Open world games that still give you complete freedom

Open world games obviously have more open design options, while other genres of video games could be considered non-open world games. This means that the following games have exploration options that are comparable to open world games, whether in a sandbox or an interactive world map.

Although smaller in scope, these games still have plenty of options to give players a nice sense of freedom to play, perhaps even more so than true open world games. This can include everything from dialogue options to city building segments. For anyone looking for a smaller adventure with a lot to do, these are the games to check out.

Baldur's Gate 3

Nothing but choice

Baldur's Gate 3 is a perfect example of a game that offers a wealth of content up front, as each chapter gives players a vast environment to explore at their leisure, albeit from an isometric perspective. Players can create their character, including appearance, race, and class.

Along the way, they meet various party members and decide who to include in the game's complex tactical battles, who to eliminate, and who to start romances with. Best of all, their story choices make each playthrough unique. It's a game worth revisiting as the possibilities and variety of outcomes in all aspects are absolutely stunning. Dungeons & Dragons video game.

Mass Effect

The galaxy is yours

Mass Effect it feels massive, as players can explore different planets, although they are usually limited to one location, and some moons can be explored using a buggy called a Mako. Still, the variety and optional content will make players feel like they're truly exploring the galaxy with their party. Even in this RPG, players can customize their character and choose their class, but their race will always be human.

There are dialogues that can offer good and bad decisions that will affect character relationships, including romances, and in some important cases, the story. Players can choose who to bring on their missions and can give orders during combat, as the game is technically based on a team-based cover shooter with an RPG twist.

Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Get your honor back

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom features a world map to explore between the main dungeons and city locations, just like the old school RPGs of the SNES and PS1 days. Combat is all in real-time, allowing for fast-paced battles provided players have a good understanding of the controls. Also on the world map, players can fight RTS-like battles to reclaim stolen territories.

The story follows Evan, a young prince who has lost his kingdom. While fighting to reclaim it, players can build a new castle and companion city for Evan and his companions, and property management can earn players various bonuses.

The world of monster hunters

Hunt or be hunted

The world of monster huntersdespite the name, it is not an open world experience, but does away with the segmented zones of the previous one Monster Hunter games that make hunting and exploration more enjoyable for everyone. At the beginning, players can create their character and their feline companion Palico, and then after a successful hunting mission, further customize their gear using the materials they acquire.

There are no set classes, but weapons serve as class builds, from using a bow to a giantsword. The hunt is best played with three others online for wider success, as these beasts mean trouble even with the largest set of gear available in this action RPG.

Dave the Diver

Become the best sushi chef

Dave the diver is a mix of genres that many players find comforting as an indie game. The titular Dave is hired to help run a sushi restaurant. Dave is in charge of orders and drinks while his chef prepares the food during dinner and in this segment players must ensure that all their guests are satisfied.

The main core of the game is deep diving where the players have to actually catch the fish that they serve in the restaurant. Earning money helps unlock new fishing gear in a variety of ways. The entire game loop is a masterclass in how a small game can turn into something deeply enjoyable when the right development team is allowed to stretch their creative legs.

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Sky

Party Up

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Sky is a big change for the series as it was the first main series Dragon Quest game to be released on the portable console, the DS. It allows players to customize their character initially, and then after the tutorial area, players can create their party of up to three other characters.

A class system, called Professions, is also unlocked, and players can create powerful parties by mastering Professions and exchanging skills. If they don't want to play alone, they can also play with three others through their connected DS systems. The online feature at the time of release also allowed players to share maps to explore. It was a very forward looking game on the DS and these ideas later evolved on the 3DS with features like StreetPass and SpotPass.

Dark Cloud 2

time is on your side

Dark Cloud 2 is a time travel RPG with two central characters, Max and Monica, trying to fix the timeline. Every area they visit is devoid of life, so they must go into the dungeons to get materials that will then free the villagers from their fate, along with rebuilding the town as the player wants.

In addition to hacking and slashing at enemies in dungeons, players can also fish and play golf after clearing an area. Max also has a camera so he can take pictures that he can then use to make. For a fairly linear game, Dark Cloud 2 gives players a lot to do on PS2 thanks to Level-5 giving it their all.

Fantasy Life (3DS)

Live your life

Fantasy life is another level 5 game, but this one is much smaller and seemingly made as a way for everyone to try RPGs for the first time. Players can create their character and then choose a class at the start called Life, which comes in three categories: Combat, Gathering, and Crafting. Players can play the regular action RPG gameplay loop by attacking enemies as a wizard, for example, to level up.

They can also fish or cut down trees as a fisherman or lumberjack to level up. Nobody Life doesn't lock players out of other content and actually encourages them to try everything the game has to offer. Switching between manic and relaxing lives gives players a better sense of pace as well as more activities to do, and while this game is a bit inaccessible due to being a 3DS exclusive, the sequel, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Timeis more available on modern hardware.