Summary
Rockstar Gamescould arguably be called the king of open-world titles. The studio is well known for crafting complex stories that involve likable characters, adrenaline-rushing missions, and a large variety of different vehicles, weapons, and NPCs that players can interact with. But what about those games from the developer that don’t allow for that much freedom?
While possibly 80% ofRockstar Games' portfolio is made up of open-world games, some of the developer’s titles present players with an amazing story and an entertaining experience, despite their obvious limitations in terms of freedom. Here are thebest Rockstar Games that are not open-world.
Few games can be considered to have been the foundations of some of the most successful franchises in modern gaming history, andRed Dead Revolverholds that title proudly. Serving as the precursor of massive hits likeRed Dead RedemptionandRed Dead Redemption 2, this title follows the story of Red Harlow in his quest to avenge his family’s murder at the hands of his father’s partner’s henchmen.
Featuring amazing combat mechanics with firearms and shootouts that players would expect in a Wild West story, this game is entertaining and challenging. While it doesn’t feature any open-world mechanics, they’re hardly missed.Red Dead Revolverdeserves a top spot in Rockstar Games' Hall of Fame, as, without it, theRed Dead Redemptionfranchise may never have existed.
While theManhuntfranchise doesn’t get as much love as it used to back in the day, it’s still beloved by a bunch of players and remembered as part of a great era inRockstar Games' trajectory.Manhuntis set in the fictional settlement of Carcer City and follows the main character, James Earl Cash, who has to participate in a series of films involving murder and other crimes. As gang members and other criminals try to murder James, he will have to survive and fend off every threat he encounters throughout the game.
Many players argue that, due to its concept,Manhuntcould have been an amazing open-world game. And while that is true, the fact that it has limited mechanics in this regard doesn’t take away from the amazing experience it provides—especially for first-time players.
2009 was an amazing year. EDM music was taking over the world, becoming the mainstream genre that most teenagers and adults listened to, and it helped propel various DJs and producers to stardom. Rockstar Games and producer Timbaland saw this as an opportunity to createBeaterator,a music mixerthat allowed players to produce their own loops and create incredible beats with ease.
While the game doesn’t have a complex plot or over-the-top game mechanics, it does its own thing very well and delivers an overall entertaining experience fit for musicians and non-musicians alike. Naturally,Beateratordoes not have any open-world mechanics, as there isn’t even exploration featured in it. However, the possibilities are endless when it comes to what players can create, and how catchy their jams can be.
LikeBeaterator,Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennisisn’t really story-rich or driven by characters with a deep backstory. Instead, the title focuses on simulating Table Tennis and all the surrounding intricacies. With various methods of serving and returning the ball, players can devise different strategies and hone their skills to defeat their opponents and crown themselves the champion. While theAI available in the gamewas not very advanced compared to what players can see in modern titles, it still posed a significant challenge and forced players to spend hours in the game to improve.
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennisfeatures two main modes: Exhibition, and Tournament, which pits players against different opponents across various circuits. Whether players are looking for tough competition, or simply want a friendly match of Table Tenis, this title can provide them with either. It goes without saying, but since this game’s concept doesn’t allow for open-world mechanics, there aren’t any present.
Max Payne 3is beloved by millions of players worldwide, and, along with theGTAand theRed Dead Redemptionfranchises, was arguably one of the great propellants for Rockstar Games' meteoric rise.Max Payne 3follows protagonist Max Payne nine years after the events of its prequel. Working as a bodyguard for a wealthy man, he will find himself in various situations of extreme danger and tons of action. This title is proof that when a game is made with care and attention to detail, the lack of open-world mechanics and the limited freedom that comes with that are irrelevant.
With a wide variety of weapons to choose from and exciting missions to complete,Max Payne 3is still able to deliver newcomers with an unforgettable experience, even more than 12 years after it was initially released.
