Open-world games can provide more freedom than any other genre, letting go of the player’s hand and letting them explore at their own pace, in any direction they prefer. From mystical worlds filled with magic to entire galaxies with undiscovered stars and planets.
But no world can survive without its inhabitants, breathing life into the otherwise cold landscape. Conversations with characters can often be the highlight of explorations, and a well-written dialogue can lift a game to a whole new level. A boring conversation can quickly suck the life out of a playthrough, but if an NPC can be engaging and interesting, even the most difficult of journeys becomes infinitely better.
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9 Special Mention: The Outer Worlds
Metascore – 85
Outer Worlds brought quite a lot of new nuances to the genre, with its unique blend of dark humor, compelling story, and player-driven options. Its satirical take on corporate dystopia gives a refreshing departure from traditional sci-fi. The game's unique appeal lies in its dynamic storytelling, which fosters a memorable and personalized player experience within a richly constructed universe.
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Most of the characters have something interesting to say, whether it's an opinion of their immediate surroundings or an interesting piece of lore. Players can easily spend hours just chatting with random strangers.
The Outer Worlds is not a traditional open-world as it is divided into open areas. Still, it warrants a mention.
8 Mafia: Definitive Edition
Metascore – 78
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s New Orleans, Mafia 3 features an intricate storyline with complex organized crime. The time period and the location itself really set the game apart from the more modern competitors, such as Grand Theft Auto and Watch Dogs.
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The dialogue, sharp and authentic, contributes to the immersive atmosphere, while the characters, each with their own fascinating backstories, form a diverse and memorable cast. Overall, it is a fantastic choice to look at the life of that time period through the lens of organized crime.
7 Watch Dogs 2
Metascore – 82
Watch Dogs 2 is a great gaming experience that effortlessly mixes action and hacking with a vibrant virtual San Francisco backdrop. The game’s open-world design encourages exploration, giving players a playground of possibilities as they blast their way through missions.
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The playful humor and clever writing infuse the story with humor and depth, making the journey so much more engaging. The characters’ personalities shine through, creating a dynamic atmosphere that complements the game’s action gameplay. Overall it's a great choice if players want to dive into a world full of interesting characters and engaging storylines.
6 Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Metascore – 84
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Yakuza: Like Dragon stands out as a great game due to its dynamic blend of engaging gameplay, over-the-top encounters, and amazing writing. The game features a fresh turn-based combat system, providing a refreshing departure from the series' traditional brawling style.
The series always had quite a unique narrative experience, which can be both shocking and hilarious at times. The game has a compelling story that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. The characters are intricately crafted, each with their own unique personalities and backstories, contributing to a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant gaming experience.
5 Fallout: New Vegas
Metascore – 84
To this day, Fallout: New Vegas remains to be a favorite within the series for many players. The fantastic story, philosophy, and the locations of the game are still solidly engraved into countless fans’ minds.
The characters have some of the best writing in the series, incredibly fun, lively, mysterious and complicated. Given the RPG nature of the game, picking different dialogue options actually feels meaningful, and gives amazing conversations in the most unexpected places. While the game is much better with some touch-up mods, it is still a great choice to pick up and dive deep into the world.
4 Cyberpunk 2077
Metascore – 86
Cyberpunk 2077
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Cyberpunk 2077 sends the players straight into the heart of the Night City and its surrounding area, with danger, stories, and captivating characters waiting around every corner. The game has a lot of variety in scenery, even if most of the action is set in the city.
The characters feel alive for many reasons. They all live their own lives, and it rarely feels like they exist for the sole purpose of the protagonist. The dialogue is lively and fresh, especially given the local slang and the variety of accents.
3 Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Metascore – 88
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure , Open-World
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag still holds a special place in many players’ hearts as one of the greatest pirate games ever. The vast open seas, the lively towns and ports, everything about the game just screams, “Adventure!”.
As the players navigate the world, they meet a lot of interesting people and deepen the connections they have with their crew. From mesmerizing shanties to philosophical dialogues, the people truly feel alive at times, immensely improving the overall experience with the game.
2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Metascore – 92
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
The Witcher series always had good writing, which isn’t at all surprising given that the source material was a best-seller series of novels. But by the third game, CD Projekt Red really polished their craft and put their best efforts into the masterpiece it is today.
From troubled villagers, to tedious nobles, to zealous savages, the game portrays characters from any and all walks of life, each with their own ambitions, fears, and goals. The world and its inhabitants feel alive, and even the most unassuming trader might have a captivating story to tell.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Metascore – 97
Red Dead Redemption 2 still stands as a gaming masterpiece, renowned for its unparalleled attention to detail and incredibly immersive open-world experience. Rockstar Games crafted a visually stunning and dynamic environment that mirrors the Old West's authenticity, from sprawling landscapes to intricate character animations.
The writing is some of the best that the studio ever had to offer, with complex and breathing characters, thought-provoking dialogue, and meaningful themes throughout the game. It’s no wonder that the game left such a mark on the industry, and many players are awaiting the return of the series.
