10. Mafia II
This deeply authentic mob game has one of the finest narratives in gaming, pulling you into a world that would make Martin Scorsese rub his hands together with delight. While exploration isn’t encouraged within Mafia II’s world, it still feels like a living breathing world and therefore finds its way onto this list – even if it is a bit of a cheeky inclusion! The open world here is one of unparalleled immersion, albeit minimal interaction.
9. Just Cause 2
Without a doubt the finest entry in the chaotic franchise, Just Cause 2 drops you into the epic tropical playground of Panau in South East Asia, with only one job – destruction! As Rico Rodriguez you are given almost limitless freedom to be creative with your wide arsenal of weapons and vehicles as you wreak havoc across the island. There are few things in gaming more therapeutic than blowing up an enemy compound on Panau.
8. L.A. Noire
Taking place in a stunningly accurate block-by-block recreation of 8 square miles of 1947 LA, this deeply layered and complex game is one of the most innovative releases of the generation – and holds up remarkably well today. In the shoes of Detective Phelps you will solve brutal crimes, plots and conspiracies across the crime desks of Patrol, Traffic, Homicide, Vice and Arson, all across the city of Los Angeles.
7. Sleeping Dogs
This mature and gritty undercover cop drama seamlessly fuses deadly martial arts and intense gunfights, in the dark and crime-ridden underworld of Hong Kong. With varied districts of the city to explore, the open world of Sleeping Dogs is a character in itself. With universally interesting characters and a deeply engaging narrative, Sleeping Dogs is a visceral journey into the underworld that will stick with you for a long time.
6. Grand Theft Auto IV
Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV is often ignored now that we live in a world where GTA V exists, but it still holds up remarkably well as one of the finest GTA titles. Taking place in a seedy, bleak Liberty City, players control war veteran Niko Bellic as he seeks to escape his past and live the American Dream. With endless exploration and things to do across the densely populated and richly detailed city, GTA IV is a modern classic.
Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV is often ignored now that we live in a world where GTA V exists, but it still holds up remarkably well as one of the finest GTA titles. Taking place in a seedy, bleak Liberty City, players control war veteran Niko Bellic as he seeks to escape his past and live the American Dream. With endless exploration and things to do across the densely populated and richly detailed city, GTA IV is a modern classic.
5. Fable II
Easily one of the finest RPGs in gaming, Fable II is allows players to build their own life and destiny in the vast land of Albion. With every choice you make moulding your character with often permanent effects, Fable II allows players to become warriors or settle down with a partner and children. With the option to do good or evil, right or wrong, Fable II is one of the most immersive games of its generation and is complemented by a gorgeously realised open world.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
In one of the biggest worlds in gaming, the masterful Skyrim is a game that allows the player to be whoever they want and do whatever they want. Utterly rammed with quests, customisation, skills and crafting, Skyrim drops you into its richly designed world and lets you forge your own path and find out what kind of hero – or anti-hero – you want to be. A true masterpiece in every sense of the word, and epic in scope beyond all other games of its genre.
3. Far Cry 3
After a slow and dreary Far Cry 2, this superb threequel returned to the franchise’s roots with a bang. Taking place in a vast and savage tropical island, players must slash, sneak, detonate and shoot their way through this unforgiving island paradise and take down the vicious antagonist Vaas. Richly detailed and packed with content, this vastly explorable open world is a stunning playground for chaos. Far Cry’s finest hour, no contest.
2. Red Dead Redemption
Following on from the incredibly linear Red Dead Revolver, Rockstar exceeded themselves with this truly epic open-world Western adventure that features an absolutely breathtaking attention to detail like few other games can manage. Expert craftsmanship throughout, along with its stunning narrative and characters, creates an unforgettable experience that still holds up as one of the finest games of its or any generation.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
Not only does Rockstar’s masterpiece GTA V offer gaming’s finest storytelling to date, but it also gives the player an amazingly detailed open world with a high level of freedom to drive, fly and sail as they see fit with an incredible range of weapons and gadgets to play with. Los Santos is without a doubt the most layered and detailed open world in gaming, and one that – despite three run-throughs of the campaign – I’m certain I’ve still only scratched the surface of.
