Biomutant
- Developer: Experiment 101
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: 2019
In Biomutant, players take the role of a raccoon-like creature that must save the world. With a poisonous oil springing up from the ground, most the world is quickly infected and dying off. This also has spread to the Tree of Life, a giant tree that brings life to the whole world.
Players must go to each of the six roots of the Tree of Life and stop the oil and defeat each boss. Furthermore, the game will be tossing players a number of decisions that will affect the overall narrative storyline. Likewise, the choices you make will ultimately alter the world itself. Developers have stated that the entire world is open for players to explore with only sections blocked, forcing players to progress the narrative in order to gather the items required to access past unreachable areas.
We’re not sure just yet how large of an open world Biomutant is nor do we have details on how much of the open world is available at the start without progressing through the narrative. Originally the game was set to release in 2018 but has since been pushed back until summer of 2019.
Judge Eyes
- Developer: Sega
- Publisher: Sega
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: 2019
Sega has been teasing a new IP for a while now stating that the developers who were behind the popular Yakuza series have been working on a brand new IP. This project has apparently been in the works for over three years but we’re only just now getting a look at the game. Gamers can expect Judge Eyes to release next year.
There are still plenty of details that Sega is holding away from the public at the moment but during a PlayStation Lineup Tour event, Sega unveiled Judge Eyes. The game follows a lawyer who is seeking out clues in order to get at the bottom of a crime. Being that this is the development team who was also responsible for bringing out the Yakuza series, you can expect a similar combat system.
Similar to the Yakuza franchise, this game will also take place in an open world environment as you dig into the mystery while fighting off any thugs that get in your way. We only saw a few trailers regarding the game and it doesn’t have a specific release date attached quite yet. As a result, we’re not entirely sure just how large of a world players will be able to explore within.
Shenmue 3
- Developer: Neilo, Ys Net
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Platforms: PC, PS4
- Release: August 27, 2019
After what felt like eons of being stuck in development hell, Shenmue III will finally hit store shelves in August of 2019. This game has had a cult following for years with the first two titles being one of the more treasured video game titles of its time despite being a commercial failure.
Years later Yu Suzuki, series creator, unveiled Shenmue III during an E3 conference in 2015. Seeking help from the fans, the development team was able to fund the game production where players will follow Ryo Hazuki as he searches for his father’s killer.
Since the video game’s announcement, we have been hit with a few delays with the title most recently set for launch in 2018. However, a new delay that will supposedly allow the developers to further polish the game has pushed the game back until August of 2019 for the PC and PlayStation 4 platforms.
We know that the open world aspect of Shenmue 3 will feature villages across China which sets players up with an important narrative journey connecting to Ryo’s father. Likewise, it’s worth noting that during the start of Shenmue 3’s Kickstarter, developers have made mention of making an immersive open world experience with $10 million being key to include all of the features they had in mind. While the development studio didn’t acquire the full $10 million, they did receive a little over $7 million which should still bring a pretty compelling open world video game.
Far Cry New Dawn
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: February 15, 2019
Note: Spoilers for Far Cry 5
If you enjoyed Far Cry 5 then you know that the ending leaves you hanging. At the end of the game you find that the world is on the brink of collapsing due to the end of the world and you find yourself stuck with the antagonist where the game ends following credits. Now if you’re hoping to find out what happens after the credits roll and what has happened to Hope County after the nuclear blast then you’ll get the opportunity in Far Cry New Dawn. This title takes place seventeen years after the events of Far Cry 5 where you will find returning characters from Far Cry 5 and the result of the protagonist and antagonist of Far Cry 5.
With Hope County mangled and distorted by the nuclear blast, players will find new land masses to explore. Survivors have started to rebuild the world but a new threat of bandits has prevented Hope County from truly being free from tyranny control. Players will be stepping up to free up outposts and preventing from the new bandit group controlled by twin sisters from destroying Hope County and the innocent citizens who dwell within it
As previously mentioned, this game takes place years after the events of Far Cry 5 which means that if you played the game then you’ll be a bit familiar with the surroundings. However, it has been noted before that because the Far Cry 5 installment ended in a nuclear blast, there will be new areas formed to explore along with past locations inaccessible. This could also mean a leg up on how to get around the in-game world which was already rather large to begin with but until we see the official map, it’s tough to say just how much has changed.
The Outer Worlds
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher: Private Division
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: 2019
Obsidian Entertainment is a well-known and beloved video game development studio after they have released countless iconic RPG titles. For instance, the developers were responsible for Fallout: New Vegas and during The Game Awards 2018 came the announcement of The Outer Worlds. This is a brand new experience which resembles a bit like their past Fallout: New Vegas work. Within the game players will be embarking on an adventure set in the distant future where mankind has colonized space. So far we know that players will be investigating megacorporations to find just how strong of a hold they have on life and the colonized worlds.
Just like with past RPG titles developed under Obsidian Entertainment, the gameplay narrative will present players with multiple answers and options. Depending on the options selected may result in various branching storylines. Unfortunately, we don’t have to many details regarding the game narrative and gameplay mechanics. However, as mentioned, this is an RPG adventure so players can still expect to see various customization options and a massive world to explore.
We don’t know just how big of a world this game will contain but it does look like there will be some space travel within the initial trailer so perhaps we may be exploring multiple world locations. Likewise, Obsidian Entertainment is tapping into the fan base that enjoyed Fallout: New Vegas which is another franchise that heavily relied on gamers going out and exploring their surroundings so it’s a pretty safe bet that this open world RPG will be rather large. At any rate, you can check out the first trailer for the game posted right above.
