For those of us who have been enjoying PlayStation consoles since their introduction, the dream of immersive, high-quality games has always included a specific feature: a vast and engaging open world. This would be a space where players can freely roam, create their own stories, and indulge in imaginative scenarios.
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10 Must-Play Open World Games on PS2
Relive the golden era of open-world gaming on the PlayStation 2.
Today, that vision has become a reality, with numerous titles offering extensive open worlds across different PlayStation generations. The genre has become highly competitive, with many developers vying for a piece of the lucrative open-world market.
However, creating a truly memorable open world is a significant challenge. Gamers recognize quality when they see it, and only the most exceptional games leave a lasting impact. This raises the question: Which games have set the standard for each PlayStation console?
The PlayStation boasts an impressive collection of games, and here, we present a definitive ranking of the finest open-world experiences available on the platform.
Our ranking is based on the highest OpenCritic score within the Open World category for each console, with one exception: we only include one game per franchise. The game with the highest score represents its franchise. Due to the limitations of early consoles, we will apply a flexible definition of “open world” for those platforms. Finally, the chosen games are ranked based on personal preference.
7
Midnight Club LA Remix
Best PSP Open World
Finding true open-world experiences on the PSP can be tough, given its hardware limitations and the PS2’s dominance in establishing the genre. However, among the available options, Midnight Club LA Remix stands out.
The game successfully brings the core Midnight Club experience to a portable format. It features free-roaming through cities without loading screens, fast-paced arcade racing, and extensive car customization for optimal performance.
While it’s not quite the same as its bigger brother, Midnight Club 3, it compensates by defying the handheld’s limitations, delivering intense action, thrilling police chases, and more.
Though it’s the weakest entry on our list, it remains a remarkable achievement and a top-notch racing game.
6
Driver
Best PS1 Open World
Similarly, finding numerous open-world titles on the original PlayStation’s extensive library is difficult. However, we’re ranking based on available options, and Driver emerges as the strongest candidate. That’s if you can survive the notoriously difficult tutorial.
Once you clear that initial challenge, you gain access to expansive maps where you’re free to explore and progress as you wish.
You can simply cruise around cities like Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco or hone your skills as a getaway driver by completing challenging missions.
It’s a primitive experience, and the tutorial remains a sticking point, but Driver laid the foundation for the open-world racing genre and deserves recognition for that.
5
Gravity Rush
Best PS Vita Open World
The PS Vita had the potential to be a haven for exciting open-world games, thanks to its powerful hardware and the genre’s popularity at the time. Sadly, Sony prematurely ended the handheld’s life.
However, in its short run, we received Gravity Rush, a remarkably unique and experimental title that treats physics as mere guidelines.
The game’s steampunk setting in the sky is visually stunning, and the ability to explore by manipulating gravity is unlike anything else. Simply turning off gravity to free-fall to your next location is a pure thrill.
While the story may be straightforward and the combat somewhat clunky, its innovative approach to the genre on a handheld device makes it a memorable experience and one of the PS Vita’s best offerings before its unfortunate demise.
4
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Best PS5 Open World
As the PS5 era progresses, we want to identify the best open-world game available. Currently, that title belongs to Kojima’s unconventional Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.
If you weren’t a fan of the original, this sequel likely won’t change your mind. It amplifies the original’s mechanics and features while adding new elements to maintain freshness.
However, for those who enjoyed the first game, Death Stranding 2 offers more combat, action, varied traversal, narrative twists, and the same asynchronous multiplayer that makes the world feel alive.
The PS5 will likely see future titles that surpass this one, but for now, Kojima’s creation holds the crown.