7 Open-World Games That Took Big Risks That Paid Off

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Summary

  • Assassin’s Creed Origins broke away from its franchise’s tradition, becoming a successful RPG.
  • Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor took a huge risk releasing during the Lord of the Rings games’ lull.
  • Cyberpunk 2077’s shift from medieval to futuristic paid off, establishing it as a genre favorite.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the digital worlds of these extraordinary games, I can confidently say that each one stands out as a unique and unforgettable experience.

Open-world games are renowned for providing a vast array of options to players, allowing them to make multiple choices, select weapons and armor, and interact with numerous Non-Player Characters (NPCs) as they embark on various side missions. Although some games might seem daunting, others offer a more relaxed experience that allows players to simply enjoy the journey.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found that open-world games provide a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that caters to a wide range of ages. Despite the vast array of possibilities for both players and developers, it often takes a leap of faith to create an unforgettable adventure. Here are some standout open-world games that dared to push boundaries and succeeded magnificently.

7. Assassin’s Creed Origins

The First Assassin’s Creed Game To Go Full RPG

  • Deviation from the tried and tested concept of the franchise
  • The risk of going full RPG paid off massively

Back in the day when Assassin’s Creed Origins dropped, I gotta admit, Ubisoft was taking quite a leap of faith by deviating from the familiar path they’d been treading since the inception of the series and shifting towards a more role-playing game (RPG) style experience.

Initially, this concept seemed brilliant on a theoretical level. Yet, given that followers of the series were accustomed to a particular theme spanning over five games, a radical shift might not have been favorably received. Fortunately, the change proved advantageous for both the company and the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

6. Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor

The Game Was Released After The Lord Of The Rings Games’ Golden Era

  • The combat mechanics are amazing
  • Releasing this game in the mid-2010s was risky

Players who are currently in their late twenties or early thirties might recall the massive popularity of “Lord of the Rings” video games from the years 2000 to 2006. Since the movies were released during this time, there was widespread buzz about them and the games sold nearly as much as the films.

In the game “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor,” players won’t find multiple characters to play as, but the protagonist, Talion, offers a satisfyingly immersive orc-slaying adventure. This character provides complete control over an experience that excels in combat mechanics, demanding quick reactions and tactical thinking.

Nevertheless, it was daring for Monolith Productions and Warner Bros to devote such substantial resources into a Lord of the Rings game, as the franchise’s gaming world wasn’t at its peak at that time.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

A Strong Shift Away From The Witcher’s Medieval Theme

  • When Cyberpunk 2077 was released, CD Projekt RED was already famous for The Witcher series
  • The concept of a dystopian futuristic society has nothing to do with The Witcher‘s medieval setting

By the time “Cyberpunk 2077” hit the shelves, CD Projekt RED had already garnered critical acclaim as the mastermind behind the “Witcher” series, a collection of games set in medieval landscapes, brimming with magic, enchantments, and ancient tales. The immense popularity of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” demonstrated just how many gamers were captivated by this theme, leaving some to wonder if CD Projekt RED might have continued along that path forever.

Stepping away from my usual magic and monstrous adventures, I found myself immersed in an entirely new world – the dystopian future of Cyberpunk 2077. Swapping swords for cybernetic limbs was a bold move, but one that’s paid off handsomely. The game had a bumpy debut, but it’s now shining brightly among its peers in the genre.

4. The Witcher 3

A Game That Had More Than Three Times The Development Budget Of Its Predecessor

  • The Witcher 3 had more than three times the development budget of The Witcher 2
  • The Witcher 3 positioned CD Projekt RED as one of the most critically acclaimed studios of the 2010s

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary games churned out by CD Projekt Red, with “The Witcher 3” standing tall among them. This masterpiece not only catapulted the studio into the echelon of legendary developers from the past decade, but also served as the epic denouement to Geralt’s gripping journey. Rumor has it that the development budget for its predecessor, “The Witcher 2,” was approximately $10.5 million. In stark contrast, “The Witcher 3” saw a staggering tripling of this figure!

Although some might claim that the risk wasn’t significant because the franchise was already thriving, it’s crucial to recall that before the release of The Witcher 3, the franchise wasn’t as widely popular. If things hadn’t gone well with the third installment, the series could have faced a sharp decline. Fortunately, the third game in the franchise was successful due to its compelling storyline, relatable characters, multiple paths for moral ambiguity, and diverse monster population within The Continent.

3. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s First Open-World Title

  • The Dark Souls games have always been linear
  • Elden Ring turned out to be one of the biggest games of the 2020s

When Elden Ring finally dropped, the Dark Souls series had already amassed a passionate fanbase, elevating FromSoftware to an esteemed position in the gaming world. Yet, what many of us cherished gamers understood was that the Dark Souls games were linear experiences where we had to conquer specific bosses and traverse predetermined areas to advance.

Contrarily, Elden Ring unveiled The Lands Between to gamers, allowing them extensive, largely unrestricted exploration. It was uncertain if a Soulslike game with an open-world design would succeed, making FromSoftware’s decision to take such a risk rather bold. Fortunately, the outcome was favorable, and Elden Ring has become one of the most played games currently available.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

This Title Opened New Horizons For The Franchise

  • The game retains critical components of the franchise and implements its own
  • An extremely fun title with lots to discover

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, battles are indeed present, but what really stands out is that the game isn’t heavily centered around violence compared to other games on this list. Instead, it offers a more welcoming atmosphere that carries that familiar, enjoyable Nintendo vibe.

Despite not being the initial open-world Zelda title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild dared to innovate in various aspects such as the structure of the world, methods of exploration, and overall gameplay mechanics. It successfully retained the core qualities that define its series while introducing some novel elements that proved to be successful.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar’s Ultimate Western Story

  • Arthur Morgan’s story captivated players immediately
  • The game’s budget was reportedly higher than those in some blockbuster films

Primarily recognized for the creation of the “Grand Theft Auto” and “Red Dead Redemption” series, Rockstar Games has also developed games such as “Manhunt,” “Bully,” “Max Payne 3,” and others. Some gaming enthusiasts might contend that producing “Red Dead Redemption 2” was not a daring decision, considering the previous installment’s proven success.

It’s debatable whether the success of the first installment warranted a $500M budget for the second “Red Dead Redemption 2”, considering Rockstar reportedly spent this amount on both development and marketing. This budget is higher than what blockbuster movies like “Avengers: Endgame” cost, indicating a significant risk. Nevertheless, it appears that this financial gamble has paid off handsomely, as “Red Dead Redemption 2” is now among the most well-received games of the past decade. In terms of detail and emotional impact, “Red Dead Redemption 2” is arguably one of the most intricate games ever made, with an ending that will leave many players in tears.

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2024-12-20 06:35