The Ultimate Fantasy Universe: Unveiling 5 Epic Franchises Perfect for Immersive Open Worlds
Discover enchanting realms and immersive adventures with these top fantasy franchises that are perfect for open-world gaming Unleash your imagination in worlds like Carnival Row, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dungeons and Dragons, Middle-Earth, and even My Little Pony!
Highlights
Carnival Row could make for an intriguing open world game, with its immersive worldbuilding, complex themes, and opportunity for exploration and revolution.
The Narnia game has the potential to revolutionize the genre by enabling players to fully immerse themselves as residents of the fantastical realm, granting them the ability to modify their appearance, race, and gameplay styles.
Dungeons and Dragons, renowned for its expansive open-world setup, could be transformed into a captivating and engaging video game experience, boasting extensive character customization options and the ability to embark on online cooperative adventures.
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Fantasy is a genre with a long history, although its exact definition can be difficult to pinpoint. Many aspects of contemporary fantasy can be traced back to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, who drew inspiration from both his religious beliefs and ancient Norse sagas like Beowolf. As a result, certain themes have become associated with the genre, such as the presence of magic, dragons, elves, dwarves, ogres, and trolls, although these elements are not mandatory. Fantasy has gained popularity in literature, television, and film, and it is no surprise that it has also found a strong following in the world of video games. Thanks to the open-world format, fantasy games offer players the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a captivating and enigmatic world.
From Skyrim to The Witcher, numerous open-world fantasy RPGs have gained significant popularity, often captivating major franchises. The Witcher, initially a well-received book series, expanded its horizons to become a captivating game and a thrilling television show. Similarly, Hogwarts Legacy ventured into uncharted territory by introducing an open world to the enchanting realm of Harry Potter. However, it is disheartening that several prominent fantasy franchises have yet to explore the vast potential of an open world, as these untapped possibilities could result in captivating and enthralling games.
6 Carnival Row
The Amazon Prime series critiques British imperialism within a fantasy world that draws inspiration from post-WWI Europe. The narrative revolves around diverse characters who navigate a harsh industrial society plagued by class divisions and racism. While allegorizing real-world prejudices through discrimination against fantasy races is not a novel concept (as seen in Shrek), the show stands out due to its immersive worldbuilding, 20th-century visual style, and compelling characters. To create a Carnival Row game, it would be essential to incorporate the series' intricate themes and allow players to freely explore both familiar and new locations. This would serve as a solid foundation, with numerous side quests involving assisting the less fortunate or seeking retribution against the affluent elite, ultimately leading towards a revolutionary climax.
This could potentially inspire an engaging game in the style of Assassin's Creed or Far Cry, where players embark on a revolutionary journey. Adding a layer of customization would enhance the experience, allowing players to choose from a diverse range of races, each with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses. For example, playing as a faerie would grant the ability to fly, while selecting a centaur would provide advantages in terms of strength and speed. The show also explored the ethical challenges inherent in bringing about change, which could be an intriguing element to incorporate. Drawing inspiration from Dishonored, a Karma system could be implemented, wherein the story is influenced by the player's choices regarding violence.
5 The Chronicles of Narnia
While J.R.R. Tolkien's influence on the Fantasy genre is widely acknowledged, it is important not to overlook the significant impact of his contemporary writing companion, C.S. Lewis. The Chronicles of Narnia consists of seven books that follow the thrilling adventures of a group of English children, who unexpectedly find themselves transported into the enchanting realm of Narnia. Within this fantastical world, they become embroiled in a power struggle between the forces of good and evil. Despite not delving as extensively as Tolkien into the intricacies of world-building, Lewis crafted a meticulously detailed universe, replete with memorable characters; none can rival the majestic presence of Aslan, the wise lion. Furthermore, there remains an abundance of untapped lore beyond the events depicted in most adaptations, extending beyond The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Such unexplored territory presents a captivating opportunity for a Narnia game to explore fresh narratives.
The most obvious story direction would be to follow a kid, or a group of kids, entering Narnia, as happened in many of the books. They could even explore the idea of a group of playable kids and an option for co-op multiplayer. However, given the extensive use of this plot, it might be a refreshing change to instead cast the player as one of Narnia's inhabitants. An incredibly exciting approach would be to introduce a customizable player character, allowing options for appearance, gender, skill sets, and even race. This would serve as a great selling point, with the ability to play as not only humans but also dwarves, centaurs, fauns, and minotaurs, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. A centaur player character, for instance, may possess vastly different attributes compared to a faun.
4 Dungeons and Dragons
In a broader perspective, Dungeons and Dragons can already be seen as an open-world game, particularly when played as a long-term campaign. While shorter game sessions tend to follow a more linear structure, an extended campaign revolves around immersing the party into a captivating fantasy world, allowing them the freedom to make their own choices and shape their own path. It can even be argued that the game's open nature extends further, as a human Dungeon Master has the ability to adapt and respond to unexpected player decisions. Therefore, it would logically align with an open-world environment. With a plethora of lore available, developers would have an abundance of material to draw upon without the concern of contradicting existing media. Furthermore, various settings such as The Forgotten Realms, Eberron, Ravenloft, or a combination of them could be utilized, not to mention the thrilling opportunity to explore other realms beyond imagination.
A game with
3 Middle-Earth
could be structured in a similar fashion to a Dungeons and Dragons (DND) campaign, offering an enjoyable experience. It would allow players to customize their characters by incorporating most of the classes and races from the original game. Additionally, the game would feature choices that have a significant impact on the outcome. To enhance the enjoyment factor, an online co-op option could be added, enabling players to bring their unique adventurers together and form a "party." This feature would allow for roleplaying in the game world, creating an immersive tabletop-like experience.
Tolkien's fantasy world is legendary, with intricate details and even fictional languages. While there have been video games set in Middle-Earth, like Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, they haven't fully captured the essence of a true open world. It would be incredible to explore an open world that encompasses the entirety of Middle-Earth, from Mordor to the Shire to Lothlórien and even the depths of Moria. However, the Mordor games alone prove that just one of the stunning locations in Middle-Earth can provide a captivating setting.
There are numerous characters who could potentially take the spotlight in an open-world adventure set in Middle Earth. However, an intriguing concept would be to utilize the narrative of Rings of Power. This would allow the developers to delve into a distinctly different Middle-Earth, separate from the realm depicted in the Peter Jackson films. The story could revolve around a young Galadriel during her days as a warrior. Alternatively, it wouldn't be too difficult to envision a fully expansive world in a sequel to Shadow of War, potentially continuing Etlariel's journey where the Blade of Galadriel DLC concluded. Another possibility could involve exploring the aftermath of the events in Lord of the Rings. Given the intricate lore of this vast world, the developers could have a great deal of enjoyment in incorporating fascinating lore into the game.
2 My Little Pony
Hasbro's latest iterations of its toy line turned television show about colorful horses have impressively built a rich world. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic captivated viewers with its captivating stories and well-developed characters, even gaining an unforeseen adult fanbase. Although the beloved series that birthed countless memes may have concluded, fans can still look forward to experiencing its intricately crafted universe in the upcoming My Little Pony: Make Your Mark. Expanding into other forms of media seems like a logical next step for this franchise. Equestria, the enchanted realm that serves as the backdrop for the show, is already vast and diverse, featuring numerous fascinating locations, each with its own distinctive charm. The mere prospect of exploring Ponyville alone is enough to excite legions of fans, but the game could potentially venture into realms as distant as Yak Yakistan. Moreover, the theme of friendship presents a captivating opportunity. Although establishing friendly connections with every entity within the game might be implausible, a considerable number of missions could revolve around employing problem-solving skills to find peaceful resolutions.
There are potentially multiple characters who could excel in such a game, but one aspect that would genuinely captivate fans of all ages is the inclusion of character customization. By allowing fans to design their very own pony and take charge of every aspect, including gender, type (Earth, pegasus, or unicorn), colors, and perhaps even skillset and cutie mark, the excitement would undoubtedly skyrocket. Furthermore, incorporating slight gameplay variations based on the chosen pony type, such as granting flight abilities to pegasus characters and magical powers to unicorns, would elevate the gaming experience. Coupled with a remarkable photo mode, this concoction would undoubtedly entice both children and adults alike, making it a game that truly caters to a diverse audience.
