Open world video games are some of my favorites (think GTA, Assassin’s Creed, Elder Scrolls, etc.). As consoles have become more powerful, these worlds have gotten bigger and bigger. Compare GTA Liberty City to GTA IV. I find this to be a blessing and a curse. The most recent game I played was The Witcher 3. I never played any other games in the series, so the lore and world was new to me. There was a ton to explore, but it almost felt like too much of a good thing. The story and characters were compelling, but as I got towards the end, it started to feel like a slog – like I was clocking in to a job rather than playing a game. With a world as big as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there was almost TOO MUCH to do. The side quests, the contracts, exploring the environment…I would play for two hours and make zero progress in the main quest. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but sometimes there is too much of a good things.
I’m now on to God of War, and after the giant open world experience of the Witcher 3, God of War plays like an on-rails shooter. It’s a nice change of pace.
Gen X Gamer Dad 