Summary
There are plenty of games, big and small, that feature open worlds. From massive franchises such asThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutto incredibly minimalist exploration games such asA Short Hike, there’s something for all kinds of players.
Many of these games arefocused on explorationand/or combat, but some open-world titles focus their efforts on creating an immersive atmosphere. This is helped dramatically by a well-crafted soundscape, something that is typically more immersive whenplaying with headphones.
Caves Of Qudis anopen-world roguelikeRPG with a richscience-fantasy settingand an intricate character creator with countless possibilities. The careful blend of hand-crafted and procedural content and tactical turn-based combat offers a deep and diverse experience, but one ofCaves Of Qud’sgreatest strengths is arguably its dense atmosphere.
This atmosphere is facilitated by a sweeping, alien soundtrack and ambient sound design that’s tremendously immersive. This becomes all the more atmospheric when playing the game with headphones, working together with evocative writing to elevate the otherwise minimal presentation of the game.
Certainly not for everyone,Death Strandingis a truly odd, one-of-a-kind game that succeeds with itssense of atmosphereand distinctive personality. The game tasks players with making long, arduous trips across dangerous terrain, but it’s elevated by a surreal narrative and an immersive atmosphere facilitated by solid sound design and a fitting soundtrack.
Death Strandingis an utterly strange game, packed with surreal and uncanny imagery, and the gameplay itself can be tedious at times. However, the expansive setting and immersive atmosphere are certainly worth experiencing, especially with headphones. This immersion is one of the game’s greatest strengths, turning some of the more tedious moments into enjoyable journeys.
This open-world fishing game features a stunning flat-color cartoon art style reminiscent of games such asThe Legend Of Zelda: The Windwaker, as well as exploration-focused gameplay that’s remarkably accessible. It’s a charming andoften relaxing experience, despite the elements of eldritch horror at its heart.
The melancholic soundtrack and immersive soundscape created by the sound design combine to offer players a truly atmospheric, soothing experience. Playing the game with headphones not only makes the experience more tranquil but also elevates the moments of horror by immersing players in the soundscape. Be it the quiet sloshing of the waters, or the spooky call-and-response between the fog horn and the terrors in the dark,Dredgeis consistently elevated by its sound design.
STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobylis a first-person shooter with a focus on survival gameplay and exploration. The game excels with its winning sense of atmosphere and melancholy, giving players an immersive experience despite rough-edged gameplay.
The ambient sounds and lived-in nature ofSTALKER’sworld, combined with the wandering mobs and NPCs, make sound design an important aspect of the game. Not only mechanically, but atmospherically, too. Exploration is a core aspect ofSTALKER’sgameplay, and players must constantly be aware of their surroundings in order to survive. As a result, playing with headphones thoroughly elevates the experience.
AlthoughSubnauticacan be a relaxing experience at times, with its focus on underwater exploration and classic survival game base-building, it also contains elements of horror. Those who harbor a fear of the ocean and the creatures down deep may findSubnauticaparticularly unsettling.
It’s not a straight horror title, tuned more towards fans of survival games, but exploring the dark, deeper regions ofSubnauticais a frequently spooky experience. However, the atmosphere ofSubnautica’soceanic open world is all the more immersive and often more intense, when wearing headphones.
Outer Wildsis an experience that won’t be for everyone, as it features little in the way of gameplay mechanics. However, it’s elevated by its expert sense of atmosphere. The game tasks players with traversing an open world both on foot and viaa small, cozy spaceship, meeting characters, and solving puzzles.
This is a game that emphasizes exploration and patience above all else, and rewards players that soak in the rich atmosphere. The ambient sound design and charming, at times melancholic music is best experienced with headphones, especially for players looking to fully immerse themselves.
Hardcore survival gameplay and heavy simulation makeThe Long Darka somewhat inaccessible experience on the surface. It’s a game that requires patience and thoughtful decision-making in order to succeed, and it can be frequently intense, butThe Long Darkis also a surprisingly tranquil title.
The soothing sound of a crackling campfire and its life-giving warmth, the eerie whisper of the cold wind, or the spine-chilling howl of a distant wolf; the soundscape ofThe Long Darkdoes a great deal of heavy lifting in creating an immersive atmosphere for the player, and this is best enjoyed with headphones.
