I want a bigger sandbox
Posted by Rob
Eagerly awaiting the impending release of GTA IV I started to question just how “sandbox” is sandbox gaming. Im beginning to question the limited nature of some open world environments, this type of gaming is hitting us from all directions now starting with on foot rpgs and rpg-alike gaming and more recently fully fledged driving titles. All of these games are extremely linear in design albeit with a very roundabout way of approaching tasks, don’t get me wrong im a massive fan of open world titles and snap them up when available but these games do just…….well……..end. Its great to be given a task and then left to approach it in any way that feels right the buzz you get from being given a smash and grab mission that ends in a botched assassination attempt followed by a messy car chase then a painful limp out of harms way to lose the police and get back to the safe house, a second attempt at this sees you mastermind a daring scheme filled with award winning headshots a heart stopping car chase through cross town traffic making the police look like fools as you slide unseen into your safe house. However my problem is this these games still have a goal you have five missions that can be done in any order until then you are invited to the wondrous pleasure of having nothing else to do when will developers take advantage of randomly generated events also having a game continue to let you explore the city after the final mission is sometimes wasted as THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO DO OR SEE.
My life is sandbox I have to get up, go to work fulfil all tasks given to me in any order I decide best then go home after all this my time is my own but if I have nothing left to do I may as well go back to my safe house go to sleep and start the next days missions. This has all been a petty little rant I suppose but until single player titles take a leaf from the “BIG BOOK OF MMO BUILDING” they will always be an open world that you can complete.