How to create the perfect open world video game – Reader’s Feature

metro.co.uk:

A reader compares features like Spider-Man’s traversal and The Witcher 3’s side missions to see how you could make the ultimate open world game.

Inspired by a recent podcast discussion, and my current playthrough of Elden Ring, here’s my favourite elements from open world games over the years. My only stipulation is I didn’t select the same game or franchise twice.

Best combat – Batman: Arkham Knight

The Batman: Arkham series pretty much set the standard in terms of combat and the freeflow system was the blueprint for others to follow. Ignoring the tank battles, for me Arkham Knight added subtle little changes such as putting Robin and Nightwing into the mix and some variety in the stealth combat, to improve on an already winning formula. Honourable mention, however, to Elden ring.

Best Traversal – Marvel’s Spider-Man

So many contenders for this award. Cruising down the highway in GTA 5, with the ocean to one side and the skyscrapers in the distance, is great, as is roaming around the Lands Between on your horse Torrent in Elden Ring. I also love the glider in Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. But my overall winner is Spider-Man. Swinging around New York never grew old and for myself, who can’t even get into spandex, let alone be a superhero, it’s as close to being Spider-Man as I’ll ever get.

Best Side Missions – The Witcher 3

I know for a lot of people The Witcher 3 is regarded as one of the all-time greats. Personally, I find it overrated. The combat isn’t great, the menus are baffling, the crafting system is confusing to the point of being a hinderance and I don’t get how Gwent works.

What I do get though is the side content. The characters, such as the Bloody Baron, are great and I really enjoyed all the little stories, especially