Since the era of 8-bit gaming, games featuring expansive, explorable landscapes have been around. However, it was during the sixth console generation when the open-world concept truly flourished. Titles such as Grand Theft Auto 3 demonstrated that a game world could be vast, lively, and densely inhabited simultaneously.
Over time, as open-world games gained popularity and continued to evolve, countless developers have made efforts from various perspectives to claim the top spot. However, many of these attempts have fallen short of expectations.
For several past decades, numerous open-world action games and role-playing titles have attempted to explore unique aspects, yet many failed to deliver satisfactorily or didn’t garner significant attention.
As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I’ve been dreaming about the opportunity to breathe new life into some classic open-world games. It would be an epic task, but it’s worth the effort to add more variety to the gaming landscape beyond just Grand Theft Auto. Here are the open-world games I’d love to have another go at:
1. Saints Row – The city of Stilwater was a blast to explore and the over-the-top characters made it even more fun. A remastered version with improved graphics, smoother gameplay, and maybe even a few surprises could make this series shine once again.
2. Just Cause – The tropical island setting of Medici was a playground for mayhem, and the grappling hook mechanic was a game-changer. A remake with updated visuals, more diverse missions, and an expanded world would be a fantastic addition to my gaming library.
3. Crackdown – The city of Pacific City was massive, and the superhero feel made it a unique experience. A sequel or remastered version with modern graphics, improved physics, and a compelling storyline could make this series stand out once again.
4. Red Faction – The destruction mechanics in Red Faction were revolutionary, and the setting on Mars was captivating. A remake with updated graphics, more destructible environments, and a gripping narrative could make this game feel fresh and exciting all over again.
9. Rage
We Have Mad Max At Home
It’s somewhat unexpected that there aren’t more games set in the gritty, survival-of-the-fittest post-apocalyptic landscape reminiscent of Mad Max, with the exception of Fallout and the obvious Mad Max game. The open world setting would suit it well, but aside from these two and Rage, there aren’t many games that have attempted this theme.
2011 saw the release of the last game overseen by gaming legend John Carmack, produced jointly by id Software and Bethesda.
In terms of its success, Rage didn’t disappoint and even spawned a follow-up. However, considering its illustrious background, the term “okay” seems somewhat modest. Critics expressed concern about a major issue: a lack of purposeful guidance within the open world, despite it being expansive. A slight reduction in scale could be beneficial for a potential remake, making it more focused and engaging.
8. Sunset Overdrive
Like A Kids’ Game Show On Steroids
Back in the ’90s, I used to love the wacky game shows on Nickelodeon – you know, with their over-the-top stunts, weird machinery, and heaps of vibrant slime? Now imagine blending that craziness with a sprawling third-person shooter set in an open world. That’s exactly what Sunset Overdrive feels like – rising up from a pool of radioactive goo, I can’t help but smirk at myself, knowing the fun-filled chaos that awaits ahead.
Sunset Overdrive emphasizes continuous motion and speed. In this game, staying stationary isn’t the way to play. Instead, you should be jumping off vehicles or sliding along rails to maintain your momentum – this not only ensures your safety but also increases your Style Meter. As your Style Meter grows, you gain access to stronger weapons and abilities that allow you to unleash havoc in a joyful manner throughout the game.
Sunset Overdrive might not have performed as expected in sales, possibly due to its writing style that leans towards Joss Whedon’s witty banter and sarcasm, coupled with some missions that can be quite bothersome. However, the game is generally enjoyable, particularly when you get into a rhythm of high-speed action. A remake could benefit from minor adjustments and potential revisions in the script.
7. Sleeping Dogs
Good Dog, Good Dog
Many open-world crime games often depict fictional versions of Western cities akin to Los Angeles or Miami, with storylines revolving around western criminal groups such as street gangs or the mafia. However, one notable exception is the 2012 game Sleeping Dogs, which transported players to the bustling streets of Hong Kong and immersed them in the power struggles between the triads.
The game shares typical elements found in crime open-world titles, such as driving, gunplay, and a sprawling metropolis teeming with diversions for interaction. However, what sets it apart is its focus on close-quarters combat, especially martial arts. In a brawl, you’ll find yourself facing multiple opponents simultaneously, employing techniques similar to those seen in the Batman Arkham series, like counterattacks and throws.
Sleeping Dogs, despite being well-received by gamers, failed to meet its sales targets and was eventually considered a financial loss by Square Enix. In light of the increasing complexity and cost of Grand Theft Auto games, it might be beneficial to reintroduce Sleeping Dogs as a more streamlined alternative for those not keen on Grand Theft Auto.
6. Watch Dogs
Hacking The World
Discussing video games titled with “dog” and released in 2014, Watch Dogs by Ubisoft was one of their most successful new game series introductions since the original Assassin’s Creed. This game aimed to be Ubisoft’s response to the trend of crime-themed open-world sandboxes, emphasizing high-tech hacking in a criminal setting.
In the not-too-distant future, as you navigate freely around Chicago in a car, taking care of business as usual, your most powerful tool is your smartphone. With this device, you can effortlessly manipulate nearby technology to serve your purposes. For instance, you could command barricades to obstruct pursuing police cars or direct cranes to construct strategic vantage points.
Additionally, you could potentially access and misuse data and funds belonging to people walking down the street, but maintaining ethical hacking practices can boost your standing among the general public.
The issue seems to be more related to the legacy of the Watch Dogs series, rather than the original game itself. While the first installment was a hit, subsequent games like Legion have shown signs of decreasing popularity as the concept has become less clear and coherent. A possible solution to rejuvenate the IP could be a rework or revisit of the original game to regain public interest.
5. The Saboteur
Drive Fast, Shoot Nazis
In numerous open-world games, especially those with a military theme, there’s often a “liberation” feature: defeating enemy troops in one location causes that region to switch allegiance to your group and strengthens your influence on the map. One game that stood out with its unique style was 2009’s The Saboteur.
In the midst of World War II-Paris under Nazi occupation, a former racecar driver named Sean transforms into an espionage expert, known as The Saboteur. As you sabotage key Nazi installations and roadblocks, progressively weakening their grip on the city, you’ll eventually free its various districts from their control.
In liberated districts, the once black-and-white scenery is brought back to life with vibrant colors. French freedom fighters will take to the streets alongside you, chasing away any lingering soldiers.
Players who experienced The Saboteur often appreciated its unique style and gameplay mechanics, but were hindered by a multitude of technical issues that significantly impacted the overall experience. A skillfully revised remake could offer an exciting blend of open-world gameplay and something fresh and unconventional.
4. Just Cause
The Long-Forgotten Original
The widely acclaimed game, Just Cause 2, was loved for its expansive archipelago map, free-flying parachute, and grappling mechanics, which resonated strongly with fans of open world gaming. However, let’s not forget about its predecessor, the sometimes overlooked Just Cause (no number specified), which also made a significant impact in its own right.
Similar to its follow-up games, the 2006 version of Just Cause primarily blended automotive action with aerial maneuvers, employing features such as an instantly deployable parachute and skydiving for traversal purposes across vast expanses. Beyond storyline missions, you were also free to roam the map, disrupting enemy bases and causing chaos among criminal cartels to boost your own power.
The foundation of the initial game was strong, enabling the sequel to construct something even more impressive. Given the mixed reviews for Just Cause 3 and 4, it could be advantageous to revisit certain aspects, potentially incorporating features such as the grappling hook from the second game.
3. Red Faction: Guerrilla
Break It Down
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the original Red Faction game where chaos reigned supreme. Its unique engine empowered me to obliterate just about any solid structure or terrain at will. However, when it came to the series’ third installment, Red Faction: Guerrilla, the scale of destruction took a slight step back, but it was replaced with a more strategic, creative form of demolition.
As a gamer diving into Red Faction: Guerrilla, I’ve found that while the terrain remains intact, almost anything else is up for grabs. Be it with a well-placed explosive or my reliable sledgehammer, I can bring down and breach nearly any standing structure or defensive position. This flexibility in approach adds an exciting layer to missions, allowing me to either obliterate everything with a rocket launcher or sneak into the back of a compound using stealth, relatively speaking.
In terms of the Red Faction series, Guerrilla was the last installment that offered an open-world environment. Subsequent to it, Armageddon moved away from this format, becoming more linear in design (and generally receiving negative reviews). Given its successful blend of open-world gameplay and destruction, Guerrilla stands as a promising candidate for remake, potentially reinvigorating the franchise.
2. Gravity Rush
Still Waiting For That Port, Sony
If you’re planning to design an open-world game that doesn’t revolve around cars, you’ll need a standout feature to compensate. Superpowers often fit this bill perfectly, and among these, few are as intriguing as the ability to manipulate gravity. That’s exactly what Gravity Rush is built upon.
In Gravity Rush, our main character Kat possesses an extraordinary skill: she can control her surrounding gravity. This empowers her to move in any direction – vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. As a result, she can plummet through the air at will, traverse walls, and even deliver powerful mid-air kicks to adversaries, all influenced by gravity’s force.
Initially, Gravity Rush debuted on the PlayStation Vita, followed by both an upgraded version and a sequel for the PlayStation 4. Regrettably, these games didn’t perform exceptionally well financially. This could be due to the original game being somewhat of a specialized title launched on a highly specialized platform, which may have limited its recognition on the PS4. A potential solution would be to re-release the original game on multiple platforms to increase its visibility and recognition.
1. The Technomancer
A Name This Cool Deserves Better
While we acknowledge that our understanding of the entire game development process isn’t comprehensive, it’s intriguing to speculate that some games might have originated from captivating titles. For instance, consider a fascinating title for someone who manipulates technology. Naturally, The Technomancer would be an ideal choice.
2016’s The Technomancer was a role-playing game set in an open world, similar to Mass Effect or Deus Ex. As the titular character, Zachariah, who is a Technomancer, you can unleash powerful lightning attacks from your hands. These powers can be used for good or ill, based on your chosen moral stance. Develop your team, explore various locations, engage in combat, and essentially, the concept is clear.
In essence, the game Technomancer boasts a captivating core idea and solid foundational elements, but it fell short in unique aspects and failed to present an engaging narrative. However, with a remake that delves deeper into the capabilities of a Technomancer, there’s potential for something truly remarkable.
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2025-04-22 18:10