Games That Focus On Exploration

[FlamingR1ft]

I'm looking for something to play that has a ton of exploration in it. That's one of my favourite things to do in video games, after all. For recommendations: I don't care if there's a good story, or what genre it is, as long as it's fun to play and has tons to discover. The kind of game where you're just left to your own devices (like the first Legend of Zelda).

Before you start listing stuff, I have already played:
- Elder Scrolls Games
- Fallout Games
- Terraria
- Minecraft (hated it)
- Zelda series
- Demon/Dark Souls
- Skies of Arcadia
- And probably a whole bunch of other exploration-centred games I can't think of.

Any suggestions are appreciated! Even games that don't have a main focus on exploration, but have lots of stuff to find (eg. Paper Mario, Most Tales games) are fine too.

[John]

Red Dead Redemption would probably be up your alley.

[FlamingR1ft]

Red Dead Redemption would probably be up your alley.

I have seen some videos, but Westerns typically aren't my thing. Maybe I should rent it sometime though.

Oh and on that note I have played GTAs, but didn't like them.

[Yggdrasil]

I'm not into Westerns and I don't like GTA either, but I spent like 2 weeks playing Red Dead Redemption (if not more).

That said, is not one my favorites games but it is one the best games I've ever played and is a damn good experience.

[Vanguard]

Journey? I know it's not long, but that's basically what the game is about.

[Aeolus]

Any Metroidvania worth its weight should do you.

[Aurian]

Xenoblade if you have the Wii - loads of exploring, quests and just finding all sorts of cool stuff.

[Yoda]

In the METROID style I'd say Shadow Complex is awesome. You really get the sense of exploring every nook and cranny of an awesome base.

Kingdoms of Amalur: That's all the game is really. Find a new area. Check out the town. People send you on various jobs that have you traipsing through a really colorful and interesting landscape. Fun leveling and combat is a +

[Prime Mover]

Second for Xenoblade.

Also, Dragon Quest VIII, if you like Skies of Arcadia style exploration.

[Raze]

For huge open worlds, FF12 and another vote for Dragon Quest 8.

If you don't mind corridor crawlers, I've been playing the Etrian Odyssey games recently and the draw your own map gimmick really sells the exploration theme of the game. SMT: Strange Journey, while lacking the map drawing, is also a solid dungeon crawl.

[Parn]

Guild Wars 2.

[Yoda]

Might and Magic

[Bytor]

I agree with the RDR suggestions. Actually I felt the crazy amount of free exploration took away from the game as it detracted from the advancement of the story, but maybe it fits the bill perfectly.

[FlamingR1ft]

Journey? I know it's not long, but that's basically what the game is about.

Got it, 100%'d it. ;)

I'm not into Westerns and I don't like GTA either, but I spent like 2 weeks playing Red Dead Redemption (if not more).

That definitely encourages me to take a look at it. Thanks.

Any Metroidvania worth its weight should do you.

Oh, a very good idea! I've played a number of Metroid games over the years, but not all of them. I shall go hunting!

Xenoblade if you have the Wii - loads of exploring, quests and just finding all sorts of cool stuff.

Yup, got Xenoblade.

In the METROID style I'd say Shadow Complex is awesome. You really get the sense of exploring every nook and cranny of an awesome base.

Kingdoms of Amalur: That's all the game is really. Find a new area. Check out the town. People send you on various jobs that have you traipsing through a really colorful and interesting landscape. Fun leveling and combat is a +

Hadn't heard of Shadow Complex, but looks kinda cool. I have been interested in Amalur, but can't really afford it yet.

Second for Xenoblade.

Also, Dragon Quest VIII, if you like Skies of Arcadia style exploration.

Got it! Played through all the localised DQs.

For huge open worlds, FF12 and another vote for Dragon Quest 8.

If you don't mind corridor crawlers, I've been playing the Etrian Odyssey games recently and the draw your own map gimmick really sells the exploration theme of the game. SMT: Strange Journey, while lacking the map drawing, is also a solid dungeon crawl.

Not so big on corridor crawlers. I have FFXII and adored it.

Might and Magic

Played one once, but wasn't really my thing.

~ ~ ~

If anyone thinks of anything else, keep em coming! It's fine if they're older too.

[Alhizzy]

Might and Magic

Oh hellsya, especially 6 and 7!!!  Those are some of my favorite games!  You know they're supposedly doing a fan-made spiritual successor in the old 6/7/8 engine?