Linear Video Games That Feel Like An Open World

Key Takeaways

Video games offer immersive worlds beyond open-world genres.
Linear games like
Tomb Raider
and
The Last of Us
feel open with rich environments.
Games like
Resident Evil 4
and
Space Marine 2
offer expansive narratives despite linear gameplay.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that these games are nothing short of extraordinary. Each one offers a unique blend of captivating storytelling, immersive gameplay, and visually stunning landscapes.

As a gaming enthusiast, I relish the opportunity to dive into captivating realms brimming with perils, enigmas, and hidden riches through video games. Thanks to continuous technological breakthroughs, these dimensions have grown exponentially, enabling game creators to construct elaborate immersive open worlds that can consume numerous hours of thorough exploration. Yet, this sense of expansiveness isn’t exclusive to open-world titles; many other genres also offer the allure of an open experience.

In some video games, developers construct narratives that offer only one playable path for players to follow. Although these games may incorporate aspects of an open-world environment, such as interconnected maps and optional encounters, the primary storyline unfolds in a sequential fashion. Despite this linearity, limiting players to a single path, these games often provide a sense of expansiveness due to their vast settings. These games seem expansive, with dynamic worlds teeming with history and culture, making them deeply immersive titles where the environment plays as much a role as the adversaries populating it.

7 Tomb Raider

A Standout Reimagining

Lara Croft is unquestionably one of the most renowned characters in video game lore. In 2013, Crystal Dynamics launched the highly praised re-imagining of her popular series titled Tomb Raider. This fresh perspective on the franchise introduced more rugged gameplay, focusing on survival and exploration. The game is set on a vast island, but its play and story are structured linearly, with additional areas becoming accessible as players advance.

In simple terms, playing Tomb Raider gives the sensation of exploring an expansive, open environment. Spectacular scenes seamlessly merge into vast spaces brimming with hidden gems and riches. The island showcases a rich mix of landscapes, creating an immersive world that seems alive and breathing. Although later installments in the series emphasize open areas more, Tomb Raider stands out as a robust linear game that feels much larger than its actual size suggests.

6 A Plague Tale: Innocence

A Grim, War-Torn Land

14th-Century France serves as the backdrop for “A Plague Tale: Innocence“, where a sickened land battered by war is the setting. The story revolves around Amicia de Rune, a noble girl of young age, who endeavors to escape the clutches of the Inquisition along with her younger brother, following the brutal murder of their family. Stealth and puzzle-solving mechanics are skillfully integrated into “A Plague Tale’s” gameplay, resulting in a tough yet captivating experience that ultimately gained popularity as a hidden gem.

As I venture through the grimy, decaying world of A Plague Tale, it’s the haunting landscape that truly steals the show. Every nook and cranny seems to echo the pain and suffering of a world ravaged by plague and war. The rats that infest every corner are not just creatures, but constant reminders of the dangers lurking in every shadow. The game’s linear structure never feels monotonous, instead, it’s enriched with intricate details that pull me deeper into this active, living world.

5 Resident Evil 4

A Complex and Corrupted World

Launched back in 2005, the first Resident Evil 4 marked a revolutionary leap in horror gaming. Compared to its predecessors that were set in a single location, it introduced a more sequential gameplay and boosted the action element significantly. The highly acclaimed remake in 2023 reintroduced this game, which is among the most remarkable releases in the long-lasting series, to a new wave of gamers.

In the reimagined version of Resident Evil 4, there’s an emphasis on open-world aspects and interconnected locales, but the narrative continues to unfold in a straightforward manner, pushing players ever forward. Exploration is a key element in this game, as players uncover numerous hidden secrets scattered across the map. The game takes you through various settings such as rundown villages, subterranean caves, decaying churches, and an imposing castle, each location offering a fresh perspective while still contributing to a larger, cohesive world. Resident Evil 4 delivers a captivating and mysterious world to explore, all the while maintaining its linear storyline, making it one of the most immersive horror gaming experiences in recent memory.

4 Black Myth: Wukong

Ancient Mythology Comes Alive

Black Myth: Wukong swept through the gaming world like a whirlwind, achieving immediate popularity. Labeled as China’s initial AAA game, Wukong is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and boasts breathtaking graphics, intense battles, and captivating narrative.

Although the game offers some alternative routes, secret boss battles, and hidden treasures, Wukong essentially follows a linear progression. Players traverse one main path throughout the game, encountering numerous enigmatic and formidable bosses and meeting diverse characters. Despite its apparent size, Wukong presents an epic narrative that unfolds across a vast landscape teeming with dense woodlands, snow-covered peaks, and oppressive marshes.

3 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Travel The Road Of Revenge

Although it doesn’t bear the “Souls” name, FromSoftware’s captivating samurai action game shares many mechanics with their other renowned titles. Boasting some of the finest combat in contemporary gaming, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a demanding adventure set in an enigmatic, time-worn Japan.

In contrast to FromSoftware’s game Dark Souls, where players frequently have freedom to decide their own journey across a vast, interconnected map, Sekiro offers a more structured, straightforward experience. Nevertheless, this linearity doesn’t diminish the game’s appeal. The setting is filled with mysterious canyons, towering mountains, lush forests, and ancient temples, creating a world that feels rich, diverse, and vibrant. Each new area in Sekiro presents itself as a fresh, exciting discovery, making the game visually captivating.

2 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Epic Battles In The Grimdark Future

Space Marine 2 has rapidly emerged as one of the most popular video games within the Warhammer 40k universe, captivating players with its gripping gameplay that combines hard-hitting action with stunning graphics. The title offers an immersive gaming experience many have eagerly anticipated. In this game, you follow Lieutenant Titus as he strives to rebuild the faith of his fellow Space Marines while combatting hordes of Xenos and Chaos forces that threaten three planets in the system.

In the sequel to “Space Marine,” grandeur is found at every turn, giving an impression of vastness that belies its linear gameplay structure. Swarms of adversaries pour in from all directions as intense skirmishes unfold in every nook and cranny. The game’s scope extends far beyond what you can explore, lending a sense of openness and vitality to the world. Each stage is meticulously crafted, providing one of the most comprehensive representations of the “Warhammer 40k” universe yet seen. This intricate detail, combined with the game’s breathtaking graphics, countless enemies, and sprawling narrative, generates a sense of depth that’s rarely found in games labeled as open-world.

1 The Last Of Us

Travel The Ruins of America

Among the highly praised video games from this contemporary period, “The Last of Us” excels in numerous aspects, such as its compelling narrative, engaging stealth-action mechanics, and captivating world construction. Despite boasting vast landscapes and pulse-quickening sequences, “The Last of Us” is a game that primarily offers one clear route to navigate through.

In “The Last of Us,” Joel and Ellie journey across America, navigating dangerous outlaws and continually encountering the infected. The game doesn’t feel rigid or linear, as it guides players through ruined cities, dense woodlands, and shadowy underground passages. This game is lively and immersive, with each section offering a piece of a larger, more expansive world.

2024-09-23 06:04