Summary
While there’s certainly a place for realism in video games, the constant drive to provide players with realistic experiences can sometimesget in the way of creativity. The large and often impressive open-world games of AAA studios, for example, often strive for realism, be it visually, mechanically, or both. Though not all take this approach, regardless of budget.
There are a variety of open-world games that take a more stylized and gamified approach to their visuals and/or design. Games such asRebel Galaxy, with its arcade combat, orSunset Overdrive, with its creative environments and unhinged weaponry.
Rebel Galaxyis a game in the vein of sci-fi sandboxes such asFreelancer, offering a classic gameplay loop that’s perfect for fans of retro experiences. However, it cares little for the simulation aspects of the genre, instead focusing its efforts on providing a swash-buckling, arcade experience.
This is especially true of the combat, which provides arcade gameplay centered around bombastic broadside exchanges. Exploration is basic, but often exhilarating thanks to punchy effects and a thematic soundtrack. Furthermore, the game is a combat-focused experience, ensuring players spend more time with its arcade elements and less time in menus.
Dredgeisa minimalist open-worldfishing game that excels with its stylish visuals. However, its graphics care little for realism, instead offering a soothing presentation that occasionally comes out of left field with eldritch spooks.
The game’s fishing mechanics are also far from simulation. Instead,Dredgeoffers an accessibly fun and soothing variety of mini-games that are more about getting in the groove than battling with simulated mechanics.
Gloomwoodis, visually, unabashedly unrealistic. This title excels immediately with its old-school visuals, offering painstakingly detailed interconnected environments that thrive in their low-poly aesthetic. The sheer creativity of the environments and attention to detail in every corner makes ample use of the limited space, resulting inan immersive experiencedespite its retro style.
Gameplay is also unconcerned with realism, offering up a blend of immersive-sim and survival horror that emphasizes stealth. There are simulated elements, butGloomwoodis more about pulling off clever tricks and outmaneuveringthe dynamic systemsat play than it is about realism.
Fallout 4is an open-world RPG that excels with its expansive wasteland environments, replete with points of significant interest and pocked with wacky characters and quirky ideas. This creativity and wildness is as much a part ofFallout 4as the rest of theFalloutfranchise.
The extravagant factions and wild mutated creatures/NPCs are a particular standout, and ever-present inFallout 4. However, the game’s variety of unhinged perks are specifically unrealistic, from being able to breathe underwater to having a skeleton infused with indestructible metal. This only adds to the experience, allowing players to create unique characters that interact with the world in fun ways.
LEGO The Lord Of The Ringsis a faithful adaptation of its beloved source material, delivered in an open-world structure that maintains the spirit of classicLEGOgames. Taking place in a fantasy setting adapted for theLEGOaesthetic,LEGO The Lord Of The Ringsis far from a realistic experience, and for the better.
It’s only natural thatLEGOgames don’t care about realism, and it allows them to offer uniquely accessible and light-hearted experiences.LEGO The Lord Of The Ringsis no different, providing players with a heartfelt adventure through lovingly-crafted environments, all infused withLEGO’sknowing charm and sense of humor.
Outer Wildsis an open-world adventure game set in a small but diverse solar system. In the game, players commandeer theirvery own spaceshipand set off on an adventure across multiple planets with their own unique environments.
AlthoughOuter Wildsdoes feature elements of light simulation, it’s by no means a realistic game. This title is more concerned with providing an immersive atmosphere than it is about creating a realistic experience. It’s all about gettinglost in the mysteryand creative imagery on display.
Sunset Overdriveis an explosively colorful third-person shooter with an emphasis on intuitive exploration. The game’s visuals are decidedly stylistic, not caring for realism, and this follows through with comic-book visual effects. Not to mention a creatively-designed city that values fun and imaginative exploration over practicality and realism.
Even the narrative ofSunset Overdrivecares little about realism, tasking players with battling against aggressive mutants twisted by a toxic energy drink. The variety of ridiculous weapons also helps to keepSunset Overdrivelight and fun, far from an experience grounded in realism.
Caves Of Qudis a traditional roguelike RPG set in a distinctivescience-fantasy worldthat excels with its exotic atmosphere and alien imagery. The traditional graphics are themselves unconcerned with realism, instead working with the music and sound design to spark the player’s imagination.
Wild mutations, powerful cybernetics, and an unhinged array of useful items offer players a diverse sandbox of tools for combat, many of which care little for realism. Despite this, however,Caves Of Qudremains an immersive experience, transporting players to a new world, with its own rules.
