As a long-time video game enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I can confidently say that the shared universes created by these games have significantly enhanced my gaming experience. They add an extra layer of depth and intrigue, making me feel like I’m part of a larger story rather than just playing individual games.
Ever since the beginning of entertainment, specifically with video games, there’s nothing quite as joyful and exhilarating as witnessing our beloved characters appearing together on the same screen.
Over time, the expansion and complexity of game development has sparked an inclination for creators to explore new ideas more frequently. Consequently, interconnected storylines across different works have transitioned from a novel concept to a defining characteristic within contemporary mainstream entertainment.
Delighting in the ever-expanding tapestry of narratives, I’ve found myself immersed in an intricate web of connected worlds. Thus, I present to you my personal compilation of ten captivating titles that seamlessly interweave their universes.
10 The Witcher and Cyberpunk
Ciri’s Futuristic Voyage
Developer(s) | CD Projekt RED |
Genre(s) | RPG |
References | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
Although it might seem that CD Projekt’s two main series, The Witcher with its medieval backdrop and Cyberpunk with its dystopian future, are distinctly different, the storylines actually take place within the same universe. This is supported by the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
In the game, we learned that his daughter Ciri found herself in a world reminiscent of Night City, where people appeared to have cybernetic implants, engaged in long-range combat using devices akin to telescopes, and even had access to personal air travel. This was evidently a depiction of Cyberpunk 2077’s setting.
The connection between the two games lies exclusively in that dialogue, while nothing else in their respective worlds points to a shared universe. Yet, the idea is so appealing that, like any other fan, I prefer to believe it’s real.
9 Hitman and Kane & Lynch
The Protagonists Meet
Developer(s) | IO Interactive |
Genre(s) | TPS and Stealth |
References | Hitman: Blood Money and Hitman: Absolution |
Over the past ten years, IO Interactive primarily dedicated themselves to the development of the Hitman series, resulting in a lack of fresh installments for their other popular franchise, Kane & Lynch, since 2010.
Nevertheless, this didn’t hinder them from linking the two realms by incorporating numerous allusions in Hitman: Absolution. For instance, Kane was featured in the “Welcome to Hope” mission and Lynch made an appearance in the “Birdie’s Gift” mission.
Moreover, while not as significantly, certain newspapers in Hitman: Blood Money also recount segments of the Kane & Lynch: Dead Men storyline, thereby subtly hinting at a connected, albeit under-explored, universe.
8 Apex Legends and Titanfall
It Was Titanfall 3, After All
Developer(s) | Respawn Entertainment |
Genre(s) | Battle Royale and FPS |
References | Apex Legends |
Respawn Entertainment has consistently hinted at Apex Legends and Titanfall being set in the same interconnected universe ever since the release of Apex Legends’ Battle Royale mode. This link extends to future projects they may undertake as well.
Apart from having identical distinctive gameplay elements, it’s important to note that Apex Legends shares many ties with First-Person Shooter (FPS) games. For instance, the storyline of Apex Legends is set 18 years after Titanfall 2 and boasts several shared characters, weapons, and factions.
Ultimately, Apex Legends was originally intended to be Titanfall 3. Given this, it’s only fitting that it emerged within the realm of the Titanfall Universe. While we might not see a third installment, its influence continues to thrive.
7 Splinter Cell and Ghost Recon
War Connections
Developer(s) | Ubisoft |
Genre(s) | Stealth and Tactical shooter |
References | Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Ghost Recon 2, Ghost Recon AW 2, Ghost Recon: Wildlands, and Ghost Recon: Breakpoint |
In Tom Clancy’s video game series, there are connections throughout, given that the franchises often interweave characters, incidents, and groups. However, some of the most notable ties can be seen between Splinter Cell and Ghost Recon.
In Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, the Navy warship USS Clarence E. Walsh (featured in Ghost Recon 2) makes an appearance, while in Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfare 2, the secret unit Third Echelon from Splinter Cell is referenced.
In both “Operation Watchman” (from Ghost Recon: Wildlands) and “Operation Checkmate” (from Ghost Recon: Breakpoint), Sam Fisher makes an appearance, implying that the worlds of these two series overlap or share continuity.
6 Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs
The Timeless Conflict
Developer(s) | Ubisoft |
Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
References | Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and Assassin’s Creed: Origins |
Ubisoft seamlessly blended the realms of Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs across multiple game releases, providing numerous hints that tied these worlds together.
The connections between the worlds of Assassin’s Creed: Origins and Watch Dogs hint at shared locations, while Aiden Pearce’s appearance in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, killing a character from that game, demonstrate how the struggle between Assassins and Templars transcends the boundaries of these two franchises.
Considering the current progression of both series, it’s not unreasonable to ponder a more structured method for their interconnected universe, strengthening the bonds between their characters and narratives to such an extent that they might seem as if they are merged into a single continuum.
5 Deathloop and Dishonored
A Continuation By Other Means
Developer(s) | Arkane Studios |
Genre(s) | FPS and Stealth |
References | Deathloop |
Initially, the universe of Dishonored served as inspiration for Deathloop’s creation; however, Arkane Studios clarified that the events in Deathloop unfold after Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.
In Deathloop, you’ll notice traces of the world from Dishonored, as the creators sought to delve into the consequences following the entity’s downfall. This is evident through significant details like the pistols carried by Deathloop’s guards (similar to those from Dishonored 2), and the mystical powers and abilities reminiscent of the Void from the original Dishonored game.
Arkane Studios subtly wove hints about their interconnected universe throughout the games, and now they’ve established a distinct timeline linking both series. This new connection reveals how events in Dishonored influenced the backstory of Blackreef.
4 Doom and Wolfenstein
A Shared Bloodline
Developer(s) | id Software |
Genre(s) | FPS |
References | Wolfenstein RPG, Doom RPG, and Doom II RPG |
Besides both being recognized as top-tier shooter games, they also share a genetic connection through their intertwined main characters due to a shared franchise lineage.
In terms of their lineage, the primary source suggests that the original Doom hero is a relative of B.J. Blazkowicz, as hinted by Wolfenstein RPG.
At the same time, Blazkowicz defeats the Harbinger of Doom, the game’s final boss, who vows to fight his kin in a future battle. This prophecy comes true as the Cyberdemon boss appears in both Doom RPG and Doom II RPG.
If additional evidence is needed, it’s important to note that John Romero and Tom Hall frequently suggest a connection between the two series. Consequently, their relationship is indisputably part of the official storyline (canon).
3 Drakengard and Nier
A Distant But Lasting Link
Developer(s) | Cavia, Access Games, PlatinumGames |
Genre(s) | ARPG and Hack-and-slash |
References | Nier Replicant and NieR: Automata |
It’s no surprise that, given the creator of Drakengard and Nier, Yoko Taro, enjoys crafting complex universes, linking these two series was a natural progression.
In the realm of my favorite video games, I find myself immersed in an alternate universe that bears the scars of Drakengard’s fifth ending – a reality reshaped by those fateful events. Here, we wield shared weapons, pore over interconnected journal entries, and delve into subtleties that bind our experiences together, all within the captivating world of Nier Replicant.
In NieR: Automata, there are several nods to other works as well, such as the tattoo of the Cult of the Watchers on Eve’s body, a merchant who discusses Accord from Drakengard 3, and even records detailing the events that led to Nier from Drakengard’s Ending E.
2 Portal and Half-Life
Aperture Science Vs. Black Mesa
Developer(s) | Valve |
Genre(s) | Puzzle Platformer and FPS |
References | Portal, Portal 2, and Half-Life 2 |
One of the earliest examples of interconnected universes can be found in Half-Life and Portal, two groundbreaking creations by Valve that beautifully embody the allure of this innovative idea.
Although there isn’t a clear, demonstrable link (one that goes beyond dialogue, images, or sketches), this work serves as an early model for the idea. It stands out as an excellent illustration of how players come together to formulate theories and exchange their understandings and interpretations.
Due to this connection, the competition between Black Mesa from Half-Life and Aperture Science from Portal has become a renowned tale within the gaming world. While much of its lore remains speculative rather than factual, it undeniably forms part of an iconic interconnected universe.
1 Control and Alan Wake
The Remedy Connected Universe
Developer(s) | Remedy Entertainment |
Genre(s) | Action-adventure TPS and Psychological thriller |
References | Control and Alan Wake 2 |
Control and Alan Wake belong to what their developers have termed the “Remedy Connected Universe,” making them a clear demonstration of a connected game world within the realm of video games.
In contrast to the initial Alan Wake game which established its own independent world, Control and the upcoming Alan Wake 2 have delved deeper into merging their fictional realms, forming a common ground encompassing institutions, principles, and even metaphysical aspects.
As a dedicated fan, I must say that the later instalments in the Remedy Connected Universe significantly enhanced the quality and depth of its experiences, transforming it into what I believe is the most immersive and thought-provoking shared universe in the gaming industry today.
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2024-11-21 17:09