Summary
Open worlds have long been an integral part of many games, and are predominantly used in large-scale AAA gamessuch asFar CryandRed Dead Redemption 2(though small, bite-sizedopen worlds have become popular among indie gamesas of late). Due to their nature, many of these games have players exploring from a third or first-person perspective and, as a result, usually feature hack-and-slash or FPS combat. Sandbox games let players create and achieve their own goals and tend to benefit from an open world, and these games often feature strategic combat.
1Stellar Tactics
A Unique Sci-Fi Open-World With Strategic Ground Combat
Stellar Tacticstakes place in a unique sci-fi open world plagued by a mysterious and horrifying disease. As a result, players can expect to go up against mutated enemies and monsters as well as the regular space pirates and bandits. While it may not be the most visually impressive game,Stellar Tacticsmanages to provide an interesting world to explore.
Despite featuring a narrative to follow,Stellar Tacticsis predominantlya sandbox experience. In the game, players command a crew of mercenaries, exploring the vast galaxy in their own spaceship. There’s plenty of boots-on-the-ground combat to take part in throughoutStellar Tactics, which is turn-based in nature and can be highly strategic. However, while many encounters require strategy to succeed, much of the strategy inStellar Tacticscomes down to building out a balanced party. This is done through the game’s character progression, which has players using a classless system to choose perks for each of their characters.
TheMount & Bladegames are known for their open-world sandbox gameplay and strategic,large-scale battles. Unlike many strategic open-world sandboxes, though,Mount & Bladefeatures real-time combat that gives players control over their own character. The strategy inMount & Bladecomes from the orders that players give their troops in the heat of battle, and the formation they have them in before it begins. This results in a visceral combat experience that’s often immersive.
Outside of combat, players are free to exploreMount & Blade’sworld, though many locations are fairly similar, and memorable areas are few and far between. However, this open world provides players with an array of activities to partake in and territories to conquer, rarely leaving the player with little to do. Most of the exploration inMount & Bladeis done on an open over-world map, but players are also able to explore individual locations on foot.
Taking place in a strange,unique open worldfilled with stretches of bleak desert and dotted with dangerous biomes,Kenshiis a consistent joy to explore. However, the world ofKenshiis extremely hostile and isn’t afraid to take the player out (along with any companions they may have) in all manner of ways. As a result,Kenshiisn’t for the faint of heart. The game is also relatively slow-paced, with character progression and exploration requiring patience on the part of the player.
Kenshiis a squad-based RPG, featuring real-time-with-pause combat that’s often strategic. This real-time-with-pause structure allows players to blast through easier encounters while taking their time for the more dangerous situations.Kenshialso features hit-simulation in which a nasty blow to the leg will result in a limp, a badly wounded arm can’t be used, and blood loss is a real concern. This adds depth to the game’s combat and provides players with an entire system to worry about as their party trades blows with the enemy.
This open-world sandbox RPG puts players in command of a company of mercenaries. The game’s open world takes place ina low-fantasy setting, primarily populated by a mixture of noble houses and bandits. However, there are plenty of nasty creatures to battle, as well; undead, green-skinned orcs and goblins, and other abominations roam the darkest corners of the map.
The only goal players have inBattle Brothersis to make enough money to keep their company going, increasing their reputation with the various noble houses as they do so. However, the game also includes an array of end-game crises to overcome, adding an extra layer of challenge for those who have progressed far enough.Battle Brothers’greatest strengths, however, are in its RPG systems; in the game, players are given a great deal of control over every mercenary they recruit and are given the opportunity to customize their stats, perks, and equipment as they level up. This level of customization supports the strategic, turn-based combat, making for a rewarding experience.
