The Best Open-World Games Set In Japan

Highlights

Japan offers rich settings for video games, from real places like Kamurocho to fictional cities based on Japanese urban landscapes.
The
Yakuza
series,
Ghost of Tsushima,
and
Ghostwire: Tokyo
showcase different periods in Japanese history with stunning visuals.
Games like
Okami
and
NEO: The World Ends With You
provide immersive experiences in ancient Japan and modern Shibuya.

As a long-time gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the world of video games has evolved tremendously since I first picked up a controller. One aspect that has particularly caught my eye is the growing number of open-world games that immerse players in vast, explorable landscapes.

In discussions about video games, it’s common to focus on aspects like the storyline, music, battles, and characters. These elements undeniably contribute to a game’s lasting impact. However, the environment or setting within a game is equally crucial in distinguishing one game from another and giving each its distinctive personality.

1. One reason why Japan is renowned globally is its vast market for video games, and its breathtaking landscapes offer a captivating backdrop for game development. Spanning from ancient feudal times to the present day, Japan has undergone significant transformations, making it an excellent subject for educational yet entertaining video games that allow people to explore this nation’s rich history and beauty.

Open-world video games offer the most authentic way to explore the intricacies of any virtual world, including those set in Japan. These immersive experiences provide a delight for Japan enthusiasts, allowing them to embark on a journey through time and discover hidden gems, regardless of the era.

1 Yakuza Series

Explore The Entertainment Districts Of Japan

Speaking about each Yakuza game individually reveals that a large portion of the list belongs to this series, showcasing the exceptional way the Yakuza games depict Japan and its culture. The Yakuza series draws heavily from real-life locations, with the primary setting, Kamurocho, modeled after the Kabukicho district in Shinjuku.

Throughout the Yakuza game series, players have the freedom to discover various fictional cities, which draw heavily from authentic Japanese urban areas. Despite the fact that real-life Yakuza members are not portrayed as the game’s anti-hero characters, the Yakuza series remains an exceptional choice for exploring diverse aspects of Japan and its history.

2 Ghost Of Tsushima

The Island Of Tsushima Could Not Be More Beautiful

Sucker Punch’s masterpiece, Ghost of Tsushima, is a heartfelt tribute to enthusiasts of Japanese samurai films. This game portrays themes of honor, self-sacrifice, and tenacity as it unfolds in Feudal Japan on the picturesque island of Tsushima during the initial Mongol invasion.

The power of ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ shines through its meticulous world creation, where every corner of the game is visually stunning. Although the actual island is characterized by mountains and forests, the game presents players with an entirely different perspective, transforming the location into some of the most breathtaking open-world landscapes ever depicted in a video game.

3 Ghostwire: Tokyo

Adventures In A Deserted Tokyo

In the vibrant Shibuya district of Tokyo, Japan, known for its lively nightlife and fashionable youth culture, there’s an alternate reality revealed in “Ghostwire: Tokyo.” Here, the usual hustle and bustle is replaced by a haunting scene, as if from a dark dream. The once crowded streets now stand empty, and otherworldly beings wander where people used to roam.

In the opening scene of Ghostwire: Tokyo, a thick fog envelopes the city, momentarily confining players’ movements. However, this restriction comes with a perk – as you advance in the game, you get to thoroughly explore the entire map since the area is not overly vast. The game presents a vivid contrast between the chaotic urban landscape of Shibuya and the pockets of nature that persist amidst the concrete maze. From popular hotspots and neon-lit structures to hidden nooks, Ghostwire: Tokyo captures the heart and soul of the city in stunning detail. Moreover, it’s deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and mythology.

Exploring the meticulously captured image of modern Shibuya feels like an immersive experience, brimming with intricate details that words alone can’t fully convey. To truly understand this unique portrayal of the district, engage in the game and discover the unexpected replacement of former human traces with spiritual entities.

4 Shenmue

A Journey For Revenge

Approximately two decades have passed since the initial release of Shenmue, a game that was unquestionably groundbreaking in terms of storytelling and world-building within the realm of video games during its era. Although opinions may differ about which game pioneered the concept of an open world, Shenmue is frequently recognized as one of the early examples that ignited the passion for open-world gaming among gamers.

In the enchanting town of Yokosuka, where streets come alive with stores, eateries, and gaming arcades, the initial installment of the series unfolds. The story follows Ryu Hazuki’s quest for vengeance as he seeks justice for his father’s tragic demise.

The revenge story sets players up for an action-packed adventure as they hop around town looking for clues to get one step closer to the culprit. Shenmue is features absurd attention to detail, and while Yokosuka is a small town, it is incredibly rich in detail. While walking around the town, players can enjoy the little activities normal people do in their daily lives, such as going shopping, playing at an arcade, working a job to make wages. Shenmue does things that might feel unnecessary, but ultimately, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

5 NEO: The World Ends With You

Explore The Urban Fantasy Tokyo In Style

Stepping once more into the pulsating heart of Shibuya, I find myself lost in the captivating world of NEO: The World Ends With You – a game that doesn’t quite fit the mold of conventional open-world adventures. As I traverse this vibrant cityscape, it’s impossible not to be reminded of gaming classics like Persona or Kingdom Hearts, with its striking visual aesthetics and harmonious soundtrack weaving their magic around me.

1) The game boasts an appealing mix of style and depth, featuring a compelling storyline that harmonizes with its offbeat aesthetics and high-speed battles. Transporting players to a stylish rendition of Shibuya, the NEO centers around a band of adolescents compelled to compete in a deadly game where neglecting daily objectives results in their elimination. This contemporary JRPG was created by veterans from the Kingdom Hearts team and has amassed an ardent fanbase who vouch for its excellence.

6 Shin Chan: Me And The Professor On Summer Vacation – The Endless Seven-Day Journey

Laid Back Gaming

Platform(s)	Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Released	15 July 2021
Developer(s)	Neos Corporation, Millennium Kitchen, Star Factory
Genre(s)	Adventure Game, Simulation, Casual

In a similar vein as the “My Summer Vacation” series, the less recognized game titled “Shin Chan: Myself and the Professor on Summer Vacation – The Never-Ending Seven-Day Journey” offers an exciting adventure.

Shin-chan, the mischievous character from the anime series named “Shin chan,” goes on new escapades. This game takes us to the tranquil countryside of Japan as Shin-chan reconnects with his mom’s family and old pals in Asso, Kumamoto.

In simpler terms, this game is designed for a younger crowd, where the objective is to collect pictures and intriguing anecdotes for Shin-chan’s journal during his holiday. Players are given the freedom to roam around the countryside at their own pace. The unrushed feel of the game holds an endearing appeal that can captivate players of all ages.

Special Mention: Okami (Hub Areas Rather Than Open-World)

In our discussion, Okami deserves a shout-out because while it’s not entirely an open-world game, it does have substantial central locations. The game emphasizes exploration significantly, and as the story progresses, players are granted the freedom to roam freely.

Hailing from the PS2 era, the captivating game known as Okami transports players to a mesmerizing adventure set in ancient Japan, where emperors held supreme power and gods frequently disguised themselves among humans. Assuming the persona of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, you embark on a mission to halt an age-old evil from corrupting Japan. The journey takes you through picturesque rural landscapes, beautifully rendered using an uncommon artistic style in video games.

1. In the unique world of Okami, hand-drawn elements give it a distinctive charm, and its watercolor aesthetic seamlessly permeates gameplay. The Celestial Brush empowers players to transform the entire game environment into their canvas, with every stroke holding divine potential to reshape the world in godly ways. Whether it’s defeating enemies, altering daylight hours, or reviving lifeless trees, Amaterasu’s abilities are elegantly portrayed.

The game, richly infused with the essence of Japan, draws inspiration from its legends and folklores scattered across the globe. With unexpected challenges lying in wait for the players, Okami offers an engaging experience for those eager to journey through Japan’s folklore.

2024-07-30 01:34