Open-World Games Steam Players Love More Than Critics Did

Reviewers and gamers often disagree on how good a video game truly is. This is especially true for open-world games. While these games can be amazing, their large size and complexity also mean they’re prone to significant flaws.

It’s common to see games loved by players receive negative reviews from critics. Sometimes the criticism focuses on core gameplay elements, and other times it’s about minor details most players don’t even notice. Regardless, many popular games have faced a disconnect between player enjoyment and critical reception.

The scores you see are calculated using percentages from both OpenCritic and the Steam store pages for each game.

Palworld

Hardcore Survival Meets Whimsical Creatures

Steam Review Percentage: 95% positive
Top Critic Average: 71%
Critics Recommend: 58%

When Palworld first came out, many critics quickly labeled it a messy mix of survival and monster-collecting games. However, players recognized something unique and enjoyable beyond the online jokes. While the idea of combining base-building, creature care, and open-world adventure seemed unusual, the game quickly grabbed a large audience and held their attention.

Despite criticism about its similarities to Pokémon and its unusual tone, Palworld quickly became incredibly popular on Steam. Players seemed to enjoy the game’s silliness, and its open-ended, sandbox-style gameplay – offering a lot of freedom – made it stand out and feel more engaging than a typical, straightforward game.

Mad Max

Driving Across The Dusty Wasteland

Steam Review Percentage: 91% positive
Top Critic Average: 69%
Critics Recommend: 28%

While Mad Max wasn’t a critical hit when it first came out, it’s become a beloved game for fans of open-world adventures. Successfully translating the famous movie series into a game was a risk, but it really captures what made the films so memorable – the intense car combat and the bleak, post-apocalyptic world.

Reviewers thought the game was predictable and lacked originality, describing the world as bland. However, players discovered a surprising amount of depth beneath its simple surface. They were drawn in by the details – every abandoned base, crashed vehicle, and sandstorm – and found the driving and combat to be impactful and enjoyable. Eventually, fans realized that Mad Max wasn’t a grand spectacle, but a raw, intimate experience that truly captured the essence of its desolate setting.

Pathologic 2

No Easy Escapes From The Horror

Steam Review Percentage: 92% positive
Top Critic Average: 70%
Critics Recommend: 34%

Pathologic 2 is a uniquely divisive open-world game. Its challenging gameplay often leads to failure, and its unusual story structure caused many critics to score it lower than players did. While it’s not an easy game to get into, it’s incredibly captivating and unlike anything else you’ll find.

Many players consider the game’s deeply unsettling and emotional portrayal of a character’s descent into madness to be its strongest feature. With its unique setting and gameplay, Pathologic 2 truly differentiates itself from other horror games on Steam. Despite some critical disapproval, it remains highly regarded as one of the most compelling open-world games ever created.

Far Cry Primal

Replacing Guns With Bows And Arrows

Steam Review Percentage: 85% positive
Top Critic Average: 77%
Critics Recommend: 60%

When Far Cry Primal came out, many critics felt it was a departure for the series, seeing it as a spin-off that lost some of what made Far Cry so recognizable. But this very change appealed to a lot of players, offering a blend of familiar gameplay and a completely fresh experience.

Compared to other Far Cry games, Primal felt more impactful and realistic in its combat. Players also appreciated how detailed and original the prehistoric setting was, making it stand out when it was released. While it wasn’t a complete overhaul of the series, Far Cry Primal was a successful and enjoyable experiment for many.

Days Gone

Avoiding The Undead On The Open Road

Steam Review Percentage: 92% positive
Top Critic Average: 72%
Critics Recommend: 54%

While critics had mixed feelings about Days Gone, pointing out problems with the story’s flow and some repetitive gameplay, many players found themselves deeply invested in the game’s story and world. Deacon’s adventure through post-apocalyptic Oregon proved surprisingly emotional, thanks in part to excellent voice acting that made the characters feel real.

While some reviewers pointed out minor technical issues, they didn’t detract from the immersive experience. Players were consistently engaged by the game’s impressive world and its exciting horde-based combat, which kept every moment tense or action-packed, regardless of how far they’d progressed in the story.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands

Bringing Tactical Combat To The Open Field

Steam Review Percentage: 80% positive
Top Critic Average: 71%
Critics Recommend: 42%

When Ghost Recon Wildlands first came out, critics thought it was a fairly standard open-world shooter. They particularly criticized the story and how often the missions felt the same. However, players really enjoyed the game, finding it incredibly fun to play with friends and offering a lot of freedom and detail to explore, making it highly replayable.

The game’s vast open world let players approach challenges in any way they liked, creating a flexible and engaging experience. Many found the stealth and teamwork particularly rewarding, leading them to prioritize the fun of exploration and action over the story, which some critics didn’t enjoy.

The Long Dark

Completely Alone In The Wilderness

Steam Review Percentage: 88% positive
Top Critic Average: 78%
Critics Recommend: 71%

The Long Dark focused on the challenges of surviving in a harsh wilderness, emphasizing loneliness and the struggle to find food rather than combat. While the idea of battling the elements was praised, some reviewers found the gameplay became predictable or moved at a pace that wasn’t consistently engaging.

Despite mixed reviews, players really connected with the game’s calming but tense survival experience. They enjoyed the constant struggle to stay alive, and the game’s difficulty, combined with its open-ended nature, made each attempt feel unique and satisfying. While critics were somewhat unimpressed, players found it a refreshing standout in a genre full of similar games.

2025-11-19 08:35