Most Iconic Cities In Open-World Games, Ranked

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Summary

  • Open-world games depict big cities as lively, dense, and vivid with impressive details and variety.
  • Game environments like Night City, Arkham City, and Los Santos provide engaging backdrops for exploration and mayhem.
  • These cities offer immersive experiences with distinct atmospheres, memorable characters, challenging activities, and dynamic narratives.

As a gamer, I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant energy of big cities, with their towering skyscrapers, lively bazaars, juke joints that never seem to close, and endless streams of vehicles. It’s not just about putting my name in the stars or escaping hardships, but experiencing the pulse of humanity that beats stronger there.

Cities are like grand masterpieces, brimming with intricate details, vast array of experiences, and a continuous symphony of sights and sounds. While towns and villages can make charming stops during travel, they often seem quite similar due to their smaller scale. However, cities demand an artist’s touch to bring them to life convincingly.

7. Night City – Cyberpunk 2077

A Corporate-Captured Culture Of Shallow Pleasures And Metalic Body Horror

Among the characters in Cyberpunk 2077, Night City stands out as particularly unforgettable. As V often notes, “The city forever whispers a promise,” making it attractive despite being a corporate-controlled dystopia. Despite its staggering levels of poverty and danger, only those with dreams burning within their artificial eyes can persevere in this place each day, without giving up hope.

For those transformed into power-hungry psychopaths or untroubled mass-murderers in the game Cyberpunk 2077, Night City offers an enticing (albeit sometimes faulty) playground for chaos and grisly bio-mechanical manipulation. This is particularly true with high-grade cyberware available for self-defense purposes.

6. Arkham City – Batman Arkham City

A Slice Of Gotham Gifted To The Criminally Insane

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always enjoyed the thrill of swooping through the air dressed as the caped crusader, armed with high-tech gizmos that only a billionaire could afford. But let’s face it, even an insane asylum can be fun for a while. What truly resonated with Batman fans was the freedom to explore his stomping grounds, Gotham City, and master some incredible traversal tools. Following the success of Arkham Asylum, it was only natural to take the next leap – to immerse ourselves in an open world within Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Even though you can’t explore all of Gotham, the confined region known as Arkham City offers a rich gaming experience due to its high concentration of activities and inhabitants. This district is teeming with dangerous characters, creating an intense and threatening environment for players.

5. NYC – Marvel’s Spider-Man

The Larger-Than-Life Hangout For A Larger-Than-Life Wallcrawler

Regardless of New York City being a common setting in various Spider-Man games, Marvel’s Spider-Man effectively portrays the city in a new and invigorating way without needing to retell Spider-Man’s origin story.

Swinging through this game feels incredibly grand due to its expansive scale and dynamic motion. The intricacies, such as lifelike crowds and beautifully designed interior cityscapes, breathe life into the bustling urban landscape. Notably, the metropolis is packed with significant collectibles and engaging challenges that tie in seamlessly with the much-loved superhero costume system. This allows players to unlock new suits, powers, and gadgets as they progress.

4. The Imperial City – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

The Unoccupied Seat Of A Great Empire

In The Elder Scrolls series, there are numerous locations to discover, some of which are labeled as cities, like Whitertun in Skyrim that seems reminiscent of Rohan from Lord of the Rings. However, due to Bethesda’s emphasis on player interaction with every Non-Player Character (NPC) and accessibility to every building, these “cities” often have a more compact feel compared to traditional cityscapes.

An exception to this rule is the Imperial City in Oblivion, a grand circular structure divided into ten districts. Despite its depiction differing significantly from the lore of The Elder Scrolls (such as the city originally being spread across eight islands, with the sprawling metropolis encompassing swamps and wetlands, much of the older parts having been claimed by the jungle), the Imperial City stands out as unique and expansive. Each interior can be explored, and every citizen interacts in their own distinct way, offering individual dialogue.

3. Liberty City – Grand Theft Auto 4

The Four Boroughs Where Anything (Inequitable) Is Possible

In numerous films, plays, and video games, New York City has been portrayed multiple times throughout history. However, unlike other works that aim to replicate the famous East Coast city, Grand Theft Auto 4 instead captures its essence and atmosphere. Consequently, Liberty City seems like a compact and tantalizing twin, even with the frequent use of brown and gray filters common in video game design from the 2000s.

As a passionate enthusiast, I find myself captivated by the vibrant pulse of this city. The casual chatter of passersby adds rhythm, while the heated banter of motorcyclists on the road creates a symphony of sorts. Stumbling upon intriguing side tales of city denizens, as if stepping into a living comic book, is an unforgettable experience. Iconic tunes during rush hour and the unique blend of radio talk shows and commercials offer a glimpse into the American lifestyle that resonates profoundly with foreigners like myself.

2. Novigrad – The Witcher 3

The Colorful Free City Of The North

In The Witcher 3, although it’s not the darkest or most depressing fantasy realm, parts like Velen and early game settings can feel somewhat dreary. However, when Geralt arrives in Novigrad, there’s a significant change in atmosphere. Its inhabitants exhibit a more optimistic and ambitious spirit, and the city streets are adorned with vibrant colors and lively energy.

In the bustling city of Novigrad, numerous iconic characters reside, adding charm to the world of The Witcher 3. Additionally, masquerades, concerts, and plays add a sparkle to this world. Yet, beneath its vibrant facade, there’s a shadowy side to the mighty free city. This darkness permeates from its corrupt ruling class and their covert power struggles at the top, down to the lawless street gangs, widespread poverty, and discrimination against non-humans.

1. Los Santos – Grand Theft Auto 5

A City Of Highrises, Lowlives, And Falling Stars

Speaking about its online version aside, Grand Theft Auto V’s city, Los Santos, is a skillfully designed (and satirical) portrayal of American life post-2007 Great Recession. Similar to other cities in the GTA universe, Los Santos draws heavily from West Coast Los Angeles, but the creative liberty results in a more intricate and realistic setting.

In the vibrant Vinewood to the gritty East LS with its troubled neighborhoods, there’s a variety of experiences that transform this city into more than just an open-world setting. You can engage in activities such as tennis, yoga, running competitions, social media browsing, and even stock market investing, adding depth and authenticity to your urban exploration.

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2025-01-07 11:34