10 Unforgettable Open-World Games Across Extraordinary Time Periods

The idea of an open-world video game is relatively new and requires a certain level of design to be successful. In the early days of gaming, it wasn't as popular. However, with the introduction of three-dimensional graphics and online gaming, the genre has gained significant popularity.

In the gaming world, fantasy and medieval settings are prevalent, including in the open-world genre. However, there are also a few titles that stand out by taking place in unique time periods. The late 20th century, the Age of Exploration, and alternate futures are just a few examples of the intriguing and diverse settings that players can explore in an open-world game.

7 Ghost Of Tsushima (2020)

Ghost of Tsushima

Developer(s) Sucker PunchGenre(s) Action, AdventurePlatform(s) PS4, PS5

In 1274, amidst the Mongol invasion of Japan, follow the journey of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior entrusted with safeguarding Tsushima Island from the invading forces. Players are given the freedom to choose between honorable or dishonorable methods while traversing the expansive open world during Jin's remarkable escapades. This adventure game presents an intricate narrative, allowing players to immerse themselves in a third-person perspective. The game garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike for its seamless integration of melee combat, captivating characters, and stunning musical score, ultimately becoming a commercially successful release for Sony.

6 Prey (2017)

Prey

Developer(s) Arkane StudiosGenre(s) FPSPlatform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC See at Playstation Store See at Amazon

Prey combines a diverse range of elements to create a truly unique game set in a creatively crafted world. Set in the year 2035, the game envisions a dystopian future where a prison, named Kletka (Russian for cell), is specifically designed to house a eusocial species of extraterrestrials. Jointly developed by the Soviet Union and the United States, Kletka becomes the center of a gripping plot after a failed assassination attempt on the American president sparks an idea to seize complete control over the prison. Notably, the game's architecture showcases an intriguing blend of retrofuturism, art deco, and elements inspired by the Brutalist style popular during the Soviet era.

5 Shenmue (1999)

Shenmue

Developer(s) SegaGenre(s) Action-AdventurePlatform(s) Dreamcast, PC, PS4, Xbox One

Step into the not-so-exotic era of 1980s Yokosuka, Japan, where an enthralling tale unfolds. Join Ryo Hazuki on his relentless pursuit of vengeance, as he seeks to uncover the identity of his father's killer. Armed with his formidable martial arts prowess and astute deductive skills, Ryo embarks on a treacherous journey, braving perilous encounters and unearthing crucial clues, all in his relentless pursuit of justice.

Shenmue transcends traditional gaming boundaries, captivating not only aficionados of hand-to-hand combat and expansive open-world experiences. Delve into the depths of Ryo's quest, engaging in a multifaceted investigation comprising meticulous lead-detection, immersive conversations with witnesses, and the meticulous scrutiny of invaluable documents such as letters, shedding light upon his father's past and connections. Prepare for an immersive mystery-solving extravaganza unlike any other.

4 New World (2021)

New World

Developer(s) Amazon GamesGenre(s) MMORPGPlatform(s) PC

The Age of Exploration, although lacking a specific date, reached its peak during the 17th century, which serves as the backdrop for the New World. What sets this game apart is its depiction of a modified reality, where the long-lost continent of Aeternum is presented in a way that feels familiar rather than an exotic realm of fantasy.

Within the game's storyline and the exploration aspect, a significant focus lies in uncovering the secrets of this hidden world. This pursuit encompasses a variety of activities, ranging from battling monsters to delving into books and gathering clues related to zombies, wild creatures, and the disappearance of former settlers and inhabitants.

3 Yakuza 0 (2015)

Yakuza 0

Developer(s) Ryu Ga Gotoku StudioGenre(s) Action, AdventurePlatform(s) PS4, PS3, Xbox One, PC

The Yakuza franchise consists of multiple games, with this one serving as a prequel to the first game. It provides a chronological order for players interested in following the franchise's storyline. Similar to other games in the series, it combines elements of crime drama and an open-world experience. One notable aspect is the meticulously realistic and ordinary setting, which is rarely seen in the gaming industry.

Although the exact date is not explicitly stated, players are aware that the game is set in 1988 Tokyo, where various crime families engage in activities such as manipulating property prices, extortion, and murder. The protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma, finds himself wrongly accused of a murder, forcing him to cleverly outmaneuver and confront dangerous criminal organizations in order to restore his reputation.

2 Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)

Grand Theft Auto 5

Platform(s) PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PCGenre(s) Open-World, ActionDeveloper(s) Rockstar North

The game opens in 2004 in the fictional city of Los Santos and concludes in 2013, offering a unique setting that required extensive effort to make this real-world location captivating in an open-world environment. Both critics and players appreciated this aspect of Grand Theft Auto V. The game delivers a gripping narrative infused with intense criminal activities, felonies, and betrayals, which contributed to its tremendous success. As the story unfolds, additional content becomes accessible within the open world, which portrays a fictional rendition of southern California.

1 Outer Wilds (2019)

Outer Wilds

Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PCGenre(s) AdventureDeveloper(s) Mobius Digital

The time and place in which this game is set could easily be considered the most peculiar and unparalleled. The expansive solar system serves as the open world for players to venture into, yet it is perpetually trapped in a never-ending time loop that ultimately leads to complete destruction.

Although the primary goal of the game appears to be finding a solution to break free from this repetitive cycle, what sets this game apart is the unexpected outcome that awaits players. While a resolution does exist, it deviates from the initial expectations envisioned by the player.