Open-World Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

Key Takeaways

Kingdoms Of Amalur – Reckoning featured a revolutionary combat system and perfect multiclass system.
Two Worlds 2 introduced revolutionary combat mechanics, free-roam gameplay, and character customization.
Need For Speed – Carbon was the first open-world car game with full vehicle customization and street racing.

As someone who’s been around gaming for a good chunk of years now, I must say that these three games have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. Each one of them was a pioneer in its genre, pushing boundaries and setting new standards.

Today, open-world games abound, but it wasn’t always the case. Back then, the idea of an open-world game was groundbreaking, much like a sandbox was merely a wooden box containing sand in a kindergarten setting. However, certain open-world games paved their own path and breathed life into mechanics we’re familiar with today, many of which have also inspired popular titles cherished by fans within the genre.

These pioneering titles range from a masterpiece of the RPG genre that brought gamers a revolutionary combat system, to the first submarine open-world game that almost no one knows about. These games were the birthplaces of great ideas, and gamers owe them both respect and admiration. Check out this list of open-world games that were ahead of their time.

5 Kingdoms Of Amalur – Reckoning

Incredible Worldbuilding & Many Cool Mechanics

Release Year: 2012
Developed by: Big Huge Games
Special Gimmicks: The Perfect Multiclass System, Fluid Combat System with Finishers

Around seventeen years ago, “Kingdoms of Amalur – Reckoning” was unveiled when many were still absorbed in games like “Skyrim,” “Batman: Arkham City,” and “Portal 2.” Despite not being the strongest debut on Windows, it had to enter the market. In a year (2012) that also saw the releases of “Borderlands 2,” “Mass Effect 3,” and “Dishonored,” the game largely went unnoticed by the mainstream. However, for dedicated RPG enthusiasts, this game marked a new era in role-playing games.

This game introduced a sleeker, smoother, and dynamic hack-and-slash battle system, which was met with great enthusiasm from fans. The game boasted an almost flawless multiclass system, enabling players to construct their characters around three primary attributes – magic, agility, and strength. They could then fuse these elements into potent combinations called Fates. To add to the excitement, players were granted the ability to unleash devastating finishers that not only destroyed enemies but also shattered the very essence of reality, causing a powerful shockwave that damaged all nearby adversaries. It’s an engaging title and a precursor for many open-world games featuring similar combat mechanics.

4 Two Worlds 2

Introduced Revolutionary Combat Mechanics

Release Year: 2010
Developed by: Reality Pump, TopWare Interactive
Special Gimmick: Revolutionary Free Roam and Combat Mechanics

In the continuation of the well-loved game Two Worlds, titled Two Worlds 2 , we follow a tale about two siblings who are magically whisked away to a realm of swords and magic. You’ve got it right, this is an Isekai-style adventure! Unlike other games, Two Worlds 2 allows players the freedom to explore its expansive world at their leisure. The narrative can be shaped by each player as they complete main and side missions at their own pace. What sets this game apart is the ability for players to customize their characters extensively, provided they gather Skill Books to unlock their desired abilities.

Beyond the apparent selection of skills like Ranged, Magic, and Warrior, the player is additionally allowed to don numerous armor and weapons discovered throughout their journey. This is where the game becomes intricate. The amount of gear carried, the type of equipment, and the weapon chosen by the player significantly influence their character’s movement and attack style. The game boasts a remarkable combat system that allows free movement, encompassing jumping attacks, dodge attacks, block, parry, and counter-attacks. It was innovative for its time, and unfortunately, it has been overlooked and forgotten as a standout gem in the RPG genre.

3 Need For Speed – Carbon

The First Open-World Car Game With Customization

Release Year: 2006
Developed by: EA
Special Gimmick: First Open World Street Racing Game With Full Vehicle Customization

2005 marked the year when the popularity of street racing, as portrayed in “The Fast & The Furious” franchise, soared. This was the opportune moment for the “Need For Speed” series to progress. Introducing “Need For Speed Carbon”, a game that revolutionized the way open-world and racing games were played. Featuring stunning graphics, an iconic soundtrack, and open-world features, players could personalize their vehicles and customize their rides with Neon lights.

This groundbreaking game introduced open-world street racing as its primary feature, complete with missions, unexplored areas, and real-life actor-narrated cinematics that brought in-game characters to life through voiceovers. Notable cast members included Emmanuelle Vaugier (Nikki), Tahmoh Penikett (Darius), Dean McKenzie (Cross), Chris Gauthier (Neville), and others. Countless racing games have attempted to replicate its success, with many achieving this feat, such as The Crew. This game left an indelible mark on the racing game genre.

2 Freelancer

Features That Would Influence Mass Effect & No Man’s Sky

Release Year: 2003
Developed by: Digital Anvil
Special Gimmick: First Open World Complete Space Simulation

Before Mass Effect was a plan in Bioware’s think tank, and years before No Man’s Sky revolutionized space exploration games, Freelancer took off. With incredible graphics and VFX, this action-packed dogfighting and space prospecting game had everything it needed to become the perfect space simulation game. Sadly, some fans and critics were not so pleased. Needless to say, this game was underrated, and way ahead of its time.

Over two decades since its debut, Freelancer remains remarkably innovative. Certain aspects were beyond imitation by rivals upon its launch, and no game developer has attempted to replicate them since. However, it significantly influenced the industry, encouraging developers to venture beyond our solar system and craft captivating science fiction narratives. In essence, this game can be seen as the forerunner of today’s space exploration simulators and RPGs.

1 Sub Culture

The Predecessor Of Subnautica, And Many More

Release Year: 1997
Developed by: Criterion Studios
Special Gimmick: First Open World Submarine Simulation

A classic gem from yesteryears, Sub Culture stood out as it was incredibly innovative for its era. It paved the way as the inaugural submarine game set in an expansive open-world environment with minimal restrictions, save for docking and trading goods. The narrative revolved around a character belonging to a secret, miniature, and technologically advanced civilization residing in the ocean’s depths. They navigated submarines in search of Thorium, a rare and radioactive mineral essential for their technology’s power.

One day, a thorium prospector found himself homeless after a massive can fell on his house. From then on, he made his home in his submarine. He collected various materials such as bronze from enormous copper coins, metal from bottle caps, pearls from oysters, and tobacco from giant cigars. All the while, he had to contend with hostile species and pirates that patrolled the waters.

This submarine offered extensive customization options, and it presented a variety of missions that didn’t follow a strict sequence. Players could pick different factions, influencing the story’s ending. There was also an option to rebel and focus on piracy, raiding settlements and plundering their resources. It was an outstanding game, quite progressive for its era. Modern open-world sea exploration games wouldn’t exist without this gem from the past.

2024-10-26 02:34