Whether it’s dirty futuristic metropolises, imaginary forests teeming with monsters, or virtual replicas of real locations, freely accessible and vast worlds are some of the most popular elements of modern video games. We’ve come together to bring you the ten most beautiful worlds of all time in this special edition
The desire for freedom has long been more than just a trend: open-world games are the hot potato in the video game industry, and that’s probably not going to change any time soon. Strictly speaking, the sci-fi economic simulator Bluechip casino is considered the first representative of its kind. Since then, countless magnificent worlds have emerged, offering hundreds of hours of play, lots of secrets and breathtaking scenery. In our big special video we present you ten of the most beautiful and breathtaking game worlds from the editorial team.
10th place: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda)
The legendary The Elder Scrolls game series has not only been one of the most important representatives of the open-world genre since Part 5. But with Skyrim, set in the snowy Skyrim, Bethesda reaches new heights in almost every respect. 200 years after the events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the legendary dragons return, causing panic and destruction. But Skyrim also has a lot to offer beyond the intense main story:
The climatically favourable south has plenty of coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as large areas of tundra. However, much of the cold province is adorned by large mountain ranges and the highest peaks of Tamriel, which offer breathtaking views of the diverse game world. When the first rays of sunlight break through the cold fog, it’s easy to get lost in the picturesque spectacle of a fantasy world. A decade after its worldwide release, North Tamriel is still worth the trip! But be warned: plan for some time, because you won’t let Skyrim go so soon.
9th place: Yakuza: Like A Dragon (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios, 2020)
You don’t have to be in Japan to realise that Yakuza’s game world has been designed with great care and attention to detail. The walkthrough areas aren’t as gigantic as in The Witcher. But there are plenty of little things to discover and admire. From the filigree plastic food in the windows of the various eateries to the colourful neon signs. Kamurocho, the red-light district of Yakuza, is the centre of most parts of the series and is based on the entertainment mile of Kabukicho in the Shibuya district, one of Tokyo’s most famous neighbourhoods.
It has to be said: the realistic realisation isn’t limited to the graphic design. The background noise also transports you right into the heart of Japan’s metropolis: phone calls, slot machine noise, karaoke – yakuza is probably the cheapest way to spend a holiday in Japan. Plus, the playground is more than just a backdrop; Side quests, collectibles and mini-games are hidden everywhere! A festival for Japan fans and anyone who wants to be one.
8th place: Gothic 2 (Piranha Bytes, 2002)
An authentic and lively world to explore and linger, please? I’d love to! Rourpott’s favourite and masterpiece Gothic 2 should not be missing from our list of most beautiful game worlds. The cult hit from nearly 20 years ago may have lost some of its graphic brilliance over the past few decades, but even today, the island of Horinis still has a strong argument that makes it extremely appealing to visit.It still has a lot to offer idyllic-dangerous forests, deadly canyons and a bleak devastated mining valley – thanks to elemental dragons! They bring different climatic zones and thus a colourful catalogue full of diversity to a bandit-infested island: swamps, icy regions and volcanic plains are just some of the many biomes to explore. Khorinis offers a deceptively beautiful game world in which every rock, every dialogue and every animal summoned by a sleeping demon increases our thirst for adventure – including, of course, intriguing dungeons and humorous passages. If you missed the iconic journey to the island in 2002: catch up!
7th place: Dark Souls (from Software, 2011)
Few would probably call the semi-open game world of Dark Souls “pretty” – at least at first glance. The unconventional aesthetic, oppressive atmosphere of seclusion and the many ruins of an abandoned castle make the challenging journey through the deadly game world of Lordran more intimidating than alluring, but it is this atmosphere that creates the unique moments that will be remembered forever. Dark Souls doesn’t take us by the hand, or offer us a compass or a clear map. Instead, we feel cramped and lost in the dungeons and drabness. At least until we reach the Temple of Fire. The result is a myriad of paths and an incomparable sense of freedom that we have so rarely felt. All roads lead to Rome, they say, or as in Dark Souls: All from the Start. Lordran’s intricate labyrinthine world is revealed step by step through a grand level design and reveals its true beauty only to stubborn players.
6th place: Horizon Zero Dawn (Guerrilla Games, 2017)
It’s not just the gripping adventure story, dynamic combat, and unusual setting that make Horizon: Zero Dawn a first-rate thrilling game. The breathtaking scenery also contributes significantly to the harmonious overall picture. From snow-capped mountain ranges to dense forests to eerie deserts and bustling cities, the heroine Eloi must navigate her way through pleasantly diverse areas – a dream for explorers also perfectly suited to the game’s world.
This RPG combines a believable, dynamic and realistic world with a post-apocalyptic sandbox paradise and all kinds of modern technology. Despite the huge open world, the Playstation blockbuster is full of a wealth of detail, atmosphere and variety. If you pause, you’ll often be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views that will linger in your memory.
5th Place: Grand Theft Auto V (Rockstar Games, 2013)
What would video games be without the action series GTA, which launched in 1997 and has been generating excitement, horror and excitement ever since? Less vulgar and brutal, that’s for sure. But also less iconic, ambitious and impressive. Especially because of its vast virtual playgrounds, GTA is considered the best among open-world games. With each new installment of GTA, the development limits of the previous game are explored more and more. The game worlds grow beyond the city and the possibilities for letting off steam in them become almost limitless with each installment.
In GTA V, released in 2013, the three protagonists take us to the city of Los Santos, a virtual reference to Los Angeles, and the diverse surroundings of the fictional San Andreas state. The metropolis has countless stories to relive and details to uncover. From an alternate version of the Walk of Fame to a sectarian mountain village to a sunken UFO off the coast of the Pacific, a video game fan’s dream come true!
In 4th place: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo, 2017)
At number four, we take you to one of the most time-tested gaming worlds of all time: Hyrule! 2017’s great Switch hack The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has rightfully captured the hearts of millions of gamers with plenty of melancholy and ambition. While other open worlds convince with plenty of life, the ruined Hyrule is clearly uninhabitable – at least at first glance.100 years after the fall of the empire, only a few settlements remain due to the devastation of Ganon.
Much of the game world consists of the remains of an ancient civilisation and beautiful flora and fauna. Nature has impressively restored the kingdom over the years. Nintendo presents a very emotional and beautiful journey through a world that holds countless surprises and fantastic locations. The Forest of Crogs, the Temple of Time or the Gerudo Desert… the first panoramic view of Hyrule already promises a very special gaming experience.Spoiler: Nintendo delivers on its promise with honour.
3rd place: Ghost of Tsushima (Sucker Punch, 2020)
Third place on our list of the most beautiful game worlds takes us to Japan in 1274. More specifically, to the island of Tsushima, where Jin Kasai is trying his best to repel a Mongol invasion. The island of the same name in the PlayStation exclusive Ghost of Tsushima may be occupied by all manner of bloodthirsty warriors, but the island, with its beautiful areas, still exudes surprising tranquillity. Whether it’s snowy mountain peaks, blooming meadows or colourful foliage in the forests, Tsushima offers as much to the eye as victims for Jin’s katana.
The island may not be the biggest open game world, but the visual diversity here is great. It’s really nice when you find old temples or climb a mountain and then enjoy the beautiful panorama.What else is special about Ghost of Tsushima is that as you play, you live there more and more in harmony with nature. Birds lead us to hidden places, foxes lead us to shrines, and the wind shows us the direction to the next mission objective. In just a few games, exploring the game world becomes so rewarding, so calming and just so beautiful. That’s why Ghost of Tsushima is deservedly in our top three.
2nd place: The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (CD Projekt Red, 2015)
Second place, and with it the silver trophy, goes to the thrilling and deadly world of Witchfinder Geralt von Rivia. Rarely has a video game made such waves as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – no wonder. Aside from the thrilling wild hunt story and impressive quest design, the game world was particularly captivating. A mature and bleak game world, the unnamed continent thrives on the collision of the magical and human worlds. Nasty monsters and creatures roam everywhere. There’s also poverty and the aftermath of war on every corner – you’d think it wouldn’t necessarily be a holiday paradise.
But the northern kingdoms, the island nation of Skellige or the Mediterranean country of Toussaint also offer beautiful and breathtaking destinations. Geralt’s brutal world thrives on contradictions, and they make it particularly fascinating to make your way through the various areas. Between the branches of brutality and sadness, there are always brilliant moments that anchor the screen for a long time. I don’t think anyone will argue with us that The Witcher 3 game world is one of the most beautiful open worlds of all time. Some even expected the unnamed continent of the Witcher universe to be #1. Wrong idea.
1st place: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games, 2018)
1st place goes to the stunning Wild West from Red Dead Redemption 2! It’s always a bit difficult to describe a video game with the word ‘live’. But if a development studio manages to breathe life into its characters and its game world, it is without a doubt the ladies and gentlemen of Rockstar Games. While the GTA series shines with a frantic urban flavour, things are a little quieter in the Wild West. In Red Read Redemption 2, the British-American developers have created a 2018 masterpiece. Not only is the environment in Red Dead 2 beautifully designed and incredibly detailed, it feels incredibly authentic and real.
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In no other game before this NPCs go about their business, wild beasts roam around in search of prey and eventually new buildings are even built in some settlements, which of course are gradually built up.
No day is quite like another. This is roughly what life was like in 1899. The different areas also have a seamless transition into each other. The desert is not adjacent to the forest. Vegetation slowly decreases at first and then gradually turns into a barren landscape. The game world in Red Dead Redemption 2 and in the future will still be unbeatable. So it’s no surprise that the Wild West has stolen first place in our game worlds special.
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