An open world game where everyone fears the player

One of the common tropes of the open world genre is to throw players into a virtual world where they are uninhabited, unprepared, nameless, and without a clear agenda or authority, forcing them to start from scratch. Furthermore, it's not uncommon for game worlds to be filled with strong and dangerous enemies, keeping players constantly on edge as they navigate new pressures and new encounters. Recently, the sense of helplessness of the horror genre has seeped into many action games and open world games, with more and more games trying to be more challenging than before. Elden Ring.

But some open world games switch things up, giving players relatively rare powers to be reckoned with and instilling fear in enemies just by appearing. From unique backstories or reputations to overwhelming abilities or other special traits, today we take a look at open-world games whose protagonists everyone fears, highlighting how horror mechanics define each title below and make them feel special.

prototype

Enemies hunt down unstoppable mutants, knowing they will be defeated.

The now forgotten open world series, prototypeWhen I think of games like this, they immediately come to mind. It's a lot of fun to take on the role of an overpowered mutant in a post-apocalyptic environment. Even if Alex Mercer is really being chased by everyone, the game conveys the feeling that every regular soldier knows this isn't a battle he can win. Mercer can easily dispatch hordes of simple enemies with his bare hands, and as the game progresses he gradually unlocks more superhuman abilities that can be particularly useful in infiltration missions, including the ability to literally consume all humans and assume their form and likeness.

But this is only a temporary distraction. prototype It's an action-oriented core where creating massive, uncontrollable chaos is the most fun part of the game. Gentek forces try everything they can to stop Mercer, but to no avail, while Mercer destroys soldiers, vehicles, tanks, and helicopters like pieces of cake. So who is the hunter here?

Ghost of Tsushima

Is there really a vengeful spirit protecting the island?

With the classic introduction of an open world action-adventure game where a well-established character loses almost everything in one moment, Ghost of Tsushima Hide the unique, fear-based twist for later. As Jin Sakai becomes the defender and liberator of his land, his legend grows throughout the world, and Mongolian soldiers begin to recognize and fear him.

later Ghost of TsushimaThings are turned upside down as Jin fully embodies his “Ghost” alias and uses his deadly poison to kill enemy soldiers in large numbers, something unexpected for a samurai, before unleashing his powerful ghost stance. Not only can Jin kill almost any enemy with a single blow of his sword, but the Mongols are so terrified upon sighting the infamous ghost that many flee the battlefield entirely. Experience the unique feeling of becoming a true force of nature in the game's sequel. Ghost of YoteiAtsu provides a similar fear mechanic later in the game, as she fully bonds to the wild wolf and fights alongside her, confusing and frightening enemies and bounty hunters who quickly surrender.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt is a mutant monster who is both despised and feared.

Before After witcher A game in which Geralt of Rivia completely loses his memory. The Witcher 3: Wild HuntGeralt finally gets them back, including his infamous past as the “Butcher of Blaviken.” As Geralt roams the war-torn world, common people such as villagers, peasants, and guards alike despise and fear him, greeting him with slurs such as “monster.” This reflects people's prejudice against the witcher as an unnatural outcast and highlights the hostility he faces, but few dare face him in a sword fight, knowing how things will play out in the future.

Several quests and episodes throughout the game contain these scenes, showing how people generally treat Geralt and how much they fear him. The Witcher 3: Wild HuntSome people might run away as soon as they see his pale face. Interestingly, this perception doesn't extend to momentary gameplay encounters with regular rogues who haven't learned to fear high-level witchers wearing elite gear, but rather attack players on sight, creating numerous recognizable memes that have gone viral in the fan community.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Dark Lord, Light Lord — they're really the same

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Although he slowly established an unexpected symbiotic relationship between the resurrected Talion and the ghostly Ceelebrimbor, gradually building his name and reputation over time. shadow of war It begins with the Bright Lord, already a legendary figure of terror throughout Mordor. More powerful than ever before, the Bright Lord creates new rings of power, wields overwhelming superhuman abilities, and has the ability to turn anyone to his side, so he begins a full-scale war against Sauron's forces, hunting down, eliminating, and recruiting his most elite commanders.

The Nemesis system is at the heart of the entire experience, creating unique bonds and interactions for each player based on their past encounters with the orc warchiefs. Many of these either hate Talion and hunt him down mercilessly, or become pitiful shells of their former selves, terrified by the Bright Lord's mere name and living only at the player's own mercy. with Middle-earth: Shadow of War With its epic scope and massive stakes that allow Talion to challenge the Dark Lord directly, this game is unrivaled in the open world genre.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

The infamous Misthios of the Leonidas bloodline.

at Assassin's Creed In the series, players go from nobody to a respected Hidden One destined to become another prominent figure in a conflict spanning hundreds of years. in Assassin's Creed OdysseyThings are a little different from the beginning, as the protagonists and their brothers are direct descendants of the revered King Leonidas I, descendants of the supernatural Isu, the so-called first civilization. Whether players choose Kassandra or Alexios as their character, they will quickly become the infamous Mystio, living up to their father's reputation and carrying out the most difficult missions of the war across Greece.

Wielding the Spear of Leonidas, imbued with fantastic power, AC Odyssey Players gain god-like abilities that make them untouchable by enemies and feared by the entire Cosmos Cult. furthermore, Assassin's Creed Odyssey It is a light version of the Nemesis system. Middle-earth: Shadow of MordorIt's intended for a dynamic mercenary system where players can hunt or be hunted in an open world. This system is similar to police dynamics. GTA The series hires more elite mercenaries to prevent players from wreaking havoc or destroying key fortresses. However, this often just means higher tier 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 actual superpowers to instill primal fear in everyone he encounters, regardless of whether the player chooses stealth or hand-to-hand combat as his approach. Serves as a narrative ending Batman: Arkham In the series, games expand Batman's tricks, abilities, and tactics to new levels, allowing players to overcome the most impossible situations.

With the AI ​​of regular enemies taught to fear Batman, it's especially fun to stealthily clear levels, noticing how enemy numbers dwindle and watch as they begin to panic, searching their surroundings in confusion knowing that bats could be everywhere and the clock is ticking. Fully embracing the DC Universe, Batman: Arkham Knight It also continues to explore Batman's complex relationships with numerous supervillains and anti-heroes, emphasizing how years of dedication have made Batman a force to be reckoned with in Gotham, with many only daring to whisper his name.