The Best Open World Games Set in the Past

Highlights

Open-world games set in the past offer players a window into history, incorporating real-life figures and locations for an immersive experience.
From Ancient Egypt to 1980s Miami, games like Assassin’s Creed: Origins and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City offer unique settings and storylines.
Ghost of Tsushima and Red Dead Redemption 2 set the standard for open-world games in the past, combining historical accuracy with stunning visuals.

As a history enthusiast and a lifelong gamer, I can confidently say that open-world games set in the past are an absolute delight. They transport me to eras long gone, offering a unique perspective on times I’ve only read about in books or seen in documentaries.

As a history-loving gamer, I find it fascinating how open-world games often unfold in the present day, but some creatively transport us to bygone eras or future landscapes. Stepping into these historical periods offers an immersive and unique way to engage with eras I might not otherwise have a chance to explore.

Exceptional open-world games set in the past creatively utilize their environments, often featuring historical characters in their narratives or rebuilding vanished locales. By doing so, they offer gamers a glimpse into a more uncomplicated era, allowing them to experience various escapades.

5 Assassin’s Creed: Origins

Assassin’s Creed: Origins Takes Place in Egypt Between 49 BC and 38 BC

Most Assassin’s Creed games are set in the past, but very few delve as deeply into history as Assassin’s Creed: Origins. Released towards the end of 2017, this widely played Ubisoft game is unique because it transports players to ancient Egypt during the closing years of the Ptolemaic era, between 49 BC and 38 BC.

The initial game in the series, titled Origins, was the pioneer introducing various challenge levels, empowering players to customize their combat experience according to their preference. Its immersive portrayal of Ancient Egypt offers a captivating environment for exploration. Notably, this game weaves real-life figures like Socrates, Cleopatra, and Julius Caesar into its engrossing narrative.

4 Shenmue

Shenmue Takes Place in Yokosuka, Japan in the Year 1986

The first installment of the Shenmue series is particularly notable for its depiction of the setting, offering gamers an intricately designed, immersive environment set in the late eighties. In this game, players assume the role of Ryo Hazuki, a skilled martial artist who’s on a quest for vengeance following his father’s tragic murder.

Ryo’s adventure kicks off in Yokosuka: a significant Japanese city nestled at Tokyo Bay’s mouth. To ensure the game world felt authentic, series creator Yu Suzuki and his crew delved deeply into the location, aiming to replicate reality not just for Yokosuka but also its inhabitants. Each non-player character (NPC) in the game follows a unique daily routine, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere.

3 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Takes Place in a Fictionalized Version of Miami in the Year 1986

Most “Grand Theft Auto” series games generally unfold in present-day settings, with only a few notable exceptions. One game that stands out significantly is “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City“, which is set in the 1980s and features a city heavily influenced by Miami. Its design is strikingly similar, and numerous in-game locations and structures mirror real-world ones from the city.

Despite the city being superbly depicted, it’s the in-game radio stations that truly enhance the game’s immersion into the ’80s atmosphere. Songs such as “Billy Jean,” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” and “Out of Touch” take players back to this era. The game’s environment is also influenced by several ’80s gangster films, including “Carlito’s Way” and “Scarface,” and so is its narrative.

2 Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima Takes Place on Tsushima Island in the Year 1274

In the eyes of many, “Ghost of Tsushima” stands out as an exceptional open-world game that unfolds in a historical setting, with few rivals in its genre. This captivating title is set on the picturesque island of Tsushima during the year 1274, where players embark on a journey as Jin Sakai, a samurai who faces the challenging task of preserving his uncle and the homeland he loves from an imminent Mongol invasion. To do so, Jin must make the difficult choice to relinquish some of his honor.

As a captivated admirer, even though war has left its scars upon Tsushima’s landscape, the island’s breathtaking natural charm continues to radiate vividly, making my journey through this expansive in-game world an unforgettable delight. For those who may lose their bearings amidst the vastness, the Guiding Wind feature serves as a reliable compass, guiding me back on track and harmonizing beautifully with the game’s deeper themes beyond its central storyline.

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 Takes Place in the Old West Between 1899 and 1907

Red Dead Redemption 2 stands among the greatest video games ever crafted. Its narrative is an artistic triumph, its characters exhibit genuine humanity, and the game mechanics shine with meticulous refinement. What truly sets this 2018 release apart might be its immersive setting, transporting players to the year 1899 and a depiction of America that encompasses various landscapes and environments.

scarcely can a sequel surpass its forerunner as impressively as Red Dead Redemption 2 does, yet it’s hard to find any aspect where the original game excels more; except possibly for its outstanding Undead Nightmare DLC addition. It should be emphasized that this isn’t meant as a criticism of the first Red Dead Redemption, which is also an exceptional video game in its own right; rather, it’s a strong affirmation of how exceptional Red Dead Redemption 2 truly is.

2024-08-08 19:53