Summary
Gamers can usually attest to the fact that games hit differently as they get older. Mindless, action-packed experiences are fun as a child, but players will more often than not want to check out titles that are more introspective and mature as they age up.
This applies to the realm of open-world games, but finding something appropriate purely for adults can be challenging given that most titles aim to appeal to large audiences. For those looking for open-world games with mature tones, here are some of the best options available.
A lot of people rippedDays Goneapart for havinga beginning that’s so slowthat it caused them to drop the game. This is a real shame, however, since the game really opens up in both the story and gameplay departments after players get past the first few hours.
This lets players experience a mature story with chilling moments and emotional reunions, with Deacon St. John almost operating like an anti-hero of sorts. With the upcoming remaster, more mature gamers should giveDays Gonea shot to see what they’re missing out on.
Pathologic 2is a surreal experience that kids may find hard to appreciate, especially since the gameplay is very hard and will punish a player’s mistakes. However, seasoned gamers seeking out a unique open-world experience will likely love what this title brings to the table.
Trying to find the source of a plague affecting an unnamed town that is full of colorful characters makesPathologic 2a blast to play. As hardcore as the game may be, the mature tone of this title, coupled with its unique nature, makes it perfect for adults.
Yakuza 0is an excellent entry point into the series, detailing both Kiryu and Majima’s stories before they became the Dragon of Dojima and the Mad Dog of Shimano, respectively. The combat is great, and the storytelling is likely to appeal to fans of the game’s crime drama elements.
As dark and brooding as the game’s main story may be, adults can always take a breather with the hilarious substories and side content. A lot of this content is mature and makes for a fun time, encouraging players to laugh at the wealth of wacky moments that Kiryu and Majima regularly find themselves in.
Most gamers assume thatGrand Theft Autogames come with over-the-top stories that promote mindless fun over everything else. This is true for most titles, butGrand Theft Auto 4tackles a mature narrative that adult gamers are likely to appreciate.
Niko Bellic’s struggles in Liberty City are far from jovial, even if the title has its fair share of hilarious moments in line withGTA’s classic humor. However, the emotional ending makes it clear that this is one of thedarkestGrand Theft Autogamesthat adult fans can check out.
Cyberpunk 2077boasts one of the best narratives in modern gaming. The dystopian nature of Night City and its capitalist hellscape is something thatleads to a ton of philosophical questionsand eye-opening observations, especially with the many fleshed-out side quests that provide a deeper look at the world and its twisted nature.
The main story itself deals with several mature themes, with V and Johnny Silverhand’s psyches merging to the point where the protagonist starts losing their identity. This is just one of the many mature plotlines inCyberpunk 2077that makes it a great game for adults to enjoy.
Disco Elysium’s narrative is rife with political themes and philosophical questions, and it’s set in a rich world full of tantalizing lore for players to uncover. All of this is mixed with a dash of humor to keep players engaged for the long haul, although the narrative’s complexities may be lost on young gamers.
Meanwhile, adult gamers are likely to have a blast controlling Harry Du Bois as they solve a tricky murder. The emotional high points of the narrative can be relatable forthose who have dealt with heartbreakand the idea that the world is moving on without them, and these are just a few of the many mature threads that the narrative explores.
A huge reason why fans can’t get enough ofRed Dead Redemption 2is because of its incredible narrative. Arthur Morgan’s journey of redemption is tear-inducing on a High Honor playthrough, even though the Low Honor Arthur is also riveting in his own right.
Those familiar with Rockstar’s games may not be used to the narrative’s slow pace, but most won’t mind once they see just how emotional and engaging the game’s narrative is. All of this combines to helpRed Dead Redemption 2stand out as one of the most mature open-world games that gamers can check out.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis one of thebest dark fantasy video games ever made. The mature world of this title is full of death and destruction, especially given how the conflict between the Northern Realms and Nilfgaard is at a boiling point.
The horror of war isn’t the only thing explored in the title’s narrative, with the game’s side quests also doing a great job of fleshing out the world and forcing players to make a ton of choices where nothing is black or white. This mature storytelling ensures that adult gamers can have a great time with whatThe Witcher 3brings to the table.
