Summary
Most people are well aware ofthe hold that open-world gaming hason the mainstream. Some of the most popular video games around feature massive sandboxes that are a joy to explore, with players finding something or the other to keep them distracted as they explore these locales and see everything they have to offer. However, the fact that this genre is so widespread means that the majority of games in this genre need to do something special to endear themselves to as many people as possible.
Graphics play a huge role in this department, and there’s something to be said about games that feature realistic graphics that push the technical side of things to new heights. However, what makes an open-world game more memorable are stylized visuals that age like a fine wine and ensure that these games stand the test of time to be as iconic as can be.
There are many reasons whyBreath of the Wildstands outas one of the most iconic and beloved open-world games of all time. A focus on natural exploration, a combat system that seems simple but houses a ton of depth, and a bit of immersive sim design sprinkled on top of the package ensures that the game stands out as one of the best sandbox titles players can get lost in.
Of course, it would be impossible to praise the many strengths ofBreath of the Wildwithout giving due credit to the amazing cel-shaded art style. It does a great job of helping this game stand out in the eyes of many, with the timeless visual design ensuring thatBreath of the Wildand its sequel will look amazing no matter how many years have passed.
One of the most underrated open-world video games of all time,The Saboteurlets players serve as a part of the French Resistance trying to regain their freedom and reduce the German presence tainting Paris’s beauty. While the gameplay itself may not be the most imaginative thing about this game, what helpsThe Saboteurstand out is the unique manner in which it visually shows the oppression of the Nazis.
Paris is divided into districts that are under the control of the Germans, with these areas being depicted in black-and-white to show how life is being sucked out by these places. The protagonist, Sean Devlin, must liberate these areas by weakening the German presence and giving hope to the residents of Paris. Once the resistance gains steam in these districts, color is restored to these areas, which makes for a simple yet innovative way tovisually reward the player for their efforts.
It’s a shame that more people don’t know aboutWesterado: Double Barreled, which isone of the most replayable open-world gamesplayers can get their hands on. Despite only being a few hours in length, the concept of this game helps it stand out as an excellent Western video game with a simple revenge plot that is executed with great panache. After a mysterious man burns down the protagonist’s ranch and kills their parents, players embark on a journey of revenge as they try to pinpoint the culprit.
This is achieved by exploring a sandbox and completing missions to figure out the identity of this person, with the sheer amount of freedom afforded to the player ensuring that every playthrough makes for a unique time. While certain aspects of a player’s run may be similar, the journey to uncovering the traitor is unique every time, helping players enjoy this lovable homage to spaghetti westerns that stands out even more courtesy of a simple yet beautiful pixel art style that adds to the charm of this underrated open-world video game.
There’s a reason why Insomniac Studios was chosen to work onthe valuableSpider-ManIP, and fans who’ve playedSunset Overdrivehad full confidence that this studio would do justice to the webhead’s adventures. Despite the game technically being set in a post-apocalyptic scenario, the creative minds at Insomniac decided to use the awesomepocalyse to turn the world into a playground full of ziplines, grind rails, and everything else that aids movement.
What hammers in the unique qualities ofSunset Overdriveis its vibrant and eye-catching art style that enhances the colors of the game. For a world that is suffering from an apocalyptic event caused by an energy drink, it’s fitting that this world exudes charm in its visuals and ensures that players are treated to an explosion of colors as they zoom and grind their way across Sunset City.
Many people complained that the vast majority of racing games employed the same boring visual style that led to these titles looking similar. So, whenNeed for Speed Unboundshowed off its stylistic visuals, fans were treated to one of the most visually distinct games in the series that injected some much-needed pizazz into its graphics.
While these effects can be removed, most players love how energetic the races in this game feel when the game’s unique visual effects add some flair to each showdown. The grind ofNeed for Speed Unboundcan be a pain to deal with, but players who look past some of the game’s design flaws will find themselves enjoying one of the best racing games from a visual standpoint that serves as a breath of fresh air in a genre that doesn’t innovate all that often from an asethetic standpoint.
