8 Best Open-World Games For An Over-The-Top Story, Ranked

Summary

Far Cry 5 offers fun exploration in a rural American setting.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon brings a fresh twist with turn-based combat.
Cyberpunk 2077 has complex missions and improbable characters.

Over an extended period, open-world games have been highly sought after by gamers due to the diverse ways they allow players to engage with their favorite titles and interact within them. These types of games typically encompass vast, atmospheric settings, an array of weapons and armor for customization, providing ample freedom.

As an avid gamer, I’ve found myself in situations where I get to carve my own destiny: whether it’s choosing the path of benevolence and virtuous actions or opting for a more vengeful and ruthless approach. Some games even weave extraordinary tales, elevating these outrageous elements to the heart of the storyline, while others offer them as delightful side-quests along my adventure. Here are some remarkable open-world games with outlandish narratives that I simply can’t get enough of.

8. Far Cry 5

An Exaggerated Representation Of Rural America

Hope County is based on Montana
The game is fun and has tons of things to discover

The Far Cry series is recognized for selecting captivating settings often entangled in local disputes, and this trend continues with Far Cry 5. Unlike previous installments, this game is set in a small American town reminiscent of real-world Montana.

The game maintains a generally somber atmosphere, but it also includes lighthearted side missions and narrative elements that provide an enjoyable, somewhat exaggerated touch for players to savor while they delve into the story.

7. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

An Exciting Story Full Of Action

Kasuga is a well-crafted character
The developers opted to switch things up in terms of combat mechanics

In “Yakuza: Like a Dragon,” we follow Ichiban Kasuga’s journey. One of the standout features of this game in the Yakuza series is its departure from traditional real-time brawling mechanics and adoption of turn-based RPG combat instead. This change offers a refreshing twist to the game, even as it maintains many beloved aspects of the franchise. Players can expect a unique gaming experience due to these modifications.

Boasting an engaging narrative, solid gameplay structure, and a sprinkle of excessive action scenes, “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” undeniably ranks among the most impressive entries in the series.

6. Saints Row 4

Mayhem Everywhere Players Look

Players are elected President of the United States after frustrating a terrorist attack
Lots of freedom to explore and play the game in any way players want

In the fictional city of Steelport, found within Saints Row 4, a multitude of Non-Player Characters (NPCs) reside, along with numerous main and side missions designed to captivate players for extended periods. Upon foiling a terrorist plot, your character is unexpectedly elected President of the United States, lending an extraordinary, unrealistic twist to the single-player narrative. This outlandish turn of events, while not reflecting real-life circumstances, promises a thrilling and entertaining journey.

Among the many appealing aspects of Saints Row 4 for gamers is the abundance of liberty it provides when it comes to navigating the game world and making choices about activities, a quality that feels invigorating and entertaining.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Some Missions Feature Unbelievably Complex Elements

Some concepts are hard to grasp or are simply too elaborate
Characters like Ozob Bozo or Adam Smasher are improbable

From a global viewpoint, the tale of Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t appear excessively dramatic, given its predominantly serious scenes, genuine dangers, and instances where players have felt deeply moved, shedding a tear or two along the way.

In Night City’s highly technological environment, it can sometimes be overpowering due to its complexity. Although certain aspects of the game are straightforward, others demand a thorough understanding of Cyberpunk 2077’s backstory. Furthermore, characters like Ozob Bozo, who sports a grenade instead of a nose, may come off as peculiar or implausible. To fully experience the various outcomes in Cyberpunk 2077, players should be mindful to avoid common pitfalls that could lead to missing out on the optimal ending.

4. Fallout 4

Enemies And Humor Can Sometimes Feel Over-The-Top, In A Good Way

This game has many over-the-top characters, concepts, and NPCs
There are thousands of things to discover in the Boston Commonwealth

As a hardcore gamer, I’d have to say that among all the Fallout games spanning over two decades, it was Fallout 4 that truly raised the bar. From colossal super-mutant beasts to the relentless Deathclaws, malfunctioning cyborgs, and an arsenal of deadly ranged and melee weapons, every corner of this game offers a fresh discovery.

The idea that a barren wasteland came about due to a catastrophic nuclear event might seem far-fetched. But when you introduce characters like Gilda Broscoe, who’s essentially a sentient being housed in a mechanical body, the narrative can take an unexpected and intriguing turn.

The notion that a desolate wasteland is caused by nuclear warfare might appear exaggerated. However, when you factor in characters like Gilda Broscoe, who’s essentially a thinking entity within a robotic shell, the plot swiftly becomes peculiar and fascinating.

3. The Witcher 3

Various Missions Go Above And Beyond What The Narrative Needs

The game has some over-the-top moments, even though it manages to keep a serious overall tone
Many optional side quests are very fun

In the imaginary realm of The Witcher 3, both magic and fearsome beasts dwell, so it’s not surprising to encounter some exaggerated aspects as you advance in the narrative. While the game generally maintains a somber mood, there are instances where the missions veer into amusing and bizarre territories.

In the game, one standout side mission is “The Drunken Brawl of Oxenfurt.” Here, Geralt must down different types of liquor to lure a mysterious Katakan creature, which appears to target only the inebriated.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Few Things Are As Fun As Searching For Lenny At The Saloon

Outstanding narrative with a few funny moments
Amazing game mechanics and likable characters

Just like The Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2 generally maintains a grave and somber narrative. Yet, occasionally, the character of Arthur will encounter absurd or exaggerated circumstances, which usually have an amusing twist to them.

As a dedicated fan, I’d say one memorable instance from the beginning of the game unfolds when Arthur and Lenny saunter off to Valentine’s Saloon for a round or two. After downing more drinks than any physician would advise, good ol’ Arthur starts hunting for Lenny – leading us straight into what might just be the most hilarious and bizarre sequence in the entire game! Add to that the engaging side missions, captivating storyline, and the fantastic wardrobe options, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers, and you’ll find yourself racing to unlock those stylish outfits as soon as you can!

1. Grand Theft Auto 5

A Satirical Take On Los Angeles And Hollywood

The game openly criticizes modern society
Trevor and Michael have some of the weirdest interactions

scarcely have there been video games as triumphant as Grand Theft Auto V, boasting an extravagantly dramatic narrative. Even when its elements are pared back, the game stands out as a biting critique of contemporary society, delivering a satirical perspective on Los Angeles and Hollywood that’s side-splittingly amusing.

Despite Trevor’s tales being bizarre and somewhat unsettling, numerous instances with Michael during side missions in Grand Theft Auto 5 are excessively entertaining, offering an additional layer of enjoyment that isn’t tied to the thrilling heists or individual character conflicts.

2024-12-29 09:38