Best Polarizing Open-World Games That You Should Still Try

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Best Polarizing Open-World Games That You Should Still Try

Key Takeaways

  • No Man’s Sky offers vast exploration, solid crafting, and fun combat, making it a polarizing game that has matured. (116)
  • Watch Dogs features well-thought-out hacking mechanics but disappointed some at launch, leaving fans divided. (113)
  • Cyberpunk 2077 faced backlash for overpromising and a buggy launch, dividing players despite later improvements. (120)

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming experience under my belt, I must say that these controversial games have left quite an impression, albeit not always for the right reasons.

Open-world video games encompass a diverse range of categories, such as first-person action titles and intricate survival simulations. Some expansive open-world landscapes are so vast that players may never fully explore them. On the other hand, others choose smaller, meticulously designed open worlds, filled with intricate details.

Many open-world games have sparked mixed reactions among players, often resulting in differing opinions that don’t usually lean towards a consensus. Interestingly, some of these controversial titles eventually gained widespread acclaim and maintained dedicated fanbases long after their release, even though they initially faced hurdles or received harsh feedback.

7 No Man’s Sky

Space Exploration And Survival

In a cosmos brimming with billions of planets ripe for discovery, not many games provide the level of freedom that No Man’s Sky does. Its crafting mechanics are top-notch, exploration is generously rewarded, and both space and ground combat can be exhilaratingly intense. To sum it up, No Man’s Sky has evolved into a truly exceptional game, though its journey to greatness wasn’t always smooth sailing.

The reason No Man’s Sky remains so divisive among gamers is due to the issues that arose during its initial release. A significant portion of the advertised features were absent, and those present didn’t live up to the grandeur portrayed before launch. Consequently, numerous players abandoned the game at that point, choosing not to revisit it despite its current status as a classic in the gaming world.

6 Watch Dogs

A Great Hacking Game

In the futuristic setting of Chicago, the gameplay for Watch Dogs centers around. Players are equipped with a variety of hacking devices, along with means for spying and gathering intel. By employing these tools, they aim to progress through the narrative-driven missions.

Initially, the game received acclaim for its immersive, thrilling environment and intelligent hacking features. Yet, upon release, it turned out that the delivered version failed to meet the high expectations set by pre-launch promotions. In essence, while some players enjoyed the game, others felt let down.

5 Far Cry 2

2nd Installment Of This FPS Franchise

The initial Far Cry game was revolutionary in numerous aspects, offering a sneak peek into how gaming technology would soon allow developers to elevate gaming to unprecedented heights. Upon the announcement of Far Cry 2, enthusiasts of the original game anticipated even more of the same greatness, but with larger and improved elements.

Unfortunately, upon its release, Far Cry 2 introduced some fresh gameplay elements that many first-person shooter (FPS) enthusiasts found awkwardly complicated. Furthermore, the main gameplay shifted towards a more survival-oriented approach, deviating significantly from the combat-centric experience of its predecessor. Consequently, player opinions on the game were split.

4 Assassin’s Creed 3

Set During The American Revolution

The third addition to the Assassin’s Creed series aimed to introduce some changes and offer a more diverse gaming journey to maintain the franchise’s novelty. This was achieved through a brand-new protagonist and a contemporary setting compared to the preceding games. Additionally, it introduced innovative gameplay features such as scripted historical incidents.

As a devoted Assassin’s Creed gamer, I can’t help but feel let down by the recent changes in the gameplay and setting of the latest release. It seems like the developers forgot an age-old piece of advice: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. The shift has left many fans, including myself, with a sour taste in our mouths. In fact, some have decided to abandon the franchise altogether and never pick up another Assassin’s Creed title again.

3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Huge Open World Map

Known as one of the top open-world role-playing games, some might find it surprising to see The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on this list. Despite its outstanding open-world map and rich content, the game is often seen as divisive – a characteristic that may explain its appearance here.

Some gamers found the game overly expansive, causing them to feel swamped by its immense size. Additionally, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delved into mature subjects, which was discomforting for certain players. Consequently, the game had a somewhat turbulent beginning; however, it’s important to note that this did not deter it from eventually earning high regard as one of the best role-playing games ever created.

2 Red Dead Redemption 2

Explore The Old West

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an unexpected addition to this list, but it’s widely regarded as one of the best open-world games ever made. Whether you prefer to stick to the intricately woven main story or venture out to explore on your own, few games offer such a captivating experience as Red Dead Redemption 2.

Some gamers encounter difficulties with this title due to its slow tempo and excessive focus on intricate details, which can make it seem less like a traditional game and more like an interactive film experience for them. Additionally, there’s widespread concern about the handling of online play, as instances of cheating and exploitation are pervasive.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

Long Awaited And Then Largely Criticized

The game titled Cyberpunk 2077, which took over a decade to create, initially kept its details under wraps. As the release drew nearer, anticipation built up. Billed as an exceptional game that could potentially outshine all previous releases, it unfortunately turned out to be a game with numerous bugs and incomplete features at launch.

Initially, the developers’ excessive promises about the game resulted in significant backlash and complaints upon release, with some players even demanding refunds. Now, however, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a great game after all its issues were resolved. The Phantom Liberty DLC was also positively received. Regardless, there remains a large group of players who still refuse to play the game due to its rocky debut.

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2024-09-12 08:33