Summary
Open-world games are some of the largest and most played in the modern gaming landscape. Be they grand fantasy adventures or a chaotic recreation of a modern city, gamers have always gravitated towards the exploration of expansive open worlds. These open-world games are often longer in length and packed full of combat, exploration, and secrets.
Of course, open-world games offer many subgenres and experiences, some of which offer tough and grueling combat. This style isn’t for everyone, and plenty of gamers want to relish being in an open world without being tested too much on the combat front. Easy or simplistic combat can help draw in a wider audience and allow for a more relaxing and cinematic gaming experience, especially in often lengthy open-world titles.
Marvel’s Spider-Manwas the first Spider-Man title made by Insomiac in their series of Playstation Spider-Man titles. Players can explore the open-world setting of Manhattan, a location synonymous withSpider-Man and his rogues' gallery. From web-slinging through the city to taking down rooms of armed enemies,Marvel’s Spider-Manensures that players feel as though they are the famous comic book hero.
Whilst the combat can border on more difficult territory,Marvel’s Spider-Manallows players to select from a range of difficulty settings. The easiest difficulty setting is called Friendly Neighborhood and provides the player with forgiving combat encounters. This makes the already cinematic combat inMarvel’s Spider-Mana purely fun and accessible experience that is perfect for players who just want to relax and take in the location and story.
Grand Theft Auto 5is one of the most famous open-world experiences in gaming. Players can explore and wreak havoc throughout Los Santos, a fictional city that is highly inspired by Los Angeles. Most gamers will need no introduction toGrand Theft Auto 5and its wild andchaotic gameplay loopand story.
Whilst the online mode ofGrand Theft Auto 5can become somewhat difficult with the inclusion of heists, the story mode remains a relatively simple experience. The ease of combat inGrand Theft Auto 5mostly comes from its simplistic mechanics, wherein players simply just need to be able to shoot. For those on a controller, aim-assist is also very strong, ensuring that the shooting aspect of the game is accessible.
Red Dead Redemption 2is the critically acclaimed sequel toRed Dead Redemption. It boasts a massive narrative experience, as well as asimilarly expansive open worldto go along with it.Red Dead Redemption 2allows players to experience the Wild West gunslinger fantasy, with an immersive open world that acts as the perfect backdrop to the authentic recreation of the Wild West.
As with the aforementionedGrand Theft Auto 5, the ease of combat inRed Dead Redemption 2comes from its mechanical simplicity. Players engage in mostly forgiving and straightforward gunfight scenarios, with the option for high aim-assist to aid them in combat. The game also features the ‘deadeye’ mechanic, which allows players to slow down time, as well as target enemies for automatic shooting.
Just Cause 3is an incredibly chaotic open-world action sandbox title and the third game intheJust Causeseries. Players once again take control of Rico Rodriguez in his quest to free the Mediterranean Republic of Medici from authoritarian control. The open world inJust Cause 3is a playground for adrenaline-fuelled action and plenty of destruction.
The combat inJust Cause 3, be it the use of firearms or piloting of various vehicles, is designed to be simple and fun. The player is given a grappling hook to attack and hijack enemy vehicles, as well as avoid danger. Given the high-action approach to gameplay, the player is never far from a weapon of mass destruction that can easily dispatch enemies. The combat is simple, but this is entirely intentional so that the focus can be on pure fun.
The modernFar Crygamesare at the forefront of open-world action sandbox titles that provide a fun and cinematic gameplay experience over any real challenge.Far Cry6followsthis formula, allowing the player to take down an evil authoritarian regime whilst exploring a beautiful open world.
Far Cry 6has an easy difficulty setting known as Explorer, wherein enemies deal less damage and the player’s health regenerates faster. This, coupled with the arsenal that the player has access to, ensures thatFar Cry 6never strays into any difficult territory. If that isn’t enough, the game also has a series of companions to choose from, each of which aids the player in combat in various ways.
Hogwarts Legacyis the most expansive game set in theHarry Potteruniverse. Set before the books, players embody a student who has transferred to the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Players are given an expansive open world to explore, including anentirely explorable Hogwarts castle.
The combat inHogwarts Legacyis, of course, wand-based and involves firing and deflecting various spells. The system is simple, with difficulty levels that allow for the game to be played even easier. Players simply select spells and use them, with the option for auto-aim that makes hitting enemies easier. There is a simple counter/deflection system to avoid incoming damage. The combat is easy to learn, and its simplicity lends itself to the far more casual and exploration-heavy nature of the game.
Minecraftis the incredibly famous and bestselling open-world sandbox that blendsbuilding, crafting, mining, exploration, and combat. Its procedural world generation offers some of the best and most unique open worlds, with terrain varying from great heights to cavernous depths.
Combat is at the core of progression in survivalMinecraft, with many mob drops required to reach the end and defeat the Ender Dragon. Threats are plentiful in survival mode, but the simplistic combat ensures that the game retains its casual nature. Most weapons require simple left clicks/trigger inputs, with the option for a shield to block incoming attacks. This combat is easy to pick up and fitsMinecraft’sgeneral intention perfectly.
