Open worlds, as a sub-genre within video games, can trace its roots all the way back to the early 2000s with the development of titles such as Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto III, and exist in the industry today as arguably the most popular form of gaming title out there.

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Open world games have the unique advantage of offering players complete liberty when it comes to exploring each and every corner of the universe that surroun. 11 Most Beautiful Video Games Ever 08:30 am ET Updated May 16, 2012 Video games gave been a ever present fixture in my life, for as long as I can remember. One of the most beautiful and immersive open-world experiences in recent gaming history, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey is all about graphic power. The game allows you to freely explore the landscapes and detailed locations of Ancient Greece, while the biggest drag on your graphics card will be the draw distance setting.

The ability for a player to freely roam around, immerse themselves in the world and take on every little event and activity away from the main storyline just naturally expands the lifecycle of titles such as the Elder Scrolls, Assassin's Creed or Grand Theft Auto, than a series like Thief, for example.

It also allows for far more ways of getting players to fall in love with a title, with the extra charm that comes from more time invested, more characters met and more tasks completed all doing wonders for certain games' legacies.

However, with so much competition stacked in the genre right now, really nailing the look and feel of an open world title has become more important than ever before. Here are 10 of the titles that nailed this the best and created some of the most vibrant and beautiful open worlds that every player has to experience.

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10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Initially released in 2011 by Bethesda, there's a reason why The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's world is still one of the most recognisable and acclaimed RPG open worlds in gaming history.

Fresh off the success that was Elder Scrolls IV and its setting of the Cyrodiil in the heartlands of Tamriel, Bethesda decided to switch up things by moving the action from the lush plains and forests of the Imperial City to the snowy tundra and mountain ranges of the continent's frozen north in Skyrim.

Bethesda's Creation Engine was specifically redesigned for the development of Skyrim, and the world was built with every intention of pushing the boundaries on what was possible in open world design. Todd Howard wanted a world with a charm and identity that he believed would be more interesting to players than Oblivion, and the end result is a game that has some of the most breathtaking scenery - as well as the opportunity for adventure around almost every corner.

And whilst the frozen tundras and mountain ranges are undoubtedly the face of the game and what players first think of when Skyrim is mentioned, each and every province has its own unique design and theme and feel more like individual countries and a part of their own separate game rather than a part of the same land.

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These are not just games with nice pieces. These are not games that are necessarily the best games ever. These are not games with pretty bits. These are not games that look cool when you're playing them. These are those games that when seen... are just... beautiful. You wouldn't mind leaving these games out on your coffee table when your in-laws come over to visit.

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• Posted Mon Dec 25, 2006 3:11 pm

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