When peoplethink of open-world games, the first thing that comes to mind is a huge world with impressive 3D graphics that will immerse players in no time. So, it can be hard to imagine that a compelling open-world game can keep players engaged even if it boasts 2D visuals.
Thankfully, a ton of indie developers coupled with some imaginative big-budget video game companies have done a great job of letting players enjoy an open world that utilizes 2D graphics to great effect. Players should approach these titles with an open mind to appreciate what these developers have done.
Players who love the Western genre will have a great time playing throughWesterado: Double Barreled. While the game itself can be pretty short, what makes the title magical is its novel use of procedural generation.
Every playthrough starts with the death of the player’s family as their ranch is burned down, with players having to hunt down the culprit by following clues and exploring the many cities and settlements present in the open world. The identity of this culprit and the layout of the town change every single time, which is an interesting design choice that adds toWesterado’s replayability.
Players who want to check out a game that pays homage toGTA’s fledgling years will loveRetro City Rampage. The game is full of references to 80s and 90s pop culture with some classic gameplay that doesn’t get too complicated.
Players can acquire powerful weaponry and go on a warpath whenever they wish if they want a break from making progress in the main story.Retro City Rampageflew under most people’s radar and is a game players should check out if they want to enjoy a compelling 2D open-world game.
The isekai plotline ofCrossCodeis accompanied by a sprinkling of amnesia, adding to the alluring setup of this game. Players find themselves stuck in an MMORPG where they must complete quests and make progress to slowly regain their memories.
Theexcellent combat and fun level design ofCrossCodehelps its dungeons stand out as a compelling part of the experience. The lack of engaging side content may not sit right with many, but this is an intentional choice meant to hammer in the authenticity of this MMORPG setting.
5Elona
The World Is Massive And Lets Players Do Whatever They Can Put Their Mind To
Players who want to be dropped into an open-world game with little to no guidance will lovewhatElonabrings to the table. The game can be ridiculously overwhelming the first time around, but players need only spend a few hours to familiarize themselves with how the game works before every playthrough inElonabecomes a rewarding experience.
From being a traveling merchant to a hero who helps out other people in a massive open world, it’s easy to see whyElonais such a joy to play through. On top of this open world, the game is a roguelike at heart that randomizes the layout of the world every single time players die.
WhileOctopath Travelerimplemented an open-world design that made traversal quite engaging, the sequel ensured that this side of the game would be more fleshed out than ever. There are more secrets and optional dungeons that players can uncover, while the day-night cycle ensures that players will find unique content based on the time of day.
Octopath Traveler 2is also notably easier than its predecessor, letting players head to tougher locations and uncover helpful content in no time. Players will acquire multiple copies of a job and kit out their party with powerful equipment in no time as long as they’re smart about exploring and leveling up.
An open-world roguelike game set in a world besieged by zombies and other monsters,Cataclysm: Dark Days Aheadfeatures a steep learning curvethat can be frustrating to deal with. However, once the experience clicks with players, making progress is as satisfying as can be.
Creating a reinforced vehicle to run over hostiles and trivialize most of the game’s challenge is something that takes a while to master but is incredibly cathartic once players reach this point. The roguelike structure makes every playthrough unique as players figure out different ways to optimize the game’s systems in their favor.
After being in Early Access for the longest time,Caves of Qudfinally enjoyed a 1.0 releasein late December that was positively reviewed across the board. The game is loaded with content and features so many gameplay systems that it can be mind-boggling to wrap one’s head around this title early on.
The 2D visuals may seem a bit too simplistic, but the true fun ofCaves of Qudlies in its deep gameplay. Figuring out the best race to control and befriending factions is a fun experience that remains fresh across multiple runs as the world and its elements are regenerated every single time.
Terrariais a glowing example of how passion can help a game remain relevant long past its shelf life. There was a time when this game was unfairly labeled as a 2D version ofMinecraft, only for the title to speak for itself and become one of the best indie sandbox titles players could get their hands on.
Improving a base before venturing forth to acquire resources and take out enemies is a blast every single time.Players who giveTerrariaa shotwill marvel at the impressive amount of content in this title that will keep them busy for many hours.
