Thankfully, there’s no dearth of options when it comes to games that just let you loose into their long winding roads that have a lot going on as you travel along vast worlds. We’ve put together titles we think fit that description and are certainly worth getting lost in. Some of your most memorable gaming moments could be waiting just around a corner in their worlds!

Let’s dive in.

1. Days Gone

A vast expanse of map waits for you and your trusty motorbike in this one. It’s a pity that its beautiful landscapes are marred by the presence of vicious zombies and humans desperate enough to forget their moral codes. But a large part of the game involves cruising along the map on your motorcycle, ensuring you have a safe way back to it if your next dangerous plan doesn’t pan out the way you wanted it to.

Play things right and you’re back on the road, albeit having to make a quicker exit than your entrance. But you never know what else you might discover as you blaze a path to safety in such situations. It’s a world that does a good job of keeping its players invested in Deacon’s melancholy tale.

2. Pacific Drive

From its riveting opening to a rather bittersweet ending, this is a journey that’s underlined by a literal bond between your Driver and the station wagon you commandeer at the start of your adventure. It’s a story beat that works well for the narrative while also giving you a reason to travel far and wide in your car.

The game’s premise provides the scope for a journey like no other along roads that want you to discover everything they have to offer. We’re not going to forget some very memorable anomalies during our time in the Olympic Exclusion Zone in a hurry. Especially the ones that messed with our car.

3. Death Stranding 1 & 2

Whether on foot or in a vehicle, Death Stranding’s trek through a very memorable adventure with Sam Porter is all about traversing a beautiful yet hostile world. Guiding Sam to his next delivery destination is all about the different things you can discover, or be forced to work around, that you can find along the way.

It’s a journey like no other, and it’s a road that’s as unpredictable as the many threats you’re likely to find before you make it to safety again. There’s always a sense of anticipation as you travel across America, Mexico, and Australia, and a sense of awe when you discover the next thing they have been hiding. The original Death Stranding and its sequel continue to evoke fond memories.

4. The Crew 2

There’s a case to be made for The Crew 2’s scaled-down take on America that really brings moments where it’s just you and your car to life as you make your way between its various activities. Although it’s meant to be played with your buddies, its persistent open world design means that it’s quite easy to just get to exploring, driving around in your favorite ride, and having some racing fun along the way.

Of course, getting to pilot aircraft and operate boats were welcome additions, but our first sight of the Grand Canyon in this massive world was definitely among the highlights of driving around in it.

5. Jalopy

Splat and Lutfi’s journey in this one was nothing short of a masterpiece as far as memorable road trips go. The Jalopy in question is almost a character on its own, requiring a fairly realistic amount of upkeep to keep players ticking along in the narrative as they discover more about what was waiting for them at the end of it.

The option to keep the adventure going after its rather sad ending just adds more intrigue to an already satisfying journey. This is one that’s all about the journey, although there’s a case to be made for that destination being a very memorable moment.

6. Final Fantasy XV

In another adventure that has its protagonist accompanied by memorable companions, Noctis Lucis, the Regalia, and the chocobos, sure make travel and discovery a very memorable part of Final Fantasy XV. It helps that your posse is right by your side for the most part, their banter and conversations making the adventure come alive as you travel across Eos.

It helps that you can customize the Regalia and chocobos, giving your adventure that personal touch that makes such experiences special. Whether you’re chugging along on the road or soaring across the skies to your next destination, this is a game that makes the journey there a very enjoyable facet of the experience.

7. Read Dead Redemption 2

Arthur’s journey is one that absolutely exemplifies the feeling of being on the road, with endless possibilities and a world where life goes on, even if you’re not a part of it, being baked into the adventure. This is a world that’s alive, and almost thrumming with activities, secrets, discoveries, and content that’s sure to make your time with this one unforgettable.

There’s nothing that beats a conversation by chance that turns into a full-blown series of side quests, or the many quirky characters the road leads you to, in this one. There’s also the fact that you need to care for your horse as you would in the real world, and a host of activities that make your time on the road feel quite authentic and immersive. As far as open worlds that put you on a long and winding road go, this one continues to be a classic.

8. Mad Max

Max Rockatansky’s determination to build the Magnum Opus and the fact that this vehicle is a very crucial part of the adventure are reasons enough to qualify this one for our list. But it’s in the way that the Magnum Opus weaves itself so naturally into the gameplay loop and combat, in particular, and makes itself a star of the show.

It’s narratively valid, and the fact that customizing its parts can force you to make trade-offs in other aspects makes for a layer of immersion and engagement that solidifies the bond between man and machine in this one. The open world is a stage just waiting for you to discover moments where you and your vehicle are given an opportunity to shine.

9. State Of Decay 2

This one’s a constant challenge due to the world around you, a tale that builds a community around the struggle, and one in which the world can get quite unpredictable from moment to moment. From the need to nurture your community and take down the area’s Awakened Heart, every zombie-infested site is a chance to take your story down a path that’s different from the one you began with.

A lot of it comes down to your fellow settlers, and weaving everyone’s journey together into a gameplay loop that’s quite addictive makes each bit of territory you free from the zombies an achievement, and a very satisfying one at that.

10. Snowrunner

This is a title where the simulation of off-roading on rough terrain is accompanied by very flavorful discoveries that spell out the stories of the regions you explore while you witness your own role in fixing them up firsthand. It’s a great way to have you braving its landscapes, taking care of your fleet of vehicles while getting invested in a progression loop that becomes quite interesting the more you make your way through a region.

It connects you to the land you’re exploring while your vehicles carry you through it all, making this a journey that just draws you into the world it presents you with. You’re the focal point of an interesting bridge between the past and the present, and it’s up to you to build it up, one success after another.

11. Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 serves up surreal beats as you roam a world filled with calamity. But it’s the people you meet and the friends you make along the way that make this a worthwhile journey.

The ability to recruit locals who resist the local militia and their rigid control over the land is a great addition to this open-world, and adds a flavor to the entire journey that’s just too great to ignore. It helps that you forge relationships to discover more of the story and side content as you go, along with helping the local resistance, you know, resist the militia’s growing influence. You’re a cornerstone of that struggle, and the journey felt personal and, as a result, memorable.

12. The Long Drive

The road goes on and on in this innovative concept that’s literally all about being on the road and letting the journey continue. With a focus on freedom, immersion, and exploring the vast desert, this one gives its players a lot of freedom to just enjoy the journey.

You’re given a lot of reasons to just hop into your car and drive along, never knowing where the road takes you in this randomly generated desert. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a game where the adventure takes you down unpredictable paths, look no further.

13. Forza Horizon 5

Mexico proved to be a great location for this instalment to the Horizon series, and driving along to stunning vistas was both entertaining and visually memorable. Getting to drive fancy, fast cars on roads that wound between different elevations, climate patterns, and, of course, new discoveries was a treat.

There’s an active volcano, ancient structures, cities, towns, jungles, and beaches to find and explore, making this title find reasons to put you at the wheel and send you along on your journey.

14. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Survival in The Zone and navigating the complex relationships that govern it while also ensuring that you get enough food and sleep, is quite an immersive loop in GSC Games Studio’s much-awaited return to its popular franchise.

Recruiting people to aid in your journey, while the many discoveries and anomalies that await you in The Zone give this entire world a sense of mystery, and venturing into the unknown can be quite hard to top. With the PlayStation version on its way, now might be a great time to dive into a game whose journey to its current build is as interesting as the one it presents to you.

15. Ghost Recon Wildlands

Operation Kingslayer was a brilliant stage for the adventure that awaits you in this very immersive open world. With so much variety in the terrain along with a lot of freedom with how you approach any mission you find out in cartel-controlled Bolivia, this is a world where every inch of land you capture could be one worth the memories, and even lets you disable your AI companions if you believe in taking single-player literally.

However, there is a case to be made for bringing up to three buddies along for the ride. That immediately makes this one a worthy addition, although the AI companions are always there if you’re going for a suitable middle ground. Either way, dismantling a cartel has never felt so immersive, and entertaining too.

That’s a wrap on our favorite titles that put us on the road and just let us build our best memories of them along the way. Here’s to many more such experiences on the horizon.

Ghost of Yōtei

Everything about Sucker Punch’s sequel is a step up from Ghost of Tsushima. The exploration feels more organic as Ezo is brimming with interesting stories, Mythic Tales, and activities (with far fewer restrictions on where to go). Combat is more visceral than ever, with the different weapons mixing up the formula in fun ways. All in all, a fantastic sequel and a stellar open-world game in its own right, which brings us to…

]]> 629864 https://gamingbolt.com/atlas-fallen-call-of-duty-black-ops-6-early-access-beta-coming-to-game-pass-in-august Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:38:28 +0000 https://gamingbolt.com/?p=596533 After rumors of the same last month, Microsoft has confirmed that Deck13’s Atlas Fallen will join Game Pass as part of August’s second wave. The action RPG will be available starting August 22nd for Xbox Series X/S, cloud and PC players. Head here for more details on its recent Reign of Sand update.

The other blockbuster addition is the early access open beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Available to download starting August 28th, the beta will be playable from August 30th to September 4th. Since one must otherwise pre-order the title to obtain access, this is a pretty sweet deal for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.

Other noteworthy releases include Core Keeper, a sandbox survival adventure for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and cloud on August 27th (the same day it exits early access). Star Trucker also arrives on September 3rd for cloud, console, and PC. Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers can also look forward to Cities: Skylines, SnowRunner, and Control: Ultimate Edition on August 21st.

Check out the titles leaving the service on August 31st:

• Atomic Heart (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Guilty Gear Strive (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• NBA 2K24 (Cloud and Console)

Among the host of content coming to SnowRunner in Public Energy, the game will also get four new maps, two new vehicles, and a host of new activities, bringing players back to North Carolina. A free update is also being released for the game on the same day, giving every player access to a set of 10 new stickers.

The two new vehicles coming to the game are the MTB 8106 Rock Grinder, and the FEMM 37-AT. The MTB 8106 Rock Grinder features good ground clearance and an upgradable engine, while the FEMM 37-AT is a heavy-duty truck that can deliver cargo without limitations.

The story in Season 12: Public Energy revolves around players helping North Carolina’s government with its new project—establishing a nuclear power station. Players will help out by delivering cargo and equipment. There will also be farmers and other local institutions that need help in different objectives, like monitoring environmental pollution.

The studio behind SnowRunner has also released a new trailer for its upcoming game, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, showcasing its general gameplay. You can check out the new trailer here.

Forza Horizon 4 In Winter Season

Playground Games has established its reputation as a developer with a penchant for delivering games that consistently hit a high level of visual fidelity, and its premier franchise Forza Horizon is emblematic of those very strengths. Right from the environments to the car models and weather effects, Forza Horizon impresses with its striking attention to detail. Take for instance Forza Horizon 4, where seasonal changes can dramatically impact the visual and gameplay feel of the experience by a significant margin. The snow rendering is a particular highlight in this game, which not only looks great with proper terrain deformation when skirting along snow but can also cause your car to slip and slide in a realistic fashion – which adds a level of mechanical tension to the gameplay proceedings.

Sons of the Forest

Sons of the Forest is a brutal survival game that tasks players to hold their backs against cannibalistic primals with only a limited few resources to spare. It presents its brutal world with gorgeous graphics and striking attention to detail, and the gradual process of collecting resources and becoming more powerful is one that will keep you hooked for dozens upon dozens of hours. Add to that the ability to enjoy exploring with friends, and Sons of the Forest becomes a great option for a co-op open-world experience.

For PS4 players, there’s Circus Electrique, Dynasty Warriors 9, Melty Blood: Type Lumina, Monster Jam Steel Titans, Samurai Warriors 5, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated and Undertale. PS Plus Premium players gain access to three new Classics, starting with Twisted Metal and Twisted Metal 2 on the PlayStation One.

Gravity Crash Portable on the PlayStation Portable is also playable. All three titles are available for PS4 and PS5. PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers can also download titles from the Essential tier, like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Alan Wake Remastered and Endling – Extinction is Forever. These are available till July 31st, so claim them now.

Teardown

Tuxedo Labs has delivered an enticing playground of destruction with Teardown, which lets you lose in complex levels with nothing but a set of tools and your imagination to pull off heists with increasing difficulty. The game features fully destructible environments with physics properties, and the game encourages you to smash walls and blow up stuff to chart the most efficient path to your objective and back to the starting point. The voxel based art style might look primitive at first, but it has its own distinct charm that will slowly grow on you as you spend more time with the game.

The new region—Burning Mill, Tennessee—is a 4 km² map, featuring a large river, a village of tents, and a sky filled with hot-air balloons. The map also has a dirt circuit and a rally-ready off-road setting to go alongside the new racing challenges.

The new cars in Season 7 are the super lightweight scout car Gor BY-4, and the Dakar-style truck Sprinter 43-19. Both cars come with an exclusive racing-themed skin.

With Season 7, the Nintendo Switch version of SnowRunner is also getting cross-play support. This means that Switch SnowRunner players can now play multiplayer modes with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players.

Alongside the release of Season 7, SnowRunner has also gotten upgrades for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The current-gen console upgrades for SnowRunner give the game the ability to play at 4K resolutions at 60 frames per second on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. All current owners of the game on PS4 and Xbox One get the upgrade for free on their respective consoles.

Season 7, titled Compete & Conquer, will introduce the new map of Burning Mill, Tennessee. Racing events at Burning Mill include time-trial events with tracks both on and off-road. The new vehicles in Season 7 are the lightweight Gor BY-4, and the Dakar-style truck Sprinter 43-19.

A major part of the Season 7 update for the Nintendo Switch version of SnowRunner is the introduction of cross-play support. After the update, Switch players will be able to play SnowRunner‘s multiplayer with friends on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

The press release also reveals that the Season 7 update will bring with it the game’s PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions as free updates to the PS4 and Xbox One versions respectively. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions will feature a frame rate of 60fps, enhanced graphics, support for 4K, and deeper depth of field.

SnowRunner is available on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions will be available as free upgrades once Season 7 drops on May 31.

https://twitter.com/PlaySnowRunner/status/1526506137318744064