Indie games with smaller, denser maps offer a faster pace & unique experiences. Kenshi, a slow-burning RPG, rewards player agency with an expansive and dangerous map. Outer Wilds presents diverse, ...

The open-world genre evolved from RPGs, allowing seamless transitions between towns and dungeons. Indie games like Twilight Monk and Clair Obscur offer unique world map experiences. Games like Bravely ...

PS2 RPGs like .hack//Infection and Dragon Quest 8 laid the foundation for open-world ideas. Final Fantasy 12 on PS2 showcased larger, open zones with seamless transitions in the game world. Wild Arms ...

Tristan Jurkovich began his career as a journalist in 2011. His childhood love of video games and writing fuel his passion for archiving this great medium’s history. He dabbles in every genre, but ...