Exploration: The Genre Unexplored

A perspective on exploration in video games and how little of it we have today.

[Quagmire]

Interesting article. It is fun to go exploring through different worlds, than to follow a pre-destined linear path.

[MattS]

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this - there are games like Fallout 3, Oblivion and the upcoming Skyrim, and in terms of non-RPGs, GTA and the Harvest Moon series (for instance), that are essentially aimless experiences.

That said, it was a very enjoyable read - thanks for writing it!

[sp1deynut]

-Oblivion
-Fable 2
-Fable 3
-Mass Effect
-Mass Effect 2
-RDR
-Just Cause 2
-Risen
-Divinity II :Ego Draconis
-Arcania
-Fallout 3
-Fallout: NV
-Crackdown
-Crackdown 2
-Far Cry 2
-Borderlands
-Crysis
-S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
-Red Faction Guerilla

Those are the open-concept games that I've played this gen, that offered/encouraged exploration...no idea what I might have missed. I didn't include GTA4 or Saint's Row, because outside of being able to drive around, there's no "exploring" to do, really....they're still pretty linear. I'll soon add Two Worlds 2 to that list, as well as Skyrim.

[Malebaria]

The games with vast and interesting worlds to explore are still there, you just have to look closer, and that list of yours proves just that. I'd add The Witcher and WoW, as well.

[specialguest]

These types of games were known as Adventure Games back in the day. Adventure is a category that no longer exist today.

[ephellstrom]

Myst blew my mind as a kid and I totally agree with you, sort of. I think it really depends on the atmosphere of the environments you're exploring that creates a real sense of something new and profound.