Video games are a lot of fun. Playing them allows us to escape reality, thanks to near-realistic graphics and spectacular fight and survival features.
In the gaming world, there are hundreds of genres, with open-world games being one of the most renowned and downloaded over time.
Couple this with the 2D style and you’ll find some amazing classic titles that embrace this genre combination very well. However, since it is one of the most popular gaming genres, selecting the finest 2D open world game may be difficult.
So allow us to treat your eyes with a list of some of the most outstanding 2D Open world games.
What Are Open-World Games?
In open world games, players are not bound by any rules or algorithms and are free to roam the game world and take whatever action they like.
Open-world games are different from standard game structures in that they have a specific storyline, and players are expected to play the characters as the algorithm dictates. This in turn can make them feel more exciting and exhilirating.
Though some stories have a plotline, you are not required to follow the developer’s instructions and can do whatever you please. The advantage of open-world games is that it feels like you’re in another world.
7 Best 2D Open World Games
1. Legend of Zelda
Release Year: 1986
Notable Features:
- Royal a fantasy game.
- Available in Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Description
The Legend of Zelda is a fantasy game that tells the narrative of Luke, who is tasked with saving Zelda, the princess Ganon has kidnapped.
Throughout the adventure, Luke, the playable protagonist, will come across perilous hurdles and perplexing paths; therefore, the player now has the choice to choose which approach, weaponry, and fighting style the character will require to overcome the difficulties and save the princess simply.
This game, released in 1986, is considered one of the forerunners of today’s high-quality open-world games.
2. Grand Theft Auto
Release Year: 1997
Notable Features:
- Available in PlayStation, PC (Microsoft Windows).
- Involves fighting and sandbox gaming elements.
Description
GTA, or Grand Theft Auto is a popular game that everyone will be familiar with, whether a novice or an expert.
As one of the most popular and downloaded games, GTA features a realistic portrayal in which the player begins as a street rat and works his way up through the ranks of the criminal underworld by doing jobs and assignments until he becomes the kingpin of the criminal underworld.
What you may not know is that the original GTA from 1997 was 2D, which is also why we’re putting this critically acclaimed game on our list.
3. Ori and the Blind Forest
Release Year: 2015
Notable Features:
- Visually appealing 2D animation.
- Available on Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), and Nintendo Switch.
Description
Ori and the Blind Woodland has an emotional and tranquil plot around Ori, a guardian spirit tasked with saving Nibel’s forest after a series of sad occurrences ruined it. The Ori, along with the other characters, must figure out how to balance Nibel’s three main elements: Waters, Winds, and Warmth.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a soothing and serene story with visually appealing 2D components that keep the player engrossed in the story while robbing them of their ability to make their own decisions.
4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Release Year: 1997
Notable Features:
- Available in Android, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, iOS, PlayStation 3.
- Based on a vampire fantasy world.
Description
Vampires have always piqued people’s interest, so they continue to be popular in movies and video games.
Castlevania, one of the first vampire fantasy games, tells the story of Dracula being defeated, but Richter, the previous protagonist, attempts to resurrect him and defeat him on his own. Alucard, Dracula’s son and the protagonist of this adaptation, will be fighting Richer’s plan and his father’s.
Although launched in 1997, Castlevania is one of the forerunners of open-world games, offering players the flexibility to choose their fighting methods and weaponry.
5. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Release Year: 2019
Notable Features:
- Available in Xbox One, PlayStation 4, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia.
- Fantasy-based game.
Description
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is another game from the Castlevania series’ creators. Miriam, an orphan, damaged by an alchemist’s curse that eventually crystallizes her body, is the protagonist in this rendition. Her mission now is to fight the monsters while simultaneously saving humanity!
Bloodstained was released in 2019, and it offers a higher quality 2D animation than other Castlevania games and more options for players to choose from.
6. Terraria
Release Year: 2011
Notable Features:
- Available in Android, Xbox One, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PlayStation 4, Linux, Xbox 360, Mac, and iOS.
- Contains sandbox gaming features.
Description
Terraria is an action and adventure game in which the player is sent on a quest to discover treasures in exotic fantasy regions. The player will also face terrifying and dangerous opponents against whom they must fight and preserve themselves.
Terraria, like any other open-world game, gives the player complete control over how much action and the adventure they want.
Due to it’s similarity to Forager, this adventure and open-world game is also based in our Forager list here. If Terraria appeals to you, then you may be interesed in checking out that list.
7. Fallout
Release Year: 1997
Notable Features:
- Available in Mac, PC DOS, and PC (Microsoft Windows).
- Based on a post-apocalyptic world.
Description
The player character Vault Dweller’s mission in Fallout is to obtain a water chip to replace Vault 13’s broken chip. Dweller must also battle other factions and mutants during the chip’s restoration to preserve the people.
Fallout is a popular 2D open-world game that may have served as a precursor to the present ones. The players have complete control over their positions and actions.
And That’s It
Unlike traditional games, where you must rely on rules and algorithms, open-world games are unique and engaging since you will be in charge of your actions and activities.
Though 2D open-world games are more uncommon than regular open-world games, a few are not only entertaining but also addictive, such as the ones we’ve included on our list.
Which 2D open-world game has piqued your interest the most?
