15. Death Stranding (PS4, PS5, PC)
Death Stranding Director's Cut - Pre-order Trailer | PS5
Not every game can so perfectly capture the stress of… walking? That’s right, you play as courier, Sam Bridges (played by Norman Reedus!), in a post apocalyptic world where a cataclysmic event known as “death stranding” is underway and you have to help humanity survive with the provisioning of goods.
Let’s be honest, the team at Kojima have always been a little odd with their story designs, but that’s why we love them. Here they join an all-star cast of Hollywood elites in an unfolding narrative that’s sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. The world is vast and Death Stranding really makes you think about your resources and movesets as the game is not afraid to penalize you for a misstep and really makes you feel like you are on one long, arduous adventure.
14. Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS4, PS5, PC)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Release Trailer | PS5
This indie gem really knows how to pass itself off as a triple A, open world adventure. You play as spirit guide, Kena, on a quest to aid spirits to move on into the afterlife and save a forest village from an evil darkness.
Aside from the beautiful, forest backdrop and soothing soundtrack, Bridge of Spirits knows how to keep you engaged with tight-knit combat and cute moments with the Rot. Exploring the forest is like walking through a fairy tale and pleasurably reminiscent of classic platformers but with upgraded, Pixar-like graphics. It’s a huge undertaking for an indie game that paid off very well.
13. Far Cry 6 (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PS5, PC)
Far Cry 6 - Launch Accolades Trailer | PS5, PS4
Fary Cry returns players to a vast, tropical setting, this time in the Cuba-inspired, war torn nation of Yara. You can play as either a female or male revolutionary going up against the forces of none other than Giancarlo Esposito himself in the fight of your life.
In true, Ubisoft style, there’s an endless laundry list of things to do in Yara; but hey, if you’re committed to the cause, it probably won’t bother you that much. There’s a cool variety of travel modes including car, horseback, speedboats and helicopters that allow you to get around with ease and give you that true essence of war when unruly encounters inevitably come your way.
12. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC, PS5)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Launch Trailer | PS5
A viking world in Assassin’s Creed? It's about time. You play as Eivor, a legendary Viking raider on a quest for glory and power set in the time of England’s Dark Ages.
One of AC’s brutal worlds yet, you have to live up to the name of Viking in a time when death and torture are at an all time high. But make no mistake, the lands are gorgeous, especially the autumn, forest backdrops of old Norway. AC has always been good and recapturing history and if you’re into old English and Norse architecture then this will certainly be a treat.
11. Dying Light 2 Stay Human (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5)
Dying Light 2 Stay Human - Parkour & Combat | PS5, PS4
Not all open-world’s are safe and friendly, and this game takes it to a whole new extreme with enemies both human and monstrous. It’s 15 years after a zombie outbreak took over humanity, and you play as Aiden on a quest to find his lost sister.
This world gets dark -- both literally and figuratively. Not to mention how sprawling the land really is that can make it that much more intimidating. You will have to travel from settlement to settlement, gather good resources and really perfect both your aim and your resolve in one of gaming's most inhospitable worlds yet.
10. Demon’s Souls (PS5)
Demon’s Souls – Launch Trailer | PS5
Remaking an old classic as big as Demon’s Souls was one hell of an undertaking, but boy did Bluepoint games deliver. You are thrusted back to the kingdom of Boletaria as a dark fog envelops the land, and it is up to you to survive a new world infested by, you guessed it, demons.
Man, it is an absolute blast to see this world fully realized on the PS5 system. Sure, it’s dreary, but that’s the point. The world has this fine, glistened polish on it and the controls are as smooth as they were in the original. Every nook and cranny is filled with lore and secrets for fantasy lovers and it’s never been a better time for newcomers to hop in.
9. Spider-Man Miles Morales (PS4, PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Launch Trailer I PS5, PS4
In Insomniac’s second web-slinging game taking place in the big apple, you’d think New York would grow stale. Not quite yet. Taking place after the events of Spider-Man, you play as Miles Morales on his stint as New York’s one and only Spider-Man while Peter takes a well deserved vacation.
Sure, most of the mechanics haven’t changed much since the last installment, but if you were looking for more Spider-Man with a new, urban twist, this is your game. New York offers new villains, interesting side-missions that really bolster Mile’s unique character and some intriguing relationship dynamics that differ from the drama you’re used to as Peter. This is a great way to quench your Spidey-thirst until SP2 and a great introduction to Miles Morales himself.
8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition - Launch Trailer | PS4
Well, that took a minute, but The Witcher 3 has finally made it to the PS5. In this rich take on Slavic mythology, you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer for hire known as The Witcher as he travels through towns, cities and open plains in search for his adopted daughter.
If you missed The Witcher 3 on the previous platforms then there has never been a better time to jump right into this instant classic. There’s a reason Netflix adapted this into a TV show, because there is such an ambitious tale at the heart of Geralt’s journey. The game is gorgeous and there is so much to explore in some of the most dense lore a game has to offer.
7. God of War (PS4, PC, PS5)
God of War – Story Trailer | PS4
Who would have thought that the legendary, God of War series would work as an open-world game? Well, it kind of does. You return as Kratos, in a strange new land far from the stretches of Greece as you take your son on a dangerous trek across the Norse lands wrought with rabid creatures and undead demons.
The Lake of Nine is a gorgeous and subduing presence never before seen in a God of War game and it totally works! What’s unique about it is that the lake descends when the World Serpent rises from his slumber, and you walk through the residue of lands that were drowned for god knows how long. While not necessary to the plot, exploration feels natural and rewarding as you learn more about Kratos, Atreus and the mythical land you occupy.
6. Grand Theft Auto V / Grand Theft Auto Online (Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series, PS5, PC)
Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online - PlayStation Showcase 2021 Trailer | PS5
GTA V and GTA Online have proved that Rockstar just doesn’t know how to make a bad GTA experience as this is the first to span three generations. You play as Michael, Franklin, Trevor and even yourself in a fight for survival and status in Los Santos’ criminal element.
Not many open-world games offer fun parodies of the country’s they’re satirizing. It’s like if The Simpsons swallowed a Tarantino movie and snorted a row of sex, drugs, and debauchery. In addition to all the crude humour and decadent morality, the shores of Los Santos still manages to be stunningly beautiful, even when met with explosions and gunfire. What a way to strike a balance.
5. Resident Evil Village (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC, PS5)
Resident Evil Village - 4th Trailer | PS5, PS4
Here’s another open world to test your bladder control in Capcom’s latest installment of Resident Evil. Ethan Winters is back and is thrusted upon another harrowing adventure where he is forced to scour a run-down village in search for his kidnapped daughter.
There is a lot to explore and a lot of secrets to uncover in this spooked-out ghost town. Another dreary setting, sure, but it certainly knows how to grab your attention with some of the most insane enemies yet and you can’t overlook the gilded halls and architectural feats that some of these demons are occupying. A thrilling tale for new and old fans alike.
4. Spider-Man (PS4, PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man – SDCC 2018 Story Trailer | PS4
Well, it’s about time someone took the Arkham formula and smacked it onto our favorite webslinger. No game has let you explore New York City the way Spider-Man for PS4/PS5 has. You play as you-know-who on one of his most gut-wrenching adventures yet as he faces off with new foes and old and has to balance his crime-fighting life with love and leisure.
Insomniac really got the swinging mechanics down for this and far surpasses any Spider-Man game before it. You have a huge array of suits to choose from, tons of fun side-missions to partake in, witty dialogue from Spidey himself and a beautiful take on the big apple from dusk to sunrise. We can’t even imagine how the follow-up will top this, but knowing Insomniac, they most certainly will.
3. Elden Ring (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC, PS5)
Elden Ring - Official Gameplay Trailer | PS5, PS4
Gotta love it when big IP’s live up to the hype, and this one certainly does. The story is about you and your survival in a land chock full of demons, monsters and political strife that you must master by building strength and making allies.
Like any good RPG, Elden Ring bombards you with rich lore and deep themes that are sure to grip any fantasy lover. There are a great variety of magic, weapons and epic boss fights that are on par with what we love about being a medieval warrior. If you ever wanted Dark Souls to be open-world, this is it.
2. Horizon Forbidden West (PS4, PS5)
Horizon Forbidden West - Story Trailer | PS5, PS4
Another huge IP that lived up to the hype. Turns out, the big, sprawling story that was Horizon Zero Dawn was just the beginning of Aloy’s adventure. She must now venture to the Forbidden West in search for answers lest the land crumble and humanity is forever lost.
To say this game is breathtakingly gorgeous would be an understatement. Forbidden West improves on the first game in so many ways and now you get to see what happened to the Golden Gate bridge. If you thought the lore in the first game was dense, wait till you get a load of what’s in store for this new, epic chapter. There’s new everything! And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
1. Ghost of Tsushima (PS4, PS5)
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut - Announcement Trailer | PS5, PS4
An open world game that captures the majesty of feudal Japan? There’s no way this wasn’t making it to number 1. You play as Jin Sakai, a samurai on a quest to protect his island from the infamous Mongol invasion.
Finally a game that puts you in the shoes, not only of a badass samurai, but does it Kurosawan style. If you’re a cinefile and a lover of history, it would be a crime if you didn’t play Ghost of Tsushima. There is a rich variety to the colours of autumn leaves blowing in the wind that add to the gorgeous presentation, and the world itself is engaging and deep seated with culture and classic Japanese architecture. It’ll be quite some time before an open world game can top this.
