Summary
Open-world gamesoften combine elements from several genresto make the most of their sandbox approach. After all, games that let players explore a massive world to their heart’s content need to populate said world with meaningful content. Given how so many major developers try their hands at open-world games, it’s easy to see why fans have come to expect more from these titles, instead of the tried-and-tested gameplay loops that have been done to death.
Everything from music to combat plays a huge role in making these open worlds as memorable as possible. Sometimes, the occasional injection of horror can also go a long way in adding to the fun factor of these games. Titles that employ these aspects immerse players in a setting where enemies are nightmarish to deal with, and a single mistake can lead to their doom. Some of the most notable open-world games know how to make the most of their horror elements to scare the player with ease.
Dying Light 2is a sequel that’s bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than its predecessor. Choices matter in this title and add to its replayability. The player’s traversal options are heightened to make movement more dynamic than ever before. All of this is augmented by the game’s fun combat, which lets players use a myriad of moves and drop zombies before taking them down with a well-placed melee attack. Given the focus on the undead, it’s easy to see whyDying Light 2can be so scary at times.
Volatiles are dangerous as always, and making a mad dash to a safe zone during a chase makes for a tense and horrifying experience every time. Players must make it a point todeck themselves out with appropriate equipmentto take out their enemies with ease. Failing to do so makes every combat scenario tense.
TheMetrogames feature an oppressive atmosphere with nightmarish mutated enemies that can damage players in more ways than one. When it was announced that the third game in the series would be open-world, fans couldn’t help but worry. After all, the claustrophobic chambers of the underground metro that Artyom and the other survivors had to navigate were a huge part of what made these action-packed shooters so unnerving. It was a fair assumption that this atmosphere would be lost in a sandbox environment.
This is precisely why fans were glad that this game proved them wrong.Metro Exodusquickly rose to the top and became one of the best games in the series. The focus on a sandbox environment did not hurt the game’s immersion at all. In fact, the immaculate level design arguably heightened the horror elements. Of course, players who missed the classic linear structure ofcertain levels in theMetroserieswill be well-served too, making it clear whyMetro Exodusis the perfect game for both old and new fans.
There’s no denying thatDays Gonehas one of the slowest startsto any video game, to the point where most players drop this game after just a few hours. However, when the story kicks into high gear and players are introduced to the Freaker swarms, the gameplay opens up considerably. Not only can players explore the depth ofDays Gone’s systems, but the game can also scare players out of their wits when things get tense.
Being chased by a swarm is harrowing and requires a fair bit of tactical play if gamers don’t want Deacon to get mobbed by zombies. These hordes are an impressive technical achievement and one of the biggest reasons why the simple act of exploration can turn into nightmare fuel.
Project Zomboidisone of the most ambitious open-world survival gamesthat fans can get their hands on. The sheer number of playstyles one can pursue in every run makes this title endlessly replayable. Death is an eventuality in this game and is not easily avoided, which makes things more tense as players survive for days on end.
Despite its rudimentary graphics, fans of engaging survival games will love whatProject Zomboidbrings to the table. After a few deaths that will help players learn the ropes, every single playthrough will make them sweat as they optimize their strategies to survive for as long as possible. Supply runs are dread-inducing, and players stop feeling secure in their safehouses after a point, since the threat of a zombie breaking down their door is ever-present.
Elden Ringhas established itself as one of the greatest open-world games ever made. FromSoftware’s action RPG formula translates effortlessly into this genre. Players love the idea ofexploring different corners of the worldto get stronger before taking on a boss who is giving them a tough time. While this can lead to players getting so strong that most enemies stop posing a threat after a point, that should take nothing away from the moments when this game can scare players with ease.
As one would expect from a Miyazaki game, some enemy placements are tricky and take players by surprise, leading to their death simply due to sheer panic. Of course, it would be impossible to talk about the scariest moments inElden Ringwithout mentioning the player’s first encounter with the eerie Fingercreeper. Fans can’t be faulted for avoiding these enemies at all costs, given how scary they look.
