Open world games, when crafted with skill, immerse players in expansive settings that encourage exploration and creativity. The ideal experience allows individuals to journey in any direction, engage with the environment in various ways, and enjoy an abundance of diverse activities that enrich gameplay beyond the main narrative.
However, not all titles labeled as open world live up to this promise. Some games may feel more structured and linear than anticipated, restricting movement and funneling players toward the conclusion. This can be a polarizing experience, pleasing some gamers while frustrating others. Below is a compilation of titles that, while technically open world, may not deliver the expected freedom of exploration.
8 THE Black
Press X to Doubt
While Rockstar is often celebrated for its open-world mastery, L. A.Noire stands out as an anomaly. This title focuses heavily on its narrative, dividing gameplay into distinct cases involving detective work such as clue gathering and suspect interrogation.
Despite its intriguing premise, the open-world elements can feel monotonous and lack engagement. The vehicle mechanics are often clunky, and the world outside the main story can appear sparse and uninspired. Consequently, players may find themselves hastily advancing through the core plot, as the alternative pales in comparison.
7 Infamous: Second Son
Great Traversal, Dull World
The Infamous series has garnered a dedicated fanbase, with earlier installments receiving praise for their depth and world-building. However, the latest entry, Second Son, falls short in its open-world design, rendering exploration less engaging.
Players encounter a lackluster main narrative, a protagonist who may not resonate with everyone, and a series of side activities that feel more like tedious fetch quests rather than rewarding exploration. The additional powers unlock with story progression, inadvertently restricting player agency and contributing to a less fulfilling experience.
6 Hogwarts Legacy
Hollow Beyond Hogwarts
Hogwarts Legacy initially captivates players with its rich lore and immersive early-game experience. However, the excitement diminishes significantly once players venture beyond the beloved Hogwarts grounds into a creatively barren landscape.
Many may find themselves tethered to the main story, hindered by level restrictions that dictate progression and challenge the notion of player freedom. The illusion of choice is further complicated by enemy power levels, which limits accessibility to various regions without completing designated quests first.
5 Horizon Zero Dawn
Who Needs Mechanical Flowers?
Horizon Zero Dawn is praised for its engaging narrative and unique post-apocalyptic setting. Yet, the open-world experience is not without its flaws. While the main story offers a captivating journey, the exploration elements may leave players wanting more.
When players try to wander outside the main quest line, the world can feel stagnant, encouraging them to simply complete map markers instead of genuinely exploring. Though side activities exist to extend gameplay, they often lack the depth of the central narrative, resulting in a less enriching experience overall.
4 Borderlands
I Feel Clap Trapped
The Borderlands franchise offers players chaotic fun in the whimsical world of Pandora. While known for its gunplay and vibrant atmosphere, its design is often misidentified as fully open world due to the way it fragments gameplay into story-driven segments.
Significant content is locked behind story progression, creating an experience that feels repetitive rather than offering true freedom. Gamers may find themselves on a linear path of quest completion, experiencing a constant loop of combat and objectives rather than expansive exploration.
3 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Linear Design Lingers
Metal Gear Solid 5 is a testament to Hideo Kojima’s storytelling prowess, yet it clings to a linear design despite its open-world premise. Missions are often not discovered organically; instead, they are activated in sequence, giving the impression of curated experiences rather than spontaneous exploration.
While players can explore expansive maps, the essence of the game lies in the mission structure, which often dictates the pacing and flow of gameplay, leaving little room for true discovery.
2 Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Stay in the Safe Zone
The Assassin’s Creed franchise evolved with Origins, introducing vast worlds to explore. However, Shadows still influences players to follow a designated path due to aggressive level-gating and formidable enemies lurking outside recommended zones.
Traveling through diverse terrains often leads players into frustrating battles, rendering exploration perilous unless they’re adequately leveled. This structure emphasizes linear gameplay centered around the main storyline, while side quests feel uninspired and repetitious.
1 Ghost of Tsushima
Keeps You Penned In
Similar to Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ghost of Tsushima offers more substantial side quests and engaging duels that enhance gameplay. However, its design inherently limits freedom, with elements like level-gating pushing players to remain within a controlled environment.
While players may enjoy rich storytelling and compelling side content, the experience can feel regimented and curated, undermining the essence of an open-world adventure and leaving a lingering sense of constraint.
