When it comes to games, be it shooters, RPGs, or roguelikes, some gamers only engage in the most open-ended titles. Not necessarily open in terms of open world design, but open as far as it goes customization options go. These come in many forms and not all players are the same.
Generally speaking, customization can include character creation, clothing design, skill tree tracking, dialogue selection, and so on. For everyone who wants a big, customizable game to look forward to in 2025 and beyond upcoming games it's worth ranking as number two. Some of these games are more customizable than others, but overall they look pretty sharp.
Demon Tides
Going Beyond Platforming
Demon Tides is an upcoming platformer that will also be partially open world. Players will be able to sail to new islands to face different baddies and platforming challenges. This series started in 2021 Demon Turfand the sequel looks like the most ambitious game to date, even outside of the open world design.
The Steam description boasts that there are 50,000 possible hair and outfit combinations. This number seems extraordinary for anyone who wants more customization options in their platformers with unlimited exploration.
Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined
Occupation for days
- Planned release date: 5.2.26
- Planned systems: PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S
original Dragon Quest 7 was released for the PS1 in 2001 in North America, and although it has since received a 3DS remake, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined looks even bolder. The graphics are almost toy or clay-like in design, which looks unreal and could look the best Dragon Quest record to date.
Battles are turn-based and characters can equip different classes called Professions. The remake even allows characters to use two Professions at once, which is a new addition. Creating a patchwork party of classes is its own brand of customization, along with some story customization to tackle the game's various out-of-order time puzzles.
Voidling Bound
Linking monsters
- Developer: Hatchery games
- Publisher: Hatchery games
- Planned release date: Q1 2026
- Planned systems: PC
There are tons of them Pokemon clones, but how many monster catching games allow players to create their own companion? Voidling Bound is the answer to this missing element as there are three game mechanics to consider. As an explorer and scientist, players can go out and find materials and then, back in the lab, use those parts to create their own monsters.
Instead of monsters accompanying the player in battle, they are fully controllable on their own in real-time combat. The creatures shown so far don't look as cute as other monster catching games, but the more grotesque and realistic features might attract a different type of player to the game, which is a plus.
Pokemon Pokopia
Ditto becomes a coach
- Planned release date: 2026
- Planned systems: Nintendo Switch 2
There are a lot of weird ones out there Pokemon spinoffs out there, like catching pokemon, a tactical game based on the conquest of feudal Japan. Pokemon Pokopia it looks even more special when players take on the role of Ditto, who has lost his trainer and decided to transform into a human.
It is a life-sim game where players can befriend different Pokemon and use their powers to cultivate the land and build a Pokemon society. Bulbasaur's vines can help plant grass, while Squirtle's water attacks can hydrate crops. It looks like a fun game Pokemon fans who want a little more Minecraft in their monster-catching experiences.
Palworld: Palfarm
A more focused Palworld
- Planned release date: TBA
- Planned systems: PC
Palworld is still in Early Access, yet the developer, Pocketpair, will soon release a spinoff with the title Palworld: Palfarm. It will be a top down version of the original Palworld it looks like it will focus more on the life sim aspect of the experience.
Players can build their city, hunt for materials, farm, fish and even get married. There will be multiplayer options and monsters can still be caught in some way. It will be a battle, but how deep these mechanics will go remains to be seen as this game's announcement is still fairly fresh.
Animal corner
Grounded crossing
- Developer: LilliLandia Games
- Publisher: LilliLandia Games
- Planned release date: TBA
- Planned systems: PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch 2
Animal corner has a similar art design to Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, the characters look almost too good to be in a video game. It looks a bit like a cross between the two Grounded and Animal Crossing. As small humanoid creatures, players create their city on a table located in someone's home. They can then venture outside the home in search of materials that will be vital for production.
It looks like it could be a semi-open world setting with some cute traversal methods like rafting down rivers in cups. From building a city to dressing up to playing music with the townspeople, Animal corner looks like it's going to be brimming with whimsy. It will also be free-to-play at launch. The only strange thing about the game is that it is not clear if it will only be released on PS5 or if there will be a PS4 version as well.
Chrono Odyssey
Realizing your potential
- Planned release date: TBA
- Planned systems: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
For anyone looking for a customizable experience outside of smaller life sim games, Chrono Odyssey worth a look. It is an upcoming giant open world game with MMORPG design. Players can create their character and then go on adventures alone or with friends on specific missions such as raids.
There are also lots of jobs like fishing, mining, logging, harvesting, crafting and so on. Combat may be the best feature as players can pause and rewind time in the middle of combat. Time control is the ultimate ability in gaming, and anyone who wants to know what true power feels like should check this game out when it finally launches.
