Gaming is fun for many reasons, but one of the big parts of it is the easy freedom.
As time went on and technology advanced, so did the idea of freedom in a virtual world.
Yes, I can go rescue the princess, but what if I dont want to?
What if I just want to converse with a rando or go fishing?
Open-world games became realized throughout the years and have become a staple of AAA releases.
Its redefined what an epic virtual experience really can be.
Heres a look at the games throughout the years that truly define the genre.
Dont confuse that with a list of the best of the genre.We have a list of that over here.
The thing is, defining open-world gaming is like playing one of those games.
Its hard to really pin down the right direction.
Its hazy, so looking at the true building blocks can be a bit of a challenge at times.
To be completely honest, the splitting of hairs isnt all that interesting.
But then theresUltima, which is really the first open-world game thatfeelsimpactful and important.
The RPG elements, character creation, and exploration make the whole thing feel like such a revelation.
UnlikeUltima,Elitewas open-ended, which added to the experience.
Outside of building up your rank into Elite, theres little in terms of endings or streamlined narrative.
You just go shoot up invaders, collect bounties, and barter over fuel and whatever.
So many games and even genres owe a lot to this classic.
you might steal it.
Its just that doing so will have dire consequences.
And thats what this early sandbox game is all about.
GJ
Legend of Zelda (1986)
Its dangerous to go alone.
Thats all you were told and from there came a legend.
Thats the basic idea ofSid Meiers Pirates, but theres so much more to it.
I wanted more swashbuckling and cannon fire!
Granted, many technical sacrifices had to be made to get those ideas to technically function in 1991.
Links 64-bit adventure felt like a cocktail ofSuper Mario 64and what previousZeldagames had built.
Marios star-collecting and painting-jumping exploits definitely got the ball rolling.
No longer were you wandering towards endless fog and darkness.
Now you’re able to see villages filled with life and identity.
you might join various guilds and organizations that could affect how NPCs perceive you.
Not only wasShenmueopen-world, but it was so detailed and gave the player tons to do.
Characters were more than static models to talk to but walked around with programmed daily routines.
Night and day dictated the options of what you were capable of at any time.
Yes, playing a video game so your character could play video games.
We are truly through the looking glass, people.
Its just that the birds eye view held it back from meeting its true potential.
Then youd die, dust yourself off, and go back to being just the worst person.
Sequels, clones, and other games would ape on this release for years to come.
Games likeArkham CityandInfamouswould follow in its footsteps, as would future Spider-Man titles.
In other words, whileGTA3was about playing around the landmarks,Just Causewas about playing through it.
Its derivative, but it really stands out by merging it withPilotwingsand an in-your-face action movie.
GJ
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
MB
Minecraft (2011)
Minecraftis the open world brought to its next logical point.
Its not so much a game as it is an experience.
Perhaps even its own artform.
It is the ultimate sandbox and an iconic use of imagination.
The culmination of video game freedom.
That said, Minecraft Steves spot inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateabsolutely should have gone to Waluigi.
Dont you boo me!
Red Dead Redemption 2took that idea to incredible new levels.
