Summary
Many open-world games revolve around a dramatic central narrative. This can provide a core motivation to keep playing and, in many cases, has proven to be a popular approach. While gameplay is always present, it’s not always the focus in games that prioritize a compelling story.
These games, however, focus heavily on gameplay mechanics. As a result, players can expect to spend more time engaging with mechanics and systems than they will reading through dialogue or watching cutscenes. Still, these games aren’t necessarily bereft of narrative, as many still have stories that keep players engaged throughout.
Rain Worldfeatures little in the way of spoon-fed narrative. Instead, this game gives players an immersive and wholly atmospheric world to explore. Withits interconnected environmentsand deeply simulated ecosystem,Rain Worldis able to provide immersive exploration, which is kept engaging through a focus on gameplay.
The gameplay itself is simple and intuitive, revolving around fluid movement and survival mechanics. The controls are easy to grasp, butRain Worldis decidedly unforgiving. Its frequent hostility, while frustrating at first, makes for engaging gameplay once players get into a groove.
The Long Dark’sprimary mode, survival, is not concerned with narrative. Instead,The Long Darkprides itself on meaningful exploration of a harsh, hostile world. This exploration is made engaging through hardcore survival mechanics that give weight to player decisions, punishing mistakes and poor planning.
The survival gameplay is straightforward and focused, centered around careful scavenging of its myriad locations. Best of all, once players have become accustomed toits harsh environments,The Long Darkbecomes a surprisingly relaxing experience.
As a sandbox game,Mount & Blade: Warbandis naturally light on story. Instead, players carve their own narrative in its expansive world, as they seek out wealth, nobility, and conquest. The open overworld does allow players to explore freely, but the gameplay is heavily focused on combat.
This focus on gameplay works in the game’s favor, as its combat is easily its most unique and engaging aspect. The ability to fight and command entire armies from the ground, issuing orders in real-time, can be an exhilarating experience, thanks in large part to the game’s sheer sense of scale.
Blood Westis an open-world first-person shooter that emphasizes stealth. However, it also takes clear influence from immersive-sims, offering players plenty of opportunity for expressionin its dynamic combatencounters. This is thanks in large part to a variety of weapons, items, and RPG-like perks that players can utilize.
This all results in an experience that is decidedly gameplay-focused, complemented by meaningful exploration that’s frequently dangerous thanks to an abundance of enemies. However, despite its focus on gameplay,Blood Westoffers well-crafted open-world environments that stand out for their blend of Wild West imagery and elements of eldritch horror.
Exploration inBattle Brothersis limited to an overworld map, but still allows players to exercise agency. Players choose where they want to go at all times, pick missions at their own discretion, and can side with whichever factions they see fit.
However,this strategy gameremains a gameplay-focused experience, heavily oriented around turn-based combat encounters. This combat system is finely-tuned, offering gritty battles that can be brutal and unforgiving. Supporting this combat is a sturdy RPG progression system that allows for frequent customization, facilitating multiple strategies and increasing the title’s replay value.
With its looter-shooter structure,Borderlands 2is a naturally gameplay-focused experience. Punchy gunplay and procedural loot elevate the first-person action. WhileBorderlands 2does have a story to follow,the addition of co-operative playhighlights its focus on gameplay over narrative.
Exploration is also motivated by loot, with frequent combat encounters to keep the pace. Played either alone or with friends,Borderlands 2offers an experience that’s perfect for fans of FPS action and open-world exploration alike.
TheFar Cryseries is replete with open-world experiences that emphasize action over anything else.Far Cry 5is no exception, offering an action sandbox that allows players to freely explore and take on enemy encounters in their own way.
The broad arsenal of weaponry and variety of vehicles facilitates diverse gameplay, frequently changing the pace and providing ample opportunities for player expression. While there is a narrative, the FPS action is clearly the focus ofFar Cry 5.
As with their iconicDark Soulstrilogy, FromSoftware’sElden Ringis a decidedly gameplay-focused experience. Excelling with its unforgiving combat and impressive, large-scale boss battles,Elden Ringdifferentiates itself with a vastopen-world to explore.
Despite the addition of open exploration and a core narrative thread,Elden Ringremains a combat-centric title, offering frequent enemy encounters and satisfying boss fights. Its open world doesn’t always add to the experience, but for fans offree-form explorationthat enjoy the harsh combat ofDark Souls,Elden Ringis sure to please.
