Video games have many focal points depending on the genre and focus of the game's content. Often, a game can focus on gameplay and exploration to drive home the lore and the experience of adventure. On other occasions, games can add well-crafted characters to the story and allow players to connect on a deeper level while progressing through a strong narrative experience. On special occasions, characters are given allies or "companions" that journey with them as they struggle through the trials and tribulations the game has to offer, giving them a friend or partner to join them as they venture off into the unknown.
Companions are a very popular addition to games with role-playing elements, but they are very difficult to pull off effectively. Character personalities, abilities, and designs all come into play when trying to appeal to players and don't always hit the mark. However, there are an adequate amount of games that have been released that provide fascinating and appealing characters that journey alongside the player from start to finish. Here are some of the best open-world games with companions that make the journey worthwhile.
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5 Cyberpunk 2077
Well Written and Fleshed Out
Cyberpunk 2077
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the strongest narrative-focused releases in the last few years that has garnered a strong cult following for its vast world filled with interesting lore and multiple characters that players will encounter throughout the story.
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Along with a slew of advisories and allies, players also have options to become long-standing partners with several characters, such as Panam Palmer, Judy Alverez, and Johnny Silverhand. Each companion has a specific personality that fits multiple types of play-throughs; for instance, Panam Palmer holds strong resentment towards Night City, making her a strong pairing for players who seek to take down the machine but not give in to Johnny Silverhand's chaotic way of thinking. While these companions can not exactly be controlled, their capabilities are said to be expanded in an upcoming update.
4 Final Fantasy 15
Strong Relationship Building In The Game's Story
All Final Fantasy games come with rich stories and a large party of interesting characters for the player to get to know and learn to love. In Final Fantasy 15, players take on the role of Prince Noctis and go on a long journey of action, turmoil, and tragedy with three trusted friends to fight alongside.
Of the three members of Noctis' party, each has been written with their own history and ideals that make them feel more like family to Noctis than servants and bodyguards. Ignis is a loyal and resolute partner to Noctis, always ready to steer him in the right direction, while Gladiolus serves as more of a mentor, even though the two see each other as equals. The comradery between the characters makes the story a more memorable experience.
3 The Outer Worlds
Unique Personalities At Every Turn
The Outer Worlds is a highly acclaimed game that was forged by the industry giant, Obsidian Games, who are known for their extensive RPG games that raise the standard of RPG elements and interactive content in games. After several successful releases like Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick Of Truth, Obsidian made a daring move and released The Outer Worlds. However, while The Outer Worlds is a brilliant game, the companions add a tremendous amount of personality and charm.
Parvati is one of the best companions in the game not just because of the tactical advantages she provides, but also due to her exquisitely crafted character and exceptional voice acting that grants players a strong feeling of interaction. There are several companions that players can obtain, making squad composition impact the game in both story and gameplay.
2 The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Plenty Of Different Characters To Switch Things Up
For decades, Bethesda has been one of the most favored studios that fans hold in high regard for their massive games. One of the top-performing franchises, The Elder Scrolls, has had a lengthy time at the top of most fan's lists, especially after releasing the fifth game in the series, Skyrim.
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The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim is one of the highest-performing Bethesda games to date and ushered in a new era of open-world RPGs that has had a definite impact on the genre. In addition to a vast story and engaging combat, Skyrim provides numerous options for companions that players can trek across the massive map with. Skyrim is a big place, and bringing a companion can make the journey feel less lonely. While each companion is not as filled with depth as other games previously mentioned, they do provide a deeper sense of importance while exploring the world as the Dragonborn. Skyrim has a wide variety of different companions that can be made even larger with downloadable mods from creative players.
1 Dragon Age Origins
Massive Variety Of Available Companions
Dragon Age Origins is one of the most beloved games in the Dragon Age franchise. With a new installment in the Dragon Age series quickly approaching with Dreadwolf, there are large shoes to fill. Dragon Age Origins had one of the best story experiences to date, with a slew of characters that were both memorable and unique.
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One such character is Zevran, who is an elf living in a world where his race is ostracized and enslaved. Interactions with characters like him add a strong sense of immersion and world-building that wouldn't be there if there weren't characters who faced adversity and strife. The time spent on the personalities and histories of the many available companions made a large impact on players who experienced the game and gave it a high level of replay value.
