10 Mind-Blowing Open-World Games That Mix Magic and Modern Tech Like Never Before!

Summary

Modernizing fantasy games creates exciting and relatable experiences for players.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet mark a shift to open-world gameplay in the iconic franchise.
Open-world games like Vampyr and Infinity Nikki blend modern settings with mythical elements seamlessly.

In terms of fictional games, magic, creatures beyond reality, and divine beings are all part of the fantasy genre. This genre differs significantly from science fiction, as it focuses on the supernatural and mythical, rather than being grounded in technology and scientific principles. Often, these stories are set against medieval-like landscapes such as Elden Ring or The Lord of the Rings; however, when combined with a contemporary setting, fantasy can offer an entirely different perspective.

This collection gathers some top-notch open-world games that skillfully blend the contemporary with the mystical, offering immersive experiences that resonate strongly with players and spark their creativity. These titles are particularly captivating when presented in an open-world format.

10. Pokemon Scarlet And Violet

The First Pokemon Titles To Commit To An Open World

From its simple origins as a 1996 Game Boy release, Pokémon has expanded into an internationally recognized brand encompassing manga, anime, trading cards, and movies. Remarkably, among all the Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are notably distinctive for signaling the transition of the franchise towards open-world gameplay.

A significant part of what attracts people to Pokemon lies in its blend of familiar, everyday environments with extraordinary elements, and its use of ordinary children as main characters. Interestingly, many Pokemon are modeled after different mythologies; for instance, Koraidon is inspired by the Spanish dragon, Cuelebre.

9. Darksiders 2

A Dark Rendition Of Religious Scripture

Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, many people are aware of the Four Riders associated with the End Times: War, Famine, Pestilence (Plague), and Death. In a fantasy context, the video game “Darksiders 2” puts players in the role of Death, aiming to reanimate humanity and exonerate War after the onset of the Apocalypse.

In Darksiders 2, players journey through an intriguing setting that offers a mix of atmospheres. At one moment, you might be venturing into the somber ancient realm of the Dead’s kingdom; the next, you could find yourself traversing a world reminiscent of the 2000s Earth. The unique blend of a grand good-versus-evil struggle intertwining with contemporary real-world settings creates an unforgettable gaming adventure.

8. Brutal Legend

Fighting Demons, Metal Style

Being a roadie isn’t always easy; it involves lugging gear, managing band members, and often going unnoticed. But, Brutal Legend takes this to another level by depicting Eddie Riggs, a roadie for the band “Kabbage Boy,” who gets magically transported to a heavy metal interpretation of the underworld after getting a drop of blood on his buckle during a performance.

Exploring a world filled with rock stars possessing clever wit, traveling with enchanted electric guitars, engaging in battles against vast numbers of enemies through racing, shooting, and slashing, sounds quite absurd. Yet, the inclusion of special appearances and hidden references seamlessly blends modernity with mythology, making “Brutal Legend” an essential game for metal music enthusiasts.

7. Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Ubisoft’s Beautiful Return To Pandora

The Avatar series is deeply rooted in science fiction, but it also fits the category of fantasy as its Pandoran universe lacks scientific accuracy. This world features vibrant landscapes with floating islands, creatures resembling dinosaurs, and alien Na’vi reminiscent of elves. In essence, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora merges human-related themes with a fantasy storyline.

In the not-too-far future, the player finds themselves in control of a Na’vi character who faces off against advanced weaponry, trying to reconnect with their kind during an invasion by the RDA. Similar to its film equivalent, Frontiers of Pandora delves into contemporary themes such as environmental protection, colonialism, and cultural preservation among indigenous peoples.

6. Vampyr

Every Action Has A Consequence

The vampire, initially documented as far back as the 11th century, continues to be a captivating mythological character that persists even into modern times. Vampyr, set in post-World War I London, chronicles the journey of Dr. Reid, a phlebotomist with a witty affinity for blood, as he pursues the origins of the vampire outbreak that has been ravaging the city.

Vampyr offers an engaging spin on traditional vampire lore by immersing players in a contemporary open-world setting. The game’s unique approach delves deeper into the moral and emotional complexities of being a vampire. The feeding mechanic introduces intrigue, as selecting particular victims can permanently eliminate non-player characters from the game and affect the “district status.

5. Hogwarts Legacy

A Virtual Return To The Wizarding World

In the era that stretches beyond the Industrial Revolution, but not quite as modern as the world we know from Fantastic Beasts, I find myself immersed in the open-world game known as Hogwarts Legacy. As a fifth-year student brimming with an innate talent for ancient magic, I must navigate my choices carefully amidst the unrest of a goblin rebellion.

In J.K. Rowling’s magical universe, the game maintains a strong sense of realism, which was a significant appeal in the initial series. Fans can recall the thrill of imagining that an ordinary child, much like themselves, could potentially receive an invitation to attend a school of magic.

4. Final Fantasy 15

Go Toe-To-Toe With An Entire Bestiary

One of the most popular role-playing game series ever made, “Final Fantasy,” has explored various gaming categories such as MMORPG, racing, and shooter. Although some fans appreciate the linear structure of its earlier versions, Square Enix’s move to make “Final Fantasy” open-world was still highly successful.

In the game titled “Final Fantasy 15,” we follow Prince Noctis of Lucis and his three companions on a journey across the realm of Eos to shield their kingdom from impending war and a contagion known as the Starscourge plague, which spawns daemons. The unique blend of contemporary elements with fantasy creates an electrifying atmosphere, where diners, cars, magic, and monsters coexist. The narrative effectively portrays character relationships and plot development, addressing concerns about pacing in the process.

3. Infinity Nikki

Explore A Stunning Fantastical World, Or Don’t

Infinity Nikki is a game set in a fictional world called Miraland, a realm where wishes come true, which players can traverse by solving puzzles and jumping through platforms. It also incorporates gacha mechanics and competitions. Players are free to progress the story or simply enjoy collecting bugs and admiring the beautiful scenery at their leisure.

2024 saw the emergence of a visually stunning open-world game titled “Infinity Nikki“. Its charm lies in its combination of enchanting pastel landscapes with whimsical fairy tale characters. The game’s allure primarily stems from its dress-up elements, allowing players to either acquire or create various outfits, some of which bestow unique powers. It is the wide array of styles where “Infinity Nikki” truly showcases its contemporary style and appeal.

2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Immerse In The Mythology Of Ancient Greece

The Assassin’s Creed series is an expanding collection, currently counting thirteen games, each offering captivating narratives that traverse history. In particular, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey marks the eleventh installment, where it weaves between contemporary times and ancient Greece. The main character seeks the Staff of Hermes hidden in Atlantis, while navigating a broader storyline filled with warfare, gods, and secret cults.

In an open-world setting reminiscent of reality, players have the freedom to roam through ancient Greece, discovering a variety of side activities such as gladiator contests, quests for hidden treasures, and collectible items along the way. The game Odyssey also offers crafting opportunities, but what truly sets it apart is the thrill of engaging in combat with mythical creatures, including the Minotaur and the Sphinx.

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

A Near-Perfect Blend Of Mythology And Modernity

In the gaming world, I’ve just dived into The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – the latest addition to this epic franchise. Following the groundbreaking open-world gameplay of Breath of the Wild, Nintendo has been pushing the boundaries even further, refining and expanding upon the mechanics and landscapes they introduced in the previous installment.

In the magical realm of Hyrule, Tears of the Kingdom could have easily followed the same path as other fantasy games with a strictly medieval ambiance. What sets it apart, though, is its innovative fusion of contemporary technology. For instance, players can construct familiar vehicles such as planes, motorcycles, and automobiles, all while coming across dragons and other legendary creatures. Apart from the intriguing mix of modern and traditional fantasy elements, Tears of the Kingdom is a remarkable game that shines in its visuals, narrative, and gameplay.

2025-01-24 06:35