The Open World gaming genre has witnessed remarkable growth over the last decade, with iconic franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and The Witcher shaping expansive universes for players to explore. This genre not only enhances player freedom but also encourages immersive storytelling and exploration.
Several traditionally linear games have transitioned into open-world formats, yielding considerable success. Titles like God of War have taken bold steps into vast landscapes, while others such as Halo and Uncharted have incorporated semi-linear exploration mechanics into their gameplay.
Among various franchises, both new and classic, there are several that have developed rich worlds ripe for open-world adaptations. Whether set in realism, fantasy, or science fiction, these series deserve a fresh perspective in an open-world framework.
10. Tomb Raider
Uncover Mysteries Or Protect Them
Lara Croft stands as a monumental figure in gaming, with her franchise dating back several years. The most recent Survivor Trilogy has transported her to exotic, perilous locations. While tombs have been thoroughly explored, the potential for additional discoveries remains vast.
A potential open-world Tomb Raider experience might resemble a third-person survival game akin to Far Cry, where players navigate extreme environments and confront mercenaries. Moreover, there is ample opportunity for intricate puzzle-solving and narrative depth, reminiscent of the latest Indiana Jones game.
The Tomb Raider series has consistently balanced action and exploration, making it a perfect candidate for a reboot in an expansive open-world format.
9. Armored Core
The Fires Of Rubicon Still Burn
The world of Rubicon-3 embodies a desolate yet intriguing atmosphere filled with remnants of colossal cities and predatory corporations. Players could command mighty mechs to explore this environment, leveraging customizable features to suit diverse playstyles.
Given FromSoftware’s expertise in world-building, particularly seen in their critically acclaimed title Elden Ring, an open-world Armored Core could thrive with its existing mobility and customization mechanics. Would you triumph over the corporations exploiting Rubicon-3, or simply yearn to be the best pilot in the system?
8. BioShock
No Gods Or Kings, Only Man
Spanning from the ocean’s depths to the sky’s expanse, the BioShock series presents an enigmatic world replete with beauty and terror. Even though Rapture and Columbia’s narratives have reached a conclusion, new adventures may still await us.
Since the remastered collection nearly a decade ago, BioShock’s narrative has remained dormant. Yet, the rich timeline of Rapture, as indicated in the prequel DLC of BioShock: Infinite, offers fertile ground for further exploration.
Imagining players as inhabitants of Rapture during its decline presents an opportunity for a unique survival challenge, or a quest to explore its remnants, revealing unsettling secrets that linger below. A navigable Rapture could provide an enticing gameplay experience.
7. LittleBigPlanet
Play, Create, Share The World
With the increasing acclaim for platformers like Astro Bot, the charm of Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet is due for a comeback. The franchise is known for its creative design and interactive world-building.
Imagine a new iteration allowing players to collaboratively create and explore entire planets in an open-world setting akin to Minecraft. Alternatively, a fantasy realm on par with the latest Legend of Zelda could be captivating, maintaining the series’ penchant for puzzle-solving and adventure.
6. Gears Of War
Hope Runs Deep
With E-Day approaching and a remaster of the original game on the horizon, the potential for Delta Squad to combat the Locust Horde in expansive environments appears limitless.
Reflecting on my childhood memories of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad, the idea of traversing the ravaged landscapes of Sera makes for exciting gameplay possibilities. Given the intricate lore and conflicts within this universe, envisioning an open-world Gears of War adventure is thrilling.
Players could establish their own squads, navigating the chaotic backdrop of the Locust War or the strife faced by Stranded survivors amid the conflicts.
5. Dishonored
A Bloody Steampunk Fantasy
Despite Arkane Studios’ forward strides with Deathloop, the reception of Redfall has been less favorable, prompting many to yearn for a return to the Empire of the Isles seen in Dishonored.
The original game’s unique blend of stealth, magic, and a compelling narrative captivated players, yet ample opportunities remain to delve deeper into Dunwall and its surroundings.
An open-world format could allow for even greater engagement with the rich lore, political intrigue, and magical elements of the steampunk environment, enticing players with new stories of conspiracy and chaos.
4. Titanfall
Explore The Frontier
Respawn Entertainment’s Titanfall 2 left a powerful impression on gamers; however, the current absence of a sequel has left many longing for more adventures in the expansive Frontier.
Although Apex Legends has showcased the Titanfall universe, nothing compares to the thrill of a pilot navigating vast terrains alongside their titan. The potential for creating an open-world exploration experience employing Titanfall’s mechanics is tantalizing.
3. The Last Of Us
There Must Be Others Out There
The emotional journey of Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us has captivated audiences, yet the broader post-apocalyptic world remains largely unexplored. It may be time to venture beyond their stories to reveal what other survivors have endured.
Despite concerns following Days Gone’s execution, the possibility of traversing the ruins of society, facing infected threats, and building settlements within this universe could provide rich gameplay and storytelling opportunities.
Players could navigate through the chaos following the outbreak, establish communities, and discover new sanctuaries while fending off dangerous foes. The environmental storytelling could create a compelling backdrop for survival.
2. Mortal Kombat
Choose Your Destiny
The evolution of Mortal Kombat has expanded from its original tournament roots. With NetherRealm exploring a multitude of realms and timelines, the potential of an open-world environment seems boundless.
While prior games included semi-linear exploration, a true open-world experience could deepen engagement with its diverse factions and characters. Players may embody Scorpion embarking on a vast journey across different realms, delivering a hack-and-slash adventure reminiscent of the latest God of War titles.
With the introduction of a multiverse, the storytelling possibilities for a Mortal Kombat open-world game appear limitless, provided one can survive the multitude of challenges that lay ahead.
1. StarCraft
It’s About Time!
After what seemed to be a conclusion to Blizzard’s iconic series a decade ago, fans continue to hope for the StarCraft universe to receive open-world treatment akin to World of Warcraft.
The expansive Koprulu Sector is filled with possibilities for exploration, from the Terran and Protoss factions to the ever-looming danger of Zerg. With the overarching narratives involving the Xel’Naga and Amon at an end, a new crisis within this universe could offer the perfect opportunity for exploration and conflict.
Whether players choose to ally with the Terrans or navigate the treacherous landscape, the potential for diversity in gameplay and storytelling remains immense in this sci-fi epic.
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