Best Semi-Open World Games - Investment Policy

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the semi-open world games listed here are nothing short of breathtaking! Each one offers a unique and immersive experience that caters to different gaming styles and preferences.

Over time, the gaming world has gradually developed a more critical perspective towards open-world games without substance. These games, which offer unlimited exploration and travel at will, may overlook the fact that merely constructing a vast open environment is insufficient; there should also be engaging activities within it to prevent such environments from becoming little more than virtual strolls.

Semi-open world games are a middle ground between open-world games and more linear titles. Instead of one large open map, the world in semi-open world games is typically split into multiple large maps, each a separate instance that exists independently of one another. As self-contained spaces, these instances follow the open-world design; players are free to roam without any restrictions.

8. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Kiryu And Kasuga’s Expansive Urban Playground

The Like A Dragon/Yakuza series has consistently employed a semi-open world structure, allowing the main character to navigate expansive districts of Japan. In the game Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this formula is refined to perfection, not only revisiting iconic locations such as Kamurocho but also introducing fresh landscapes like Honolulu, Hawaii.

In the half-open environment of “Infinite Wealth”, there’s a wealth of activities to discover, mini-games to enjoy, treasures to gather, and foes to defeat. While navigating within a map, both Kiryu and Kasuga have full freedom to roam around without any restrictions on their movement, except for high-level adversaries occasionally barring their path.

7. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Distinct Realms Teeming With Conflict And Magic

The expansive map found in “Dragon Age: Inquisition” outpaces any other game within the “Dragon Age” series. It’s structured as a semi-open world, meaning numerous big zones can be explored, all interconnected through a central hub that serves as your Inquisition headquarters.

This game is an action-based role-playing title, emphasizing action combat over its predecessors. The various zones within this game are expansive and unique compared to one another. However, similar issues found in open-world games, such as a shortage of activities on the map, can be noticed here too. Yet, with engaging combat mechanics and an appealing narrative, there’s much to appreciate about DAI.

6. Metro Exodus

A Train Ride Into Semi-Open World Survival

As a gripped gamer diving back into the post-apocalyptic world of Dmitry Glukhovsky’s Metro series, I find myself immersed in the thrilling third-person adventure known as “Metro Exodus.” This game is a captivating continuation of the story that unfolded in “Metro: Last Light,” taking me straight into the heart of the action. In “Metro Exodus,” I’m experiencing a unique blend of structured level design and semi-open world exploration, allowing me to enjoy the best aspects of both gameplay styles.

Throughout the tale’s progression, players can uncover various expansive, open-world areas they’re free to traverse at their leisure. Yet, some parts of the game require movement along a single, linear path. As the story unfolds, protagonist Artyom journeys to new destinations aboard the Aurora, gradually revealing these open sections.

5. Borderlands 2

Looter Shooter Meets Semi-Open Mayhem

Borderlands 2 is a captivating looter shooter video game, renowned for its randomly generated treasure finds and considered top-notch within its category. Its distinctive visual design, engaging play mechanics, and high replay value are what set it apart as the fan favorite in the series, a must-play for any enthusiast of first-person shooters at least once.

In Borderlands 2, the game structure leans towards a semi-open world layout, where numerous extensive map areas serve as standalone open worlds that aren’t directly connected to one another. Each fresh locale offers exclusive NPCs and missions for you to discover, with more becoming accessible as your storyline progression advances.

4. Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning

A Semi-Open World With A Fantastical Touch

Under the banner of THQ Nordic, the title Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning represents a polished version of an often overlooked gem – the fantasy action-adventure game known as KoAR. Despite being underappreciated in the past, this game boasts a deep narrative and enjoyable gameplay that remains engaging even today.

In this game, though labeled as an open world, some locations are inaccessible until you complete specific quests or reach a higher character level. This is because these areas are guarded by extremely tough enemies that only more experienced characters can handle. Essentially, the game offers a semi-open world experience where players have the freedom to explore everything from the start, but the presence of challenging high-level enemies serves as a sort of indirect barrier, keeping you from venturing into zones your character isn’t ready for yet.

3. Dishonored 2

A Victorian Sandbox Of Stealth And The Supernatural

In simple terms, “Dishonored 2” is an exciting stealth action game that unfolds in a cityscape reminiscent of the Victorian era, featuring a semi-open world structure. The game offers a thrilling, gruesome, and enjoyable experience. Much like the “Hitman” series, the primary aim often involves eliminating a target or fulfilling a specific task without being detected, offering various routes to success. Unlike the character Agent 47, however, the main character in “Dishonored 2” must consistently stay out of sight by strategically moving around the guards’ vision lines.

Skills beyond the natural world, such as teleportation and conjuring of deadly rodents, provide the player with an optimal number of choices, making each stage feel like an intriguing riddle to unravel. There’s nothing more gratifying than figuring out the quickest method to accomplish the goal.

2. God of War (2018)

Norse Realms Await

2018’s God of War is an action-packed adventure game centered around the tales of Kratos and his son Atreus, immersed in Norse folklore. The game environment is divided into various regions that become accessible as players progress through the primary narrative. Once a region has been presented, Kratos can revisit it, delve deeper into the world, and uncover its hidden mysteries.

In God of War, while battles are central, solving environmental puzzles and uncovering hidden secrets are also essential components. Many of the game’s strongest weapons and armors are concealed within these secrets, accessible only through a thorough exploration of the game’s semi-open world.

1. Baldur’s Gate 3

Freedom To Explore, Freedom To Choose

As an avid fan, I’d share that “Baldur’s Gate 3” is split into three distinct chapters, each occurring in distinct locations, following the semi-open world format. The first chapter unfolds at three different sites: the crash site, the Underdark, and the Mountain Pass. The second chapter transports us to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Lastly, the third chapter unfurls in Baldur’s Gate, divided into Lower City and Upper City. Each map stands as its own open-world adventure.

In Act 1, players have the liberty to decide their initial destination, whether it’s the Goblin Camp or the Emerald Grove first. They can choose to rescue Karlach before Lae’zel, despite the fact that the Githyanki Fighter is located closer. The map remains open for exploration throughout the game, allowing players to make their own choices and paths.

2024-12-02 15:34