Best Open-World Games With Ridiculous Gameplay

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Open-world games generally fall into two categories: fantasy titles, such as *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, which feature swords and magic, and more realistic or sci-fi games, like *Red Dead Redemption 2*, that focus on gunplay. While both of these games are considered among the best ever created, they don’t offer drastically different gameplay compared to other open-world titles.

These open-world games dared to be different with their gameplay, aiming for something truly unique. While not every experiment succeeded, it’s encouraging to see developers still innovating and trying new things to make their games stand out. Here are a few of the most successful attempts.

Donkey Kong Bananza

The First Smash And Sing

Most games don’t let you significantly alter the environment, but *Donkey Kong Bananza* is different. Donkey Kong can actually punch and break apart the ground, and even use the broken terrain to surf across land and water. If you play with a friend, the second player can control Pauline, who can sing to damage both the environment and enemies.

Plus, in *Donkey Kong Bananza*, DK has a special ability called Bananza where he transforms into something like an elephant with a vacuum cleaner for a trunk! It’s helpful, but it’s a little strange seeing a gorilla turn into an elephant.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom

Rod Or Die

In *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom*, players take control of Zelda in her own expansive adventure, viewed from above. Instead of her usual sword, Zelda wields a magical staff that lets her duplicate objects and creatures. Using enough energy, she can summon these copies to fight enemies or even use them to travel quickly. The game features unique puzzle-solving, like stacking mattresses to create makeshift ladders – a fresh mechanic for the *Zelda* series that makes experimenting a joy.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Amazon, Pay Attention

You can play *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* much like the original, delivering packages on foot with Sam’s backpack. However, as you progress, the sequel offers more engaging ways to navigate the post-apocalyptic world and become a skilled delivery person.

The game features a wide range of vehicles, from unusual options like a rideable coffin to more traditional methods. Players can send packages flying with cannons or utilize a railway system with massive shipping containers. Mexico and Australia are full of inventive ways to travel, and players can pick the method that suits their needs best.

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii

Shiver Me Yakuza

Following the events of *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth*, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* continues the story in Hawaii. This time, the twist is that Goro Majima suffers from amnesia and embraces a pirate lifestyle in an attempt to recover his lost memories.

Players explore the Hawaiian islands by sea, searching for treasure and battling rival pirates both on land and in exciting naval combat. The fighting is intense and unusual, letting you even summon creatures like sharks to help you out. And the mini-games are completely wild – but perfectly match the over-the-top style of the *Yakuza* games.

Palworld

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Palworld shares similarities with monster-collecting games, but it stands out in a surprising way. Unlike any other game, it lets you capture people to work for you, fight monsters with firearms, and even *turn* those monsters into weapons, like flamethrowers. And since it’s still in early development, expect even more unexpected features to be added!

Just Cause 2

Rico Means Business

Even today, *Just Cause 2* remains the most explosively fun game in the series. Players are dropped into a massive, open world island where they can cause all sorts of mayhem. You play as Rico, an agent tasked with overthrowing a cruel government, and you’ll do that by shooting, blowing things up, and using your grappling hook to take down opponents.

The grappling hook is especially enjoyable to play with – you can even link two enemies together and detonate them using an explosive trap. Really, *Just Cause 2* should have been called “Big Dumb Fun” because that perfectly captures the experience.

Sunset Overdrive

Hi-C Zombies

I absolutely loved *Sunset Overdrive*! It’s an open-world game where this city is totally overrun by mutated zombies – all thanks to a crazy energy drink. You can’t just stand and shoot; these zombies are *fast*, so you’re constantly moving. Luckily, the game makes that so much fun! You can grind along car hoods, bounce between buildings, it’s like *Tony Hawk*, but with way more fighting. And the weapons? Forget everything you know! They’re totally unique – I was launching explosive teddy bears and vinyl records everywhere. It’s just a wild, over-the-top experience.

The Good Life

It’s Raining Cats And Dogs

In *The Good Life*, you play as Naomi, a reporter investigating strange happenings in a peaceful countryside town. You’ll quickly uncover a murder, and then an even stranger phenomenon: people transforming into dogs and cats—including Naomi! As a feline or canine, you’ll need to sneak around, take pictures, and chat with townspeople to gather clues. It’s a slow-paced mystery, but the unusual story and surprising ending make it worth playing through.

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2025-10-13 06:05