Open-World Games Where Technology Changes As You Play

Key Takeaways

Games evolve characters with technological upgrades during campaigns for progression and tougher challenges.
Examples like
Horizon Zero Dawn
and
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
showcase how advanced tech affects gameplay.
Titles like
Cyberpunk 2077
and
Palworld
use implanted enhancements and crafting to advance technology.

As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the vast worlds of video games, I find it fascinating to witness the evolution of technology within these virtual realms. From the primitive tools of our Stone Age ancestors in Far Cry Primal to the advanced weapons and gadgets of Palworld, it’s a testament to how far we’ve come as a species – or at least as gaming enthusiasts!

In many games, advancements in technology play a significant role as the story unfolds. These enhancements could be seen in the protagonist’s abilities, talents, tools, or weaponry. The journey often starts with basic gear, gradually progressing to more sophisticated tech, which strengthens the character, introduces fresh gameplay aspects, and opens up new playable zones. This progression provides a feeling of development. As the technology advances, so too do the challenges, as enemies become stronger and the difficulty level increases.

Although not categorized as open-world games, the Civilization series offers an engaging journey through history for its fans. As technology advances in real life, so does the gaming experience within the series. Occasionally, the in-game technology might also upgrade due to the narrative’s progression. Time jumps or even time travel could be part of the gameplay. Open-world games effectively demonstrate evolving technology by their expansive and immersive nature. Here are some outstanding open-world games that reflect advancing technology as players advance through the game.

7 Horizon Zero Dawn

Tribes Meet Technology

Open-World Games Where Technology Changes As You Play

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in the Horizon Zero Dawn universe, a post-apocalyptic landscape where remnants of humanity have reverted to tribal ways, their connection to our past all but forgotten. This has led to conflicts between tribes, as we struggle for survival and resources amidst a world dominated by advanced machines.

The protagonist, Aloy, is shunned by her tribe and embarks on a journey to unearth forgotten customs. Equipped with rudimentary tools like a spear, bow, and stones to deter adversaries initially, she later discovers advanced tech from the pre-apocalyptic era, such as a gadget called a Focus. These advancements enhance her survival prospects against the robot creatures that now rule the world, also granting her the power to commandeer and ride some of these mechanical beasts.

6 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Spartans Collide With An Advanced Ancient Civilization

In the Assassin’s Creed collection of games, a unique blend of ancient history and futuristic sci-fi elements has always been present. However, the expansive open world of Odyssey pushes this concept even further. As the player embarks on their journey in 431 BCE, amidst the Peloponnesian War, they will guide either Alexios or Kassandra (based on the character chosen by the player) through Greece. Here, they’ll come across advanced technology hidden within ancient artifacts.

In this game, you’ll find artifacts that date back to a highly intelligent civilization called the Isu. As you advance through gameplay, these items will transform your combat experience from traditional Spartan weapons like swords and shields to more advanced, future-oriented fighting techniques.

5 Cyberpunk 2077

New Abilities In The Form Of Body Modifications

In Cyberpunk 2077, the central concept revolves around the extensive application of futuristic technologies, frequently manifested as augmentations to a person’s physique. These enhancements are typically installed by specialists known as “Ripperdocs”. The implanted technology empowers not only the player character but also other characters, whether allies or adversaries, with abilities such as enhanced speed, increased jumping capabilities (even double jumps), greater offensive and defensive prowess, and advanced hacking skills – a crucial aspect of the gameplay.

As advanced technology significantly shapes the gameplay and storyline, players will frequently need to make crucial decisions to endure the bleak futuristic landscape of Night City.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

A Link To The Future

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always appreciated how The Legend of Zelda series skillfully intertwines time travel within its enchanting medieval fantasy backdrop. In Breath of the Wild, however, my character Link finds himself revived from a deep slumber, a century later due to critical injuries sustained during the Calamity War. Instead of venturing into a futuristic realm, this 100-year leap leaves Link in a world that, surprisingly, hasn’t evolved much – it remains in ruins, still grappling with the aftermath of the war.

Initially clad in just his undergarments and wielding nothing more than a stick, Link is equipped with the Sheikah Slate – a sophisticated gadget resembling the Nintendo Switch. This device grants teleportation abilities and allows players to access shrines. Inside these shrines, as well as other expansive areas of Hyrule, players uncover advanced technology and weaponry from the past, which enhances Link’s survivability throughout the game.

3 Palworld

Open-World Survival Meets Monsters With Guns

In the realm of open-world survival games, Palworld stands out as a notable illustration of how gameplay influences technology. It merges aspects from popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild, ARK: Survival Evolved, and notably, Pokemon. Initially stranded on a beach with only a loincloth, the player character eventually gains assistance from creatures they capture, referred to as Pals. With this aid, players can unlock advanced tools, clothing, gadgets, and additional resources over time.

Players can progressively advance from basic equipment to advanced technologies like weapons and devices, by combining skill in construction and the special skills of their companions (Pals).

2 ARK: Survival Evolved

From Prehistoric To Futuristic

Prior to Palworld, there existed ARK: Survival Evolved from 2017, boasting a more lifelike art style than the whimsical beasts in Palworld. Once you’ve had your fill of customizing characters, ARK transports you to an island teeming with dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.

Over the course of play, technology advances, and by dedicating some gameplay hours to construction, players can ultimately design high-tech body armor and sophisticated weaponry like assault rifles and dart guns for subduing dinosaurs, allowing them to control and mount certain species.

1 Far Cry Primal

Putting The Pre(historic) Into Prequel

The Far Cry series has transported gamers to numerous captivating locales, and Far Cry Primal might just be one of the most intriguing instances. This game is set during the Stone Age, and like other games that utilize a prehistoric backdrop, Far Cry Primal focuses on the evolution of primitive technology. It bravely opted to eliminate many of the modern elements players had grown accustomed to in previous versions.

Instead of the firearms and vehicles commonly seen in previous Far Cry installments, players initially wield clubs and spears in this game. They’ll then progress to craft more sophisticated (yet still rudimentary) weapons that enhance their character’s lethality. Although the technological progression may seem gradual compared to other games in the series, it mirrors the slow yet consistent advancements humans made during this period. The game also incorporates elements from other titles in the series, such as a precursor to the wingsuit gadget.

2024-10-05 11:33