Summary
Open-world gaming has progressed by leaps and bounds throughout the years, with the latest gaming tech ensuring thatfans can enjoy cathartic and action-packed combatin the bulk of these sandbox titles. This leads to moments where players can just switch off their brains and enjoy the spectacle occurring on-screen.
Such kinds of titles have their appeal, especially since some players find games with a multitude of intense mechanics to be a bit too overwhelming for them. Instead, the simplicity of blowing things up, wreaking havoc, or just exploring without a care in the world is enough to keep most players engaged for the long haul.
TheJust Causegames have always been about letting players blow up everything in sight, with everything else being little more than an excuse for these rampages.Just Cause 3is no exception, withits improved grappling hookand diverse array of weaponry ensuring that players will enjoy blowing things up in creative ways over and over again.
The story just gives players an excuse to go loco on a dictator’s bases, blowing everything up in sight to liberate cities. The fact that citizens cheer players after they blow up multiple blocks and cause numerous casualties should make it clear that the action in this title is as mindless as it can come, unless players want to maximize the applications of the grappling hook.
Crackdown 2is a fun sandbox title that players can explore if they don’t want to engage with a story or gameplay that is too deep for its own good. Instead,the simple gameplay loopof commandeering vehicles, collecting orbs, and using Agent powers is more than enough to keep players satiated.
It’s a shame that this gameplay didn’t evolve in a sequel, but fans can still have a great time with what many people consider to be the best game in the series here.Crackdown 2isn’t too complicated and prioritizes player fun before everything else, which makes for a pleasant and relaxing experience.
One of the shortest and most charming open-world games that fans of the genre can check out,A Short Hikerespects the player’s time and lets them enjoy exploration in a simple sandbox. All the player must do is reach the top of a town to get cellphone reception.
To accomplish this, players must find golden feathers that improve the protagonist’s traversal abilities. Being able to glide and climb for a longer duration lets them literally reach new heights while interacting with a bunch of charming anthropomorphic NPCs along the way. For those looking to really switch off while playing an open-world game, this title is a must-play.
Saints Row 3is when the series decided to go completely bonkers. All of a sudden, Playa could become the President of the United States if they played their cards right.
Over-the-top scenarios like these make it clear why players don’t need to think too much inSaints Row 3. The set-pieces are chaotic, the sandbox is fun to mess around in, and the game’s humor ensures that players will be left grinning from ear to ear after every play session.
Forza Horizon 5’s progression may be all over the place, but this can help casual players jump into the experience a little more easily. A lucky wheelspin can allow players to acquire extremely powerful cars that leave most opposing racers in the dust.
This means that players don’t have to struggle or think too much in this simcade racing game, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The racing gameplay still requires some fast reflexes and quick thinking, and all of this becomes automatic as players invest more time in playing.
Far Cry 5was a much-needed breath of fresh air in a series that had recycled its gameplay loop far too many times. The removal of radio towers and the focus on organic exploration meant that players didn’t need to bring up the map every two seconds to figure out where they had to go.
This was a game-changer,enhancingFar Cry 5’s immersionas players explored unique locales and took on members of the Seed family after encroaching upon their territory numerous times. The action is cathartic and never gets so hard that players will be left feeling frustrated, allowing them to look like badasses as they wipe out numerous cultists without any problems.
Bethesda made it a point to makeFallout 4appeal to casual gamers. This was done by dumbing down the game’s RPG mechanics and focusing on a trait system that made things more accessible.
The lack of challenge in this game, coupled with its magical exploration, ensured that players would always find themselves entertained without having to use their brainpower too much. Aside from changing equipment and unlocking traits, there aren’t too many moments where players must genuinely think about what they want or need to do.
GTAhas always beenthe poster child of mindless open-world chaos, and the fifth mainline entry is no exception. The personalities of every main character are easy to digest, and the story isn’t so thought-provoking that players need to pay too much attention to it.
The bulk of the game’s cutscenes just provide players with an excuse to engage in some amazing, action-packed set pieces. Rockstar doubled down on this approach inGTA Online, with players engaging in a bunch of memorable missions that don’t require lengthy justifications.
