Classic Open-World Games That Changed The Genre Forever

by

Summary

  • Grand Theft Auto 3 set the foundation for the modern open-world genre, followed to this day.
  • The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind established Bethesda’s open-world formula.
  • Assassin’s Creed 2 popularized fun parkour mechanics in action-packed open-world games.

Over time, the open-world genre has significantly advanced, demonstrating remarkable growth since it first emerged. Players are drawn to both big-budget (AAA) and independent (indie) games within this genre, which aim to create distinctive and captivating sandboxes that stand out uniquely from one another.

Many groundbreaking works within this category served as pioneers, propelling the genre forward with significant advancements. Modern open-world games owe a debt of gratitude to these influential titles, as they laid the groundwork upon which future developments and successes could be built.

1. Grand Theft Auto 3

Set The Foundation For The Open-World Genre That Is Still Being Followed To This Day

Back in the day, nothing could prepare me for the rush I felt when Grand Theft Auto 3 dropped. Exploring that vast open world and diving headfirst into its gritty, action-packed gameplay was like stepping into another universe, man. It was an unforgettable experience that still gives me goosebumps thinking about it now.

This game laid the groundwork for the contemporary open-world genre, introducing its mission structure, additional content, and the wanted system, which have greatly influenced numerous titles in the sandbox category, even those set in urban environments that continue to draw upon what “Grand Theft Auto 3” pioneered years ago, demonstrating just how groundbreaking this game truly was.

2. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Bethesda’s Open-World Formula Was Established Here

In a nutshell, Daggerfall was a valiant effort to expand the franchise and its universe; however, it became evident that solely relying on procedural generation wasn’t enough to make an immersive world. That’s why Morrowind, the successor developed by Bethesda, focused primarily on the island of Vvardenfell, enabling them to craft intricate game environments by hand instead of generating them automatically.

The outcome was nothing less than iconic, with the marshy landscapes and colossal mushrooms of Morrowind earning legendary status. Moreover, it laid the foundation for subsequent Bethesda games to expand upon, and other companies followed suit by approaching open-world RPGs in a similar fashion.

3. Minecraft

Stretches The Definition Of A Classic, But This Title’s Impact Can’t Be Stressed Enough

Minecraft, although relatively new compared to some other open-world games, has earned the label of a timeless classic due to its massive popularity following its release. Now, over a decade later, it continues to draw in fans passionately.

The appeal of Minecraft lies in its diverse and engaging gameplay style, which combines aspects such as combat, creative construction, random level generation, and survival challenges. This unique mix of features makes it an easy choice for many players to immerse themselves in this exceptional game.

4. Shenmue

One Of The First Games To Integrate A Sandbox

Back in the day, the game known as Shenmue was extraordinarily expensive to develop due to its high level of ambition. The story revolves around Ryo Hazuki, who is on a mission to uncover clues about his father’s murder, committed by Lan Di. This quest takes him through diverse, open-world cityscapes as the clock keeps ticking.

This game significantly popularized Quick Time Events (QTEs) and left players amazed with its dynamic day-night cycle and exceptional immersion. Although some titles may not hold up over time, fans eager to explore one of the most legendary open-world games in history will undoubtedly appreciate the unique experiences Shenmue offers.

5. Assassin’s Creed 2

Popularized The Idea Of Fun Parkour Mechanics In Action-Packed Open-World Games

If the initial game hinted at the possibility of an engaging open-world parkour game, then Assassin’s Creed 2 refined that concept superbly. Navigating towers to uncover parts of the map, discovering hidden items, and honing the game’s movement controls was incredibly satisfying.

It’s clear that games like Infamous, Ghost of Tsushima, and Shadow of Mordor each added their unique twist to a familiar gameplay style, demonstrating the innovative nature of the Assassin’s Creed series. This groundbreaking series has significantly influenced the direction of video game development and trends within the industry.

6. Need For Speed: Underground 2

Served As A Template For Crafting Open-World Environments In Racing Games

Players weren’t fully convinced about the notion of an open-world racing game initially. But the arrival of Underground 2 shifted this perspective significantly, marking the first instance where the Need for Speed series dabbled in a sandbox design.

Playing this game offered a fantastic adventure, allowing players to explore multiple distinct settings within a familiar environment, all while getting acquainted with the game world. This approach ignited a popular trend in modern racing games, transitioning them into open-world environments. However, this development had both positive and negative effects on the genre as a whole.

Playing the game gave an awesome experience, letting players discover various unique locations within a familiar setting, helping them get to know the game world better. This style of gameplay inspired most modern racing games to become open-world, which had both good and bad impacts on the genre.

7. Spider-Man 2

Swinging Around In New York City Is A Core Memory For Many Players

For years, fans have been eagerly waiting for a well-made Spider-Man game, and their longing has finally been met by Insomniac Studios. But let’s not forget that it was Treyarch who impressed fans with the console adaptation of Spider-Man 2.

Back then, web-slinging was incredibly awe-inspiring. Players would swing through New York City, either fighting bad guys or delivering pizzas. It was one of the best superhero games out there, a gap that the gaming industry needed to fill. Some might argue that it ignited the demand for a high-budget Spider-Man game, which Sony eventually delivered.

Read More

2025-08-16 06:05