Best Ubisoft-Style Open-World Games Not Developed By Ubisoft

Highlights

Ubisoft-style open-world games have influenced many other studios, leading to similar elements in recent AAA titles.
Ghost of Tsushima impresses with its captivating visuals, stunning open world, and satisfying combat system.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, inspired by Assassin’s Creed, offers unique NPC interactions and personal stories through the Nemesis system.

As a longtime enthusiast of open-world games, I must admit that I’ve been utterly captivated by the unique settings and engaging mechanics of these modern masterpieces. From the post-apocalyptic vistas of

to the enchanting halls of Hogwarts in

, these games have left me spellbound.

Ubisoft is well-known for its significant role in creating open-world games, frequently launching some of the industry’s largest titles. Their offerings often include vast worlds that can consume more than 100 hours of exploration, as seen in series like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, Watch Dogs, The Division, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This consistency in their releases is often appreciated by players who anticipate the familiar style associated with Ubisoft’s games.

The rise of Ubisoft-style open-world titles and their popularity have impacted many other studios, who followed suit by replicating many of the trademarks of these games in their titles. While not identical, players will find many familiar elements when exploring triple-A games in recent years. Below are some of the best games that follow this formula, highlighting the strongest elements that are reminiscent of the traditional Ubisoft approach to open-world games. Interestingly, many of these games were published by Sony or Warner Bros. Interactive, underscoring these companies’ interest in providing this kind of entertainment to their players.

1 Ghost Of Tsushima

Samurai Adventure Set In A World Of Unparalleled Beauty

Best Ubisoft-Style Open-World Games Not Developed By Ubisoft

Ghost of Tsushima arrived at just the right moment, providing a samurai-centric option as an alternative to the much-anticipated Assassin’s Creed series for fans who had been yearning for it. Notably, Sucker Punch delivered an exceptional game with enchanting visuals, an open world that remains visually striking even now, and characters like Jin Sakai and Lord Shimura who are both likable and complex. The game also offers a combat system that is both robust and gratifying, making players feel as if they’re handling a sharp and lethal weapon.

As a gamer, I can’t deny that Ghost of Tsushima shone brightly, but its radiance was amplified when I dove into the captivating, co-op multiplayer mode called Legends, free of charge. This game transported me into a world steeped in mythology and mystery that left me eager for more. Now, I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if Ubisoft can top this experience with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, due out in November.

2 Horizon Forbidden West

One Of The Best-Looking Open-World Games Boasting A Truly Unique Setting

In the realm of open-world games, Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, stand out remarkably similarly to titles by Ubisoft. They showcase massive landscapes spanning diverse climatic regions for players to traverse. What truly distinguishes these games is their exceptional setting: a future where humanity has regressed, leaving them to puzzle over the remnants of an advanced human civilization they can’t fully comprehend. The thrill comes from encountering mechanical dinosaurs, which players must learn to handle using the diverse tools in Aloy’s inventory.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the stunning graphics in Horizon Forbidden West. The Decima Engine really pushes the boundaries, offering crystal-clear, high-definition visuals that are unparalleled on the PlayStation 5 so far.

3 Hogwarts Legacy

Harry Potter Fans Might Spend Hundreds Of Hours Exploring Hogwarts

The highly-anticipated game titled “Hogwarts Legacy” has been one of the top open-world games played lately, primarily because of the massive success of the “Harry Potter” series. To add to this, the development team at Avalanche Software has crafted an incredibly detailed rendition of Hogwarts and its surroundings, filled with hidden treasures, collectibles, and additional activities that players can choose to engage in.

In essence, the captivating ambiance and immersive environment make Hogwarts Legacy a standout, but it’s not just that – the game provides an engaging and thrilling combat system where players can swiftly blend spells for prolonged, impactful sequences with diverse results. Although the narrative, characters, and missions in Hogwarts Legacy might not surpass others in the field, it delivers a package that adheres to the expectations of fans who enjoy Ubisoft’s open-world gameplay style.

4 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

The Enormous World Of Mordor Is Full Of Orc Strongholds To Clear

Both “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor” and “Middle-earth: Shadow of War” share a common trait – they are open-world games that draw inspiration from Ubisoft’s style in the genre, particularly resembling the “Assassin’s Creed” series. Although rooted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, these titles carve out their unique narratives. They transport players into Mordor and emphasize combat against orcs, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The games stand out due to their innovative Nemesis system, which offers distinct NPC interactions and gameplay scenarios for each player, taking into account their decisions and past encounters to craft individualized narratives.

Immersed in striking imagery, a gloomy yet recognizable ambiance, and expansive realms ripe for discovery, the main game and additional content of Middle-earth: Shadow of War offer plenty of captivating playtime for many hours.

5 Days Gone

Huge Map For Fans Of The Zombie Apocalypse With A Unique Bike-Riding Appeal

As a gamer, I initially found myself a bit divided about Days Gone when it first dropped. The mixed reviews at launch left Sony ultimately deciding to shelve plans for a sequel and leave the story unfinished. However, over time, this post-apocalyptic adventure has grown on me in surprising ways.

Despite some criticisms that Days Gone might linger too long towards the end and is often perceived as somewhat prolonged, there’s always something engaging to participate in and valuable items to acquire within this post-apocalyptic America. For instance, you could spend your time scavenging for a can of gasoline to fuel your personalized motorbike upgrade.

6 Mad Max

Brutal & Convincing Post-Apocalyptic Atmosphere With High-Octane Car Combat

Initially overlooked upon release was Avalanche Studios’ title, Mad Max (different from Avalanche Software), that shares a connection with Mad Max: Fury Road, yet presents its unique interpretation of the post-apocalyptic world and its denizens. Although the game structure is quite simple, requiring players to progressively clear different areas of the map from various gangs and outlaws in order to build the Magnum Opus vehicle for a far-off and perilous trip, the gameplay execution of numerous aspects is exceptional.

In the wasteland, you’ll experience agile car handling and thrilling chase sequences, along with intense close-combat reminiscent of ‘Batman: Arkham’. This game, ‘Mad Max’, offers an engaging experience not just for fans of George Miller’s captivating universe, but also for players who delight in brief adventures through expansive open-world titles.

2024-08-05 18:33