Summary
Ubisofthas long established itself as one of the developersmost associated with open-world games, regularly releasing some of the biggest titles in the industry. With expansive worlds to explore that can easily take over 100 hours, from theAssassin’s CreedandFar Cryseries toWatch Dogs,The Division, andevenAvatar: Frontiers of Pandora, players generally know what to expect from Ubisoft’s releases, and many are happy with this consistency.
The rise of Ubisoft-style open-world titles and their popularity have impacted many other studios, who followed suit by replicating many of the trademarks of these games in their titles. While not identical, players will find many familiar elements when exploring triple-A games in recent years. Below are some of the best games that follow this formula, highlighting the strongest elements that are reminiscent of the traditional Ubisoft approach to open-world games. Interestingly, many of these games were published by Sony or Warner Bros. Interactive, underscoring these companies' interest in providing this kind of entertainment to their players.
Ghost of Tsushimawas released at the perfect time, instantlyfilling the gap for a samurai-themedAssassin’s Creedalternative that fans of the series had long been craving. More importantly, Sucker Punch delivered an all-around excellent game featuring captivating visuals, one of the most stunningly beautiful open worlds that still holds up today, and likable, complex characters like Jin Sakai and Lord Shimura. The game also boasts a robust and satisfying combat system that makes players feel like they’re wielding a precise and deadly blade.
The undeniable strengths ofGhost of Tsushimawere further enhanced by the freeLegendsco-op multiplayer mode, which drew many players into its mythology-based and mysterious world. Fans are yet to see if Ubisoftcan surpass thiswith the upcomingAssassin’s Creed Shadows, releasing this November.
Horizon Zero DawnandHorizon Forbidden Westare among the most Ubisoft-like open-world titles available today, featuring vast worlds with various climate zones to explore. What truly sets these games apart is their unique setting. The series depicts a distant future where people have reverted to a more primitive state, exploring the high-tech remnants of a previous human civilization, unable to fully grasp their meaning and purpose.Facing various types of mecha-dinosaursis a highlight of the experience, demanding players master everything in Aloy’s rich arsenal.
Another advantage ofHorizon Forbidden Westis thegame’s incredible visualspowered by the Decima Engine, delivering some of the clearest and most detailed image quality available on the PS5 to this day.
Hogwarts Legacyis one of the most played open-world titles of recent years, largely due to the immense popularity of theHarry Potterfranchise. Beyond that, the developers at Avalanche Software have delivered the most detailed version of Hogwarts and its surroundings ever seen in gaming, all brimming with secrets, collectibles, and optional activities.
The atmosphere and setting are undoubtedly the main draws ofHogwarts Legacy, but the game also offers an intense and fun combat system that allows players to combine various spells on the go for long, devastating chains with different effects. While the main story, characters, and quests inHogwarts Legacyaren’t the bestcompared to the competition, it combines everything fans of the Ubisoft open-world formula can expect.
BothMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorandMiddle-earth: Shadow of Warare open-world titles inspired by Ubisoft’s approach to the genre and theAssassin’s Creedseries in particular. Based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien but delivering their own vision, the titles send players to the depths of Mordor and almost entirely focus on fighting orcs. Luckily, it’s not as straightforward as it might sound. Thanks to the patented Nemesis system, theseMiddle-earthgames provide unique NPC interactions and gameplay situations for every player, remembering their choices and past interactions to create personalized stories.
With strong visuals, adark but familiar atmosphere, and huge territories to explore,Middle-earth: Shadow of Warand its DLC can easily keep players occupied for dozens of hours.
Days Gonereceived a somewhat mixed reception at launch, which led Sony to eventuallyscrap its ambitious sequeland leave the game’s story incomplete. However, manyplayers have come to appreciateDays Gonefor what it is in the following years. Boasting a huge world full of dangers, literal hordes of zombies to face, convincing characters that genuinely feel alive, and a special bike-riding appeal — an experience that is a rare breed in gaming overall —Days Gonestands as one of the most notable examples of how to create open worlds players will love to immerse themselves in.
Even ifDays Gonemay overstay its welcome and is commonly considered a bit dragged out in the latter half, there are always things to do and valuables to collect in this post-apocalyptic America, like searching for a can of gas for one’s upgraded custom bike.
Another underappreciated game at launch is Avalanche Studios’Mad Max(not to be confused with Avalanche Software), which is closely tied toMad Max: Fury Roadbut offers its own take on the Wasteland and its inhabitants. While the structure of the game is very basic, forcing players to gradually clear regions of the map from various gangs and bandits in a quest to create the Magnum Opus car for a distant and dangerous journey, the execution of many elements of the game is brilliant.
From responsive car handling and exciting combat chases all around the Wasteland to brutal hand-to-hand combat with a system closely followingBatman: Arkham’s mechanics,Mad Maxis a game that can be enjoyed not only by fans ofGeorge Miller’s fascinating universebut by any player who enjoys exploring huge open-world titles in brief sessions.
