An open-world game and a small town feel are two concepts that seem at odds with each other. Open-world titles, by their very nature, offer players a vast, explorable map and an expansive world setting to wander in, whereas a small town feel is only possible in a close-knit, interconnected community where everyone knows everyone else.
But that does not prevent talented developers from combining the two concepts into one game, delivering an experience few have had the chance to enjoy. The gaming landscape is vast, and amish-mash of opposing genresmakes for interesting titles and cool concepts.
Outwardis an often overlookedopen-world indie RPGset in a fantasy world featuring a unique combat system and surprisingly deep lore. Players start in Cierzo, a small town with humble beginnings and a cozy marketplace where everyone knows everyone and the lives of the citizens are intertwined.
Tchiais an open-world adventure game that captures the essence of what it’s like to live in a small town with a community of people who all know each other intimately through shared experiences and a common past. The game featuresgorgeous, artistic visualsand is set in a vast, explorable archipelago.
The islands are lush, colorful, and alive with things to do and people to meet. Exploration and discovery are the main goals in Tchia, but during the moments when the player wants to stock up, rest, and recover and visits a settlement to do so, there is a sense of belonging that’s only possible in a setting where Tchia and all the people she meets are part of the same tribe. With the occasional local festival, celebration, and a helpful word here and there,Tchianails the small-town charm with ease.
A Short Hikeis a curious little indie gem set in a unique top-down open-world setting. The goal of the game is simple: climb to the peak of the mountain. Claire, the protagonist, starts at the base of the mountain and needs to gradually make her way to the peak, facing challenges along the way. A curious quirk of this game is that it’s technically possible to climb the mountain without any power-ups, level-ups, or abilities, making it a rare title that lets the player play on their own terms, allowing them to interact as little or as much with the game’s mechanics as they want.
While the gameplay is very good, it’s theexcellent storytellingand the gorgeous setting that setsA Short Hikeapart from similar titles. From the camps to the cabins to the tiny little huts some NPCs call home, the game’s environment exudes a quaint and cozy feeling often characteristic of indie games. The relaxed pace allows players to soak in the ambiance without a need to rush to the next objective. Though the world is condensed, the sense of exploration and adventure is there in spades. The road to the peak is dotted with the occasional hiker looking to make the climb as well, a hermit enjoying nature, or a lost villager looking for help, all contributing to the sense of close-knit community that a small town feel is all about.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildis anopen-world action-adventure gameset in the kingdom of Hyrule. The map is vast, and while there are certain locations like the Hyrule Castle, Goron City, and Zora’s Domain, the vast majority of the game world and its residents ooze small town vibes.
Of the four large settlements, Gerudo Town and the Rito Village both have the feeling of living in a small, close-knit community.Gerudo Town, found in the desert, is a collection of mud huts, shops, and underground domiciles with a harmonious undertone that signifies that all residents in the town are like family members. In Rito Village, even though the overall structure of the building is large in scope, it’s not industrial like Goron City and retains a lived-in, homey feel to it.
My Time At Portiais a 3Dfarming simulation RPGset in the cozy town of Portia, where players take on the role of a new farmer just beginning to put down their roots in town after inheriting their father’s business. While farming and helping expand the town is the main point inMy Time At Portiaand a significant part of the gameplay loop, interacting with the residents of Portia, building relationships, and even finding a romantic partner all play a huge role as well.
From something as simple as completing fetch quests to as complex as helping set up the town’s local festival, everything is meant to increase the player’s sense of belonging to Portia. While the game is open-world, and players can venture out to farm resources and defeat monsters, Portia is at the heart of the game and the place players will always return to no matter how far out they go. The emphasis on social bonds and the role of the player in the town’s development reinforce the feeling of being part of a thriving yet intimate community.
