Unlock Your Power: Top Open-World Games Where You Rise to the Top!

Everyone seems to admire the spirit of the underdog. Watching them battle through seemingly insurmountable obstacles to claim victory is truly inspiring. With enough grit and resilience, you too might be able to surpass your current circumstances, much like the characters in the following open-world games.

It’s worth noting that many games revolve around themes of violence. Yet, it’s crucial not to view these characters’ actions as real-life examples to follow. Instead, there’s much to learn from their stories. The underdog narrative, for instance, is quite effective in gaming, as the player’s advancement in an open world often coincides with the character’s rise in status or power.

7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Find Out Who Double-Crossed You And Then Become A Kingpin

In “Grand Theft Auto 3”, the narrative revolves around revenge, while in “San Andreas”, it’s centered on family and loyalty. On the other hand, “Vice City” focuses solely on amassing power. The game begins as the main character, Tommy Vercetti, sets out to uncover who undermined the drug transaction that kick-starts the storyline.

Upon unraveling that enigma, I found myself eager to venture out on my own and seize control of Vice City. My sanctuary becomes a grand mansion, serving as my command center. Gradually, I acquire diverse properties, and once I’ve amassed a specific number of businesses, the climactic mission unfolds.

Initially, it was Sonny, the criminal mastermind who orchestrated Tommy’s relocation to Vice City, who later attempted to seize a portion of the empire that the characters had painstakingly constructed. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Tommy ended up eliminating Sonny, thereby asserting his dominance as the undisputed ruler of Vice City. The film then concludes, solidifying Tommy’s transformation from a low-level enforcer to the supreme ruler of Vice City.

Tommy Vercetti is played by Ray Liotta, known for his legendary turn as Henry Hill in Goodfellas.

6. Mount And Blade 2: Bannerlord

“A King Ain’t Satisfied ‘Till He Rules Everything” – Bruce Springsteen

In the “Mount & Blade” series, players embark on an epic journey, initially assuming humble beginnings in a fantasy medieval realm. Gradually, they amass troops, seize control of towns, and ultimately ascend to become the most formidable ruler. After achieving their ultimate goal, they can retire peacefully amidst the mountains.

Unlike most games in this collection, the underdog story isn’t explicitly conveyed via a traditional narrative. Instead, the gameplay itself forms the structure of the tale. Notably, there is no clear-cut conclusion to this game. It continues until the player chooses to quit and move on to another game.

5. Scarface: The World Is Yours

Rebuild Tony Montana’s Empire

Back in 2006, I was among many who didn’t think a Scarface video game would be anything special. But boy, were we wrong! The developers cleverly incorporated elements from Grand Theft Auto, creating an experience that was truly noteworthy and worth bragging about to my gaming buddies.

Rather than recounting the movie’s actual events, the game presents an alternate scenario: Tony Montana manages to survive the raid on his mansion that occurred in the movie. However, despite this, he ultimately loses the empire he had established during the original storyline and is compelled to rebuild everything from scratch.

This time around, he recognizes the fatal flaws that led to his ruin. Reminiscent of Vice City, it’s set in Miami, and who could complain about that? The game features Al Pacino’s likeness for Tony Montana, but another actor portrays the legendary character.

In a somewhat unexpected twist, Tony Montana – known for his ruthlessness – could hardly be seen as an underdog. Yet, there’s something commendable about him that sets him apart: he chooses not to harm innocent women and children. This compassionate trait is mirrored in the gameplay.

4. Cyberpunk 2077

Become A Night City Legend, Albeit With A Limited Life Expectancy

In the game Cyberpunk 2077, the main character V, along with their close companion Jackie, aspire for greatness in the world of mercenaries within Night City. However, as the story unfolds over several hours in the game, both V and Jackie face harsh realities – only V makes it through, but not without a time bomb implanted in his head that houses the consciousness of legendary rocker boy revolutionary, Johnny Silverhand. This unwelcome guest continually wreaks havoc on V’s life and their potential friendship.

Silverhand is gradually overpowering V’s mind, and extracting the chip could lead to an immediate death for V. This significantly hinders V’s ambition to establish themselves as a renowned figure in Night City’s criminal underworld. Despite the tight deadline on V’s health situation, they are determined to amass street credibility across Night City, becoming known as a top-tier mercenary among numerous fixers. This recognition will help them earn more eurodollars and secure their survival.

Depending on the conclusion players reach, they can culminate their tale atop the world in Night City, owning a villa and preparing for a major heist. Characters known as V may face daily peril, but their status as a Night City legend endures. Moreover, the necessity to live each day as if it’s their last offers its own unique sense of hope.

3. Fallout 4

Lead a Faction into a New Age in an Unpredictable Wasteland

In the progression of Bethesda’s “Fallout” series, particularly with “Fallout 4,” there are several conclusions that align well with this list. Unlike other characters, the protagonist doesn’t initially seek power or status; instead, they aim to locate their son, Shaun, amidst a world that has significantly evolved from what they once recognized.

Upon discovering that their son leads a cutting-edge Institute, the character now has several options. One choice is to assume leadership, overseeing technology and weaponry far beyond what’s available in the desolate landscape.

No matter which path you pick, one group will cease to exist. For those who yearn for dominance, it’s possible to wipe out all other groups, leaving only the Minutemen standing tall. This demonstrates that the Vault 111 Survivor can rise as a formidable force in the wasteland by leading their own faction.

2. The Godfather

From Street Thug To Don Of New York City

The video game version of the iconic 1972 movie begins by depicting the main character experiencing their father’s demise as a child. As they mature, they join the Corleone family and carry out tasks that mirror the film’s narrative. Successfully completing the story transforms players into an underboss within the game.

Completing the game fully transforms the player into the boss of New York City, with the character being a male named Aldo who is created by the players. This open-world experience offers an exciting journey, as finishing all side missions and locating every hidden item is quite challenging.

1. Saints Row

From Random Bystander To The Leader Of The Saints

The “Saints Row” franchise ultimately reaches an extravagant point, making it simple to overlook its humble beginnings rooted in a street-level dispute. Initially, the protagonist is an insignificant figure who becomes connected with the 3rd Street Saints only after receiving a miraculous rescue by them.

In the initial game, despite being portrayed as a gang, the Saints are essentially working towards reducing real-life street violence by dominating their rival groups within the virtual world. The story concludes with the player amidst a large yacht explosion, paving the way for the sequel where they must reclaim their position in the underworld once more.

2025-01-22 04:34