Open-world games where the player is feared by everyone

One of the common tropes for the open-world genre is to throw players into a virtual world, nobody, unprepared, with no name, clear agenda, or powers, and force them to start from scratch. On top of that, it's not unusual for a game to populate its world with strong, dangerous enemies, keeping players constantly on edge as they navigate new pressures and fresh encounters. In recent years, more and more games are trying to be more challenging than ever, with a lot of action from the horror genre and a sense of helplessness bleeding into open-world games, especially after the big success of . Alden Ring.

Some open-world games turn the tables, however, giving players a relatively rare sense of power to be reckoned with, instilling fear by simply showing up in enemies. From a unique backstory or reputation to superpowers or other special features – today, we're looking at open-world games where the hero is feared by everyone, how fear mechanics define each of the titles below, making them feel special.

prototype

Enemies seek out the unstoppable mutant, knowing they will lose

The now-forgotten open-world series, prototypeThinking of such a game immediately comes to mind. Taking on the role of a superpowered mutant in a post-apocalyptic environment is a lot of fun, and even though Alex Mercer is actually hunted by everyone, the game gives every ordinary soldier the feeling that this is not a battle they can win. Mercer is able to easily dispatch hordes of simple enemies with his bare hands, gradually unlocking more supernatural abilities as the game progresses, including the ability to literally consume any human, taking his form and shape, which can be particularly useful for infiltration missions.

However, they are only a short diversion prototype An action-oriented core, where unleashing uncontrollable large-scale chaos is the most fun part of the game, Gentek forces throw everything they've got at stopping Mercer to no avail, while he destroys soldiers, vehicles, tanks and helicopters like a piece of cake. So, who is really the predator here?

Ghost of Tsushima

Is there really a vengeful spirit guarding the island?

With its classic introduction to the open-world action-adventure game, where a well-established character quickly loses almost everything, Ghost of Tsushima The latter hides a unique, horror-driven twist. Jin Sakai becomes the protector and savior of his own land, his story grows around the world, Mongol soldiers recognize and fear him.

later on Ghost of TsushimaAs Jin fully embodies his “ghost” nickname, using a lethal poison to mass-slay the samurai's unsuspecting enemy soldiers, and unlocking the powerful Ghost Stance, the tables turn completely. Not only was Jin able to kill almost any enemy with a single sword strike, but the Mongols would gather in terror upon witnessing the infamous ghost, with many fleeing the battlefield altogether. With the sequel to the game, a truly special feeling of being a true force of nature, Ghost of YoteiOffering comparable fear mechanics in the late game, Atsu is completely tied to fighting wild wolves, cunning and fearsome enemies and bounty hunters who are quick to surrender.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt is a mutant freak equal parts disgusting and terrifying

before after the witcher The games, where Geralt of Rivia completely lost his memories, ma The Witcher 3: Wild HuntGeralt eventually recovers them, including his infamous past where he was known as the “Butcher of Blaviken”. As Geralt wanders the war-torn world, ordinary people such as villagers, peasants, and guards alike despise and fear him, greeting him as “a freak”. While this reflects people's prejudice against witches as an unnatural outcast, emphasizing the hostility he faces, few dare to face him in a sword fight, knowing how he will go about it.

Throughout the game, many quests and episodes contain such scenes, which show how people generally treat Geralt and fear him. The Witcher 3: Wild HuntSome may even run away as soon as they see her pale face. Interestingly, this notion rarely spills over into moment-to-moment gameplay encounters with ordinary bandits, who are not taught to fear high-level wizards, who attack players on sight, leading to countless recognizable memes widely known in the fan community.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Dark Lord, Light Lord – same thing really

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has slowly established an unlikely symbiosis of the reanimated Talian and the ghostly Celebrimber, slowly building his name and reputation over time, but shadow of war Already begins with the Bright Lord a legendary terror throughout Mordor. Stronger than ever, wielding his new ring of power, wielding superhuman abilities, and capable of turning anyone to his side, the Bright Lord recruits his most elite commanders to wage an all-out war against Sauron's forces, hunting, exterminating, and recruiting.

The nemesis system is the cherry on top of the entire experience, creating unique bonds and interactions for each player, depending on past encounters with orc warchiefs, many of whom will hate Talion, hunt him relentlessly, or simply fear the Bright Lord's name, becoming a pathetic shell of their past self. with Middle-earth: Shadow of War Epic scope and massive stakes, allowing Talion to challenge the Dark Lord himself, the game is unmatched in the open-world genre.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

The infamous myth of Leonidas' bloodline

in Assassin's Creed series, players often walk the line from being a nobody to becoming the revered Hidden One, the next major figure in a centuries-old conflict. in Assassin's Creed OdysseyThings are a little different from the start, as the protagonists and their siblings are direct descendants of the revered King Leonidas I, himself from the otherworldly Esu, the so-called First Civilization. Whether the players choose as their character, Cassandra or Alexios, they will soon become the infamous Mythio, living up to their father's reputation, to face the most challenging war missions in Greece.

Wielding the spear of Leonidas which is filled with extraordinary power, AC Odyssey Players get some god-like abilities to be untouchable by enemies and feared by the entire cult of the cosmos. on top of that, Assassin's Creed Odyssey Borrow the light version of the Nemesis system from Middle-earth: Shadow of MordorFor a dynamic mercenary system that can be hunted or hunted by players in an open world. This system is similar to Police Mechanic GTA series, more elite mercenaries have been hired to prevent players from wreaking havoc or clearing large fortresses — but that only means extra high-grade loot and more XP for players.

Batman: Arkham Knight

Fear and darkness are your allies

Intelligence, darkness, and fear are the most powerful tools in Batman's arsenal, and players can master all three. Batman: Arkham Knight. Playing as the Dark Knight in his prime, with all of Gotham living under his watchful and watchful protection, Bruce Wayne needs no real superpowers to strike primal fear in all he encounters, no matter whether players choose stealth or direct confrontation as their approach. serving as the epic conclusion of Batman: Arkham series, the game expands Batman's moves, abilities and tactics to new heights, allowing players to overcome the most impossible situations.

The AI ​​of normal enemies has taught Batman to fear, it's especially fun to clear levels by hiding, seeing how enemies start to panic as their numbers dwindle, and searching around them knowing that the Bat can be anywhere and the clock is ticking. Fully embracing the DC Universe, Batman: Arkham Knight Continues to explore Batman's complex relationships with many supervillains and anti-heroes, highlighting how years of dedication have made Batman a man to be reckoned with in Gotham, with many daring to only whisper his name.