Best Video Games Set In Virtual Worlds, Ranked

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Summary

  • Like their movie counterparts, Tron 2.0 and Tron: Evolution bring human players onto the Grid to enjoy neonpunk adventures.
  • The Wachowski sisters developed Enter The Matrix to emulate the iconic action of the movies and provide important context.
  • Split Fiction features two authors transported into their stories inside a digital realm.

The idea of a game embedded within another game has seen remarkable progress since its beginnings in the 1980s, with certain games now fully immersed in digital environments that mimic the sensation of being online. This transformation is largely due to groundbreaking films like “The Matrix” and “Dark City,” which popularized the notion of virtual realities among wider audiences.

As technology advances and the boundaries between real life and the digital universe grow more indistinct, video games set in virtual landscapes have grown in significance and appeal. These range from first-person combat scenarios to expansive journey narratives. Such games not only delve into innovative gameplay styles but also showcase breathtaking graphics.

8. Enter The Matrix

The Wachowskis Created A Game That Is Important To Matrix Canon

  • Developer: Shiny Entertainment
  • Release Date: May 14, 2003
  • Publisher: Infogrames
  • Systems: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PC
  • Rating: T For Teen

The Matrix series sparked both dread and affection in viewers due to its idea of a completely digital universe. The Wachowski sisters, creators of the franchise, leveraged this by producing the spin-off game called “Enter the Matrix”. In this game, players can choose between characters Niobe or Ghost, and their adventures are directly connected to the events seen in The Matrix Reloaded movie. Certain scenes and plot details from that film also receive further explanation.

In essence, the gameplay bears a striking resemblance to that of Max Payne, incorporating the iconic slow-motion effect, as characters Niobe and Ghost navigate through programs and agents in much the same way seen in the films. At the time, it was essentially the only avenue for Matrix fans to engage with the franchise in a video game format, offering an amalgamation of running, shooting, martial arts, and thought-provoking storytelling within a single experience.

7. Saints Row 4

Saving The Human Race As A Digital Superhero

In the original Saints Row game series, each new installment grew more absurd and exaggerated in nature. A clear demonstration of this progression is Saints Row 4, which significantly departed from the crime syndicate narrative. Instead, it transformed the Saints and particularly the character of Boss into superheroes, tasked with rescuing Earth’s inhabitants who found themselves trapped within a simulation resembling virtual reality.

The shift in the game’s direction sparked disagreement among Saints Row followers, as some found Saints Row 4 to be a departure from the style of the earlier games, while others appreciated it. What’s more, Saints Row offered players a vast open world for exploration and chaos, with superpowers that transformed the character into a comic book-like figure, similar to those found in Marvel or DC comics.

6. Tron: Evolution

Programs And Viruses Battle For The Fate Of The Grid

  • Developer: Propaganda Games, SuperVillain Studios
  • Release Date: November 26, 2010
  • Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
  • Systems: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, PC
  • Rating: T For Teen

Tron played a significant role in shaping films similar to The Matrix, where characters inhabit a digital realm populated by beings with autonomy and intellect. In the sequel Tron: Evolution, a Program named Anon takes on a malicious virus called Abraxas that’s causing chaos on the Grid, leading to plenty of action like running, leaping, and riding through an origin tale for Tron: Legacy.

In a natural and easy-to-read way, Tron: Evolution is an entertaining video game inspired by the movie, offering a visually accurate representation of the film during the Xbox 360/PS3 era. The game also includes the original soundtrack by Daft Punk from the movie. With exciting light cycle chases and hack-and-slash gameplay, it remains one of the most immersive ways for fans of Tron: Legacy to explore the Grid.

5. Superhot

A Puzzle Shooter With A VR Twist

In its journey from an indie experiment to a sprawling series, Superhot offers players a character caught in a video game with an alarmingly realistic feel that is hard to resist engaging with. The innovative gameplay of Superhot allows time to progress only when the player takes action, making it essential for strategic thinking and precise actions to successfully navigate each level.

As the compact yet captivating gameplay unfolds in Superhot, the action becomes increasingly intense, offering a multitude of methods for the cryptic red adversaries to eliminate the player. However, this heightened danger is reciprocated, allowing players to explore various objects and weaponry during gameplay while also delving deeper into the storyline. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, it tends to become more perplexing.

4. Assassin’s Creed 2

The Animus Is A Virtual Method Of Time Traveling

Players often lose track of the fact that they’re experiencing the storylines of games like “Assassin’s Creed 2” as a modern-day observer, since they immerse themselves so deeply in the role of the assassin character within the game. Essentially, the Animus is a type of virtual reality machine that enables one to relive an ancestor’s memories via a simulation.

The original Assassin’s Creed is worth noting, but many fans advise beginners to jump right into Assassin’s Creed 2. This game took the series to new heights with its enhanced open world and captivating character, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Most subsequent games would draw from the stealth and action mechanics of Assassin’s Creed 2, further developing them in diverse ways.

3. Tron: Identity

There’s A Digital Mystery To Solve On The Grid

Following a significant break, Disney resumed the world of Tron with the release of Tron: Identity , set after the occurrences in Tron: Legacy . In this installment, we see the Grid grappling with the consequences of Clu’s demise as a detective program named Query investigates an explosion. The storyline incorporates aspects of visual novels, combining 3D and 2D visual styles.

In contrast to some action-packed expectations from the Tron series, Tron: Identity maintains its neon-futuristic aesthetic as showcased in Tron: Legacy. This latest addition to the Tron universe offers a rich narrative that stands out among its peers, albeit with a somewhat concise runtime. What makes it unique is the presence of multiple story branches, ensuring that each playthrough can offer a distinct experience based on the player’s decisions.

2. Split Fiction

Two Authors, Two Players, And Two Digital Realms Coming Together

As a gamer, I’m super excited about diving into “Split Fiction,” an innovative co-op adventure from the brilliant minds behind “A Way Out” and “It Takes Two.” In this game, my character is an author who specializes in science fiction, while another player controls a fantasy writer. We find ourselves trapped within a machine that’s supposed to transport us into our unique worlds, but instead, it malfunctions, leading to a hilarious blend of sci-fi and fantasy genres!

Throughout its entirety, Split Fiction exudes a charming blend of homage and satire, particularly towards the realm of pop culture, notably video games. The malfunctions of the machine propel the characters across various realms. From the subtle hidden gems to the straightforward cultural allusions, Split Fiction leaves no stone unturned in its generous fan service. Simultaneously, it delivers an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, packed with complex conundrums and brain-teasing puzzles.

1. Tron 2.0

The Closest Thing Fans Had To An Official Tron Sequel

Prior to Monolith Productions closing down in 2025, it gained recognition through a series of powerful first-person shooter games, including a title known as “Tron 2.0.” This game was a prequel story set ten years before “Tron: Legacy” was released, revolving around Jet Bradley, the son of Alan Bradley, embarking on his own journey to protect the Grid from danger.

In the sequel Tron 2.0, they’ve managed to retain the original film’s aesthetic while adding fresh elements. It’s a vibrant, neon spectacle that seems like an intricate network of circuit boards. The classic Identity Discs and light cycles are still there, but now you get to use modern weapons such as sniper rifles, shotguns, and SMGs. These additions enhance the action without compromising the distinctive visuals and sounds reminiscent of Tron.

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2025-04-17 07:37