Summary
While there is nothing wrong with games having intricate combat systems or requiring a heavy amount of strategic thinking before even touching a button, not everyone plays a game to stress over complex gameplay mechanics. Some players are just looking to unwind after a long day at work or even spending time with family.
Some of the best ways to relax involveexploring open worlds, and many games offer enjoyable experiences with easy-to-understand controls. These games can range from superhero adventures to sci-fi explorations on distant planets, featuring combat that is both entertaining and simple to learn.
There was a time when every studio was trying to replicate the same feel asSuper Mario 64, withJak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacybeing Naughty Dog’s attempt. Rather than a hub world to get to different levels, the titular heroes can run across the fantastical world to find collectibles like Precursor Orbs and Power Cells and those who enjoy 3D platformers can easily pick it up.
On top of the typical running and jumping, Jak can dash, punch, and spin, to attack enemies. With the different colors of Eco energy,Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacyfeatures different powers for combat as well as puzzle solving. It allowed the game tostand out from other 3D platformersand spawn two sequels and a racing game spin-off.
While the first two games are good in their own ways,Far Cry 3is where the series exploded to new heights, allowing players to freely roam the tropical Rook Islands fighting pirates. Part of what makes the gameplay inFar Cry 3so satisfying is the freedom to go about every situation how the player wants, whether it’s charging in guns-blazing or utilizing a stealthy approach.
Far Cry 3established the template that would become the gold standard for the first-person shooter franchise moving forward. Traversing through an exotic yet gritty location, hunting animals, clearing out criminal hideouts,and encountering show-stealing villainsmade gamers feel like hardened survivors without needing to make things complicated.
Combined with its signature absurdist violence and humor,Borderlands 2is essentially the grandfather of looter shooters. It took everything that the first game did so well and amplified it with a better story and new characters. It helped start the tradition ofnew protagonists in every game, each having their own unique special abilities to complement the first-person shooter gameplay.
Considering Gearbox helped createHalf-Lifeand theDuke Nukemgames, it is no surprise thatBorderlands 2features top-tier first-person shooter gameplay. It is essentially an FPS version ofDiablo, roaming massive areas, slaying legions of monsters, and collecting hundreds of loot.
Compared to most RPGs,The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis one of the more beginner-friendly, but in the best way.After an impressive character creator, the player is free to explore the province of Skyrim how they see fit with any weapon or spell at their disposal, becoming a hero, villain, or something in the middle.
The combat inSkyrimis easy to grasp, with the left and right triggers controlling the corresponding hand. The character swings a weapon or casts the spell, with potions and food being a menu away that pauses the game. It’s an example of a game that is simple to learn but still has layers to master, hence why it remains an iconic RPG almost fifteen years later.
Rather than worrying about some gimmick with the gameplay,The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Wakersticks to the basics of Link’s controls. He can use items, swing his sword, use a shield, and roll, just like in most games. However, the biggest difference withThe Wind Wakeris roaming the open seas.
WhileThe Wind Wakerdid not invent the idea of traversing the ocean, it was revolutionary in its execution of the concept. With dozens of islands to explore and side missions to accomplish,The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Wakeris as exciting as a swashbuckling voyage as it is relaxing, allowing longtime fans and newcomers to enjoy it.
WhenAssassin’s Creed: Originscame out, it changed the overall gameplay of the franchise to lean more into the open-world aspect. Exploringthe deserts and cities of Ancient Egyptas Bayek of Siwa features the classicAssassin’s Creedfree-running but also introduces new combat that makes the player feel like a warrior.
Quasi-RPG elements were introduced with weapons and armor that grant the main character stats inAssassin’s Creed: Origins. Now, combat was more free-flowing with better control over attacks and this change complimented the quest-heavy open world. As a result, the sequelsAssassin’s Creed: OdysseyandAssassin’s Creed: Valhallaembraced it as the new standard.
After the 2013 reboot ofTomb Raidertook a new approach to Lara Croft with more exploration,Rise Of The Tomb Raiderwent even further with large explorable areas. There are animals to hunt, collectibles, and side quests to complete while Lara continues to evolve into the hardened survivor that she is known for.
Lara can not only fight with her trusty climbing axes, but she is armed with multiple firearms that she can upgrade. It results in fast-paced third-person shooter and melee combat that anyone can enjoy and makesRise Of The Tomb Raiderso addicting to play. This kind of gameplay would only continue to be expanded upon in its sequel.
Batman: Arkham Citytook whatBatman: Arkham Asylumestablished and made the freeflow combat of Batman even smoother with new takedowns, faster movement, and even more gadgets, but remains just as enjoyable and accessible as it was in the first game. Only now, instead of a Metroidvania-esque island,it’s a fully explorable portion of Gotham City.
It shows how simplistic yet satisfying the combat inBatman: Arkham Cityis when many AAA titles tried replicating it, such asMiddle-Earth: Shadow Of MordorandMad Max. However, it always comes back toArkham City, and it laid the foundation for two subsequent games that expanded with upgrades to the same exploration and combat.
Seeing how popularBatman: Arkham CityandArkham Knightwere, few were surprised that when Sony and Insomniac Games gave fansMarvel’s Spider-Man, it took a lot of inspiration from it. It has a similar combo-based freeflow combat system but with a focus on dodging instead of countering, leaning into Spider-Man’s agility.
To fit the character,Marvel’s Spider-Manalso has web-based combat, which is implemented right into the melee combat, providing an authenticand memorable Spider-Man experience. The freely explorable New York City with a plethora of iconic villains and side quests to complete is the icing on a delicious Marvel superhero cake.
Souls-like games such asDark SoulsandElden Ringare not for everyone, so a game likeStar Wars Jedi: Survivorprovides a similar experience. Wielding a lightsaber as Cal Kestis in one of the most engaging Star Wars narratives feels like an entry-level Souls-like game without removing the fun factor and having enough challenge to keep the game from becoming dull.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivorallows players to explore multiple planets while combining action RPG combat with mechanics like wall-running, climbing, and jumping, reminiscent of aTomb Raidergame. Players control Cal, who canswitch between five different lightsaber stancesand use various Force abilities. Few Star Wars games have delivered Jedi combat that is as satisfying as this.
