The Ultimate Open-World Game Extravaganza Unveiled

In recent years, open-world games like Elden Ring have revolutionized the gaming landscape, transforming the way people play and perceive video games. These games offer a level of freedom that is unparalleled in other genres, allowing players to shape their own experiences and ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike. While there are numerous open-world titles available, there are four in particular that have had a profound impact not only on the genre itself but also on the gaming industry as a whole. These four games have cemented their place as iconic figures in the world of open-world gaming.

However, open-world games have both faced criticism and generated excitement due to their design. Some developers have fallen into the trap of filling their open worlds with excessive content that players can spend an endless amount of time exploring, while others have created worlds that feel empty and devoid of life. It is worth noting that even the games on this Mount Rushmore of open-world gaming have not been exempt from mistakes in portraying their open worlds. Nevertheless, with more than two decades passing since their release, these four games have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

Grand Theft Auto 3

In October 2001, the release of Grand Theft Auto 3 marked a significant turning point. With its protagonist, Claude, players were immersed in the expansive 3D metropolis of Liberty City, a cherished location within the GTA series. This game offered players an unprecedented level of freedom, unlike anything seen before.

In addition to the main campaign, players had the freedom to explore the city at their leisure, engaging in various side quests such as assuming the role of a taxi driver or participating in petty crimes. The city was divided into three distinct sections, allowing for a diverse and extensive gameplay experience.

Whether on foot or behind the wheel of numerous vehicles, players had the means to navigate the cityscape. Armed with an arsenal of weapons, players could complete tasks that ranged from quick missions to elaborate heists and thrilling car chases.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

GTA 3: A Landmark in Open-World Gaming

Introducing revolutionary concepts that would later become standard in open-world titles, GTA 3 marked a significant moment in the gaming industry. It provided gamers with a unique glimpse into the future of video games. The game received widespread critical acclaim and earned multiple Game of the Year awards in 2001. While it may not have aged perfectly, its gameplay shortcomings are more noticeable by today's standards. Nonetheless, the significance of Grand Theft Auto 3 cannot be denied. Its influence on countless titles that followed is unmistakable.

Bethesda's Skyrim has achieved undeniable popularity, as evidenced by its numerous re-releases since its initial launch in 2011. Over the course of 12 years, this Game of the Year winner has been remastered and relaunched for the eighth and ninth generations of video game consoles. The most recent release, the Anniversary Edition, ensures that players on current-day consoles can experience the game's enchanting world in 2021 and 2022. In addition, Skyrim received a virtual reality port in 2017, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the virtual realm.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim redefines the concept of getting sidetracked, taking it to a whole new level of immersion. Abandoning the main campaign for hours on end, players find themselves captivated by the vastness of the meticulously crafted world, where straying from the intended path becomes the norm. With a multitude of towns, cities, caves, and dungeons awaiting exploration, Skyrim stands as a testament to exceptional game design. Upon its release, the game garnered widespread acclaim, leaving no doubts that it ranks among the greatest games of all time.

Since its inception in 1986, Nintendo's beloved franchise, The Legend of Zelda, has enthralled gamers worldwide. This long-running series follows the silent hero, Link, as he embarks on a quest to liberate Princess Zelda from the clutches of the malevolent Ganon. For over thirty years, players have been captivated by the series' ingenious puzzles and immersive world-building. However, it was not until the release of Breath of the Wild in 2017 that the franchise took a groundbreaking turn. This game revolutionized the traditional Zelda formula by thrusting Link into the vast landscape of Hyrule without any weapons or gear, tasking players with exploring the world and unraveling its mysteries.

The player is given complete freedom to approach the game in their own way, with no guidance or restrictions. They can choose to face Ganon immediately or fully explore and experience everything the game has to offer. This freedom in an open-world game is a rare and truly liberating feeling, creating an incredible sense of escapism.

The challenging terrain, ever-changing weather, and the ability to cook meals all contribute to the player's immersion in the game. It is no surprise that Breath of the Wild was awarded Game of the Year in 2017. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, which was released earlier this year, has proven to be just as impressive, if not better, than its predecessor according to many.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is widely regarded as the pinnacle of open-world gaming, encompassing knowledge gleaned from the past 25 years of the genre. By expanding upon the renowned Dark Souls blueprint, the game retains the beloved robust, fluid, and immersive gameplay that FromSoftware is renowned for, providing an even grander experience. Collaborating with acclaimed fantasy writer George R.R. Martin, creator of the renowned A Song of Ice and Fire series, which served as the basis for the critically acclaimed Game of Thrones TV show, Elden Ring weaves together a captivating and expansive lore.

The open world of Elden Ring is both vast and visually stunning, with every corner housing both peril and captivating discoveries. Players have the freedom to approach the game in their own unique way, encountering minimal barriers to their exploration. FromSoftware's expertise in offering diverse builds is evident in Elden Ring, providing players with an exceptional range in character customization. The meticulously crafted open-world map in Elden Ring sets a new standard for the genre, solidifying the game not only as one of the finest examples of its kind but also as one of the greatest games of all time.

Elden Ring is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.