occur in a manner that feels, albeit cliché, enchanting. Initially, the excitement of discovering the castle keeps you captivated. But once the novelty wears off, you’ll encounter rather ordinary landscapes like countryside and caves, and a combat system that seems less engaging compared to the initial magic.

While certain Potter elements are exceptional, they aren’t abundant enough to justify this game lasting over 100 hours. A sequential structure may have revealed that the story wasn’t outstanding as well. However, having a weaker narrative would have been preferable to the current situation, undoubtedly.

5.
LA Noire

Just Let Me Work My Case

The novelty of the Open World design in the game LA Noire, a hard-boiled cop story, seems unusually purposeless during play.

As the character Cole Phelps, you begin your journey as an ambitious rookie policeman. With experience, you transition into a skilled detective, proving yourself to be quite formidable in your field. However, it’s crucial that you master the art of reading people’s facial expressions and body language to excel in this role.

Mostly, the cases you handle are quite extraordinary. They provide a unique mix of action, questioning, and scenes that seem incredibly innovative compared to Rockstar’s previous creations. Yet, being a Rockstar production, it was essential to include an open-world aspect.

The main problem is that it’s incredibly boring, much like water after dishes. Despite searching for various classic cars and unique collectibles, there seems to be an occasional police incident to address. However, these events feel forced and not very engaging.

Since players typically follow a sequential path when playing LA Noire, one might wonder if it wouldn’t be more convenient to make this the standard mode of play instead.

4.
Cyberpunk 2077

The Pity About Night City

Back then, when Cyberpunk 2077 was a chaotic mess requiring extensive repairs, this statement held particularly true. Yet, even in its enhanced version now, the game remains one that I believe could’ve made a more captivating impact as a cinematic and linear experience rather than an open-world game.

Despite the fact that the game offers intriguing side missions to discover, boasts a large and aesthetically pleasing city and surrounding areas to traverse, and presents an unforgettable setting, it’s important to note that some of its sandbox features aren’t as memorable.

It’s not fascinating that random criminal incidents occur; character actions still feel unnatural and rigid, modern-day NPC behavior is concerned, driving isn’t always fluid, and it seems as though size is emphasized over quality.

It’s worth considering a trip to Night City at least once. However, if Cyberpunk 2077 had been a more linear game, I believe we might have received a superior product that was fully functional from the start.

3.
Ghostwire: Tokyo

Spooky But Sparse

Shinji Mikami, renowned as a legendary pioneer in the gaming world and a key contributor to the horror genre, led us to expect great things from Ghostwire: Tokyo. However, despite high expectations, the game turned out to be somewhat divisive, with varying opinions among players.

The eerie, psychedelic narrative of this game is outstanding, the graphics are crisp, and the magical battle system offers a unique and fulfilling experience. However, that’s as far as my compliments go.

It appears that the game follows a similar pattern as many Ubisoft titles, overflowing with extra items like collectibles and additional missions that often don’t seem particularly valuable or engaging.

Furthermore, with an eerie sense of emptiness pervading, the portrayal of Tokyo in this game doesn’t fully capture its vibrant essence. The game has some engaging moments, but they are sparse and not frequent enough to create a lasting impression. A potential solution could have been a more structured, deliberate progression.

2.
Star Wars Outlaws

The Ubisoft Formula Should Be Outlawed

One key takeaway from the contemporary Jedi series is that a robust narrative forms the backbone of any successful game, especially when set in a distant galaxy. A tale like that found in Star Wars Outlaws indeed fits the bill. However, it’s unfortunate that it lacks other engaging elements.

As a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, I find the idea of assuming the role of a rogue mercenary in this epic galaxy utterly captivating. Among the various narratives presented in Star Wars games, this particular tale stands out as one of the most compelling and engaging.

Unfortunately, despite the captivating narrative and impressive world development, the game’s stealth and combat systems fall short, offering a monotonous mission layout and adhering to a familiar Ubisoft design template.

This rephrasing maintains the original sentiment while using more natural language and avoiding jargon, making it easier for readers to understand.

Based on this scenario, it seems plausible that Ubisoft might have produced a game as successful as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, had they chosen to deviate from their traditional methods. However, speculation about what could have been doesn’t carry much weight in the grand scheme of things.

1.
Days Gone

Undead Content Overload

Although I won’t feign being an ardent supporter of Days Gone, I can undeniably understand why it boasts a dedicated band of enthusiastic fans. The captivating backdrop of Oregon, the gameplay that shares similarities with The Last of Us in numerous aspects, and the Freaker Horde mechanics make it worth giving this zombie-infused adventure a try.

Although it was quite enjoyable overall, I found myself viewing several parts of the open world as tedious tasks that seemed to unnecessarily extend the gaming period.

The survival elements built into the game can be appealing theoretically, yet they often hinder progress at an excessive rate. The additional content is standard filler material found in games of this type, marked on maps as usual.

Moreover, the narrative, initially challenged due to questionable writing style and structure, is further impeded by continuous, unnecessary interruptions. If the game wasn’t so expansive, these issues might not seem as significant, but unfortunately, the open-world format turns it into a tiring journey.

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2025-06-02 13:40