Platform:
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Publisher:
Rockstar Games
Developer:
Rockstar Games
Release:
(PlayStation 4,
Xbox One),
(PC)
Rating:
Mature
There was a time when video games were largely linear affairs. You either moved up and down or from left to right in enclosed spaces. As technology evolved, so did the scope of digital worlds. Now players are regularly treated to expansive environments filled with quests, interesting characters, and horizons that stretch further with every console generation. These experiences consume dozens if not hundreds of hours, and as more of them flood the market, knowing which titles are worth the time investment has become crucial. To that end, we’ve assembled a list of 10 great modern open-world games available today to help make what can be a paralyzing decision a little easier. These are listed in no particular order and don’t necessarily represent the best games of all time. Rather, this will be an ever-changing list of quality titles to arrive in recent years that you should go out of your way to get lost in.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware proves its punishing yet satisfying style of action RPG absolutely works in an open-world format. Brimming with mystery and danger, Elden Ring allows players to make their own way, providing little guidance or hand-holding, making every discovery feel like a genuinely exciting and well-earned reward. Unlike traditional Souls games, slamming against a difficult boss isn’t the end of the line. You can simply explore elsewhere and fall down the rabbit holes of breaching an impregnable fortress, surviving a treacherous swamp, or taking down dozens upon dozens of other imposing enemies. Quality-of-life additions such as free fast travel and friendlier checkpointing before boss fights alleviate some stress, further encouraging you to hop aboard your spectral mount and uncover every secret of this incredible world. | Our Review
Horizon Forbidden West
Forbidden West stands as a staggering technical marvel boasting one of the most graphically impressive worlds we’ve ever seen. Eye-candy leaps out at every turn, from ruined desert casinos, snow-capped mountain villages, and of course, jaw-dropping machines old and new. Guerrilla makes getting around easier thanks to more streamlined traversal mechanics and Aloy’s glider-like Shield Wing lets players descend from great heights with style. Overflowing with more meaningful side quests and a variety of activities, from combat pits to underwater dungeons to kart-racer-inspired mount racing, it’s easy to lose dozens of hours trekking across this post-apocalyptic playground. | Our Review
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3’s gritty fantasy world is as beautiful as it is deadly. We would never want to actually live in it, though, due to its densely packed population of supernatural monsters, tyrannical rulers, and (typically) backstabbing citizens. The Witcher 3’s Continent keeps you on your toes thanks to the impact of its choice-driven gameplay. Small choices often come back around hours later in more significant ways than you expect, making every shifty thief, sultry mage, or cowardly would-be-knight worth engaging. With a compelling main storyline, dozens of meaningful sidequests, and boatloads of treasures, The Witcher 3, as well as its phenomenal expansions, succeeds in making its gargantuan setting worth uncovering. | Our Review