Open-world games need to do something to stand out in a crowd of sandbox titles vying for a player’s attention. Some players prefer sandbox titles with a focus on action-packed combat, survival gameplay, or other ingenious gameplay loops.
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However, there are times when an open-world game can be so unique that players can’t help but feel that the developers were on an entirely different wavelength when they decided to develop these titles. These surreal worlds feel like fever dreams as players experience some of the weirdest open-world games ever made.
7 Deadly Premonition
Fans Of Twin Peaks Will Love What This Title Brings To The Table
Deadly Premonition
- Released
- February 23, 2010
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes
Deadly Premonition is easily one of SWERY’s most popular games, with this title being the poster child of games with negative critical reception that are beloved by fans. There’s an endearing awkwardness in the game that makes every scene as weird as they come.
The fact that this title is inspired by Twin Peaks should make it clear why people view this title as a fever dream. Some of the weirdest sequences in the game are so surreal that fans have no idea what’s real and what isn’t.
6 Pathologic 2
One Of The Weirdest, Most Surreal Open-World Games Fans Can Enjoy
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Violence
Pathologic 2 is one of the funkiest horror games players can enjoy. Even its status as a sequel doesn’t encompass what this game is all about, since the game can be considered a remake, too.
The town ravaged by the plague harbors some of the weirdest people players will interact with in a video game. Everything feels like it takes place in a completely different plane of existence from the real world, lending to the feeling of oppressive horror in this game that makes Pathologic 2 such a special experience.
5 Cyberpunk 2077
Once Silverhand’s Engram Starts Messing With V’s Mind, Reality Begins To Warp
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Cyberpunk 2077 sees V struggling to regain control of his body after they technically die and the engram of Johnny Silverhand starts taking over. From the very first flashback, players realize that something has gone wrong after the botched Arasaka heist.
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Eventually, V and Johnny’s memories start merging, with the protagonist losing sight of who they are. The treks in cyberspace make for yet another surreal moment in the game as players enjoy some trippy visuals that serve as a major change of pace from the ultra-realistic visuals they were exposed to a while ago.
4 Death Stranding
Some Of The Mechanics In This Game Are Incredibly Surreal
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
Death Stranding is an open-world game that boasts some of the weirdest mechanics ever seen in the genre. Many people still remember the previews when Norman Reedus’ character relieved himself, prompting applause from the audience in what was one of the most surreal moments in video game history.
It was a testament to the uninhibited weirdness that Death Stranding embraced. The game didn’t even feature a traditional game over, with the existence of the Beached Things adding a unique edge to the game as players had to be wary of anything and everything while performing deliveries.
3 Batman: Arkham Knight
The Titan Disease Starts Messing With Bruce’s Mind Often
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
After the events of Arkham City, Batman is infected with the Titan disease and must figure out a way to cure himself before he dies. This struggle occurs all throughout Arkham Knight, leading to hallucinations where Batman sees visions of the Joker plaguing him during his journey.
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Eventually, certain hallucinations make players question what’s real and what isn’t. This leads to its fair share of shocking moments as the Joker scares players and turns certain portions of the game into nightmare fuel for the player.
2 Disco Elysium
One Of The Weirdest Open-World Adventures Fans Can Enjoy
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
Disco Elysium is one of the deepest and most riveting role-playing games players can check out. The Final Cut gives voice acting to every line of dialogue and ensures that players will be left captivated by what’s unfolding on screen.
The amnesia affecting the detective, coupled with his wacky personality, leads to several memorable interactions where players can understand just how distanced the protagonist is from reality. These off-the-wall interactions, coupled with some weird hallucinations along the way, make players question the events taking place in Revachol, even if most of them are occurring in reality.
1 Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
The Retro-Future Aesthetic And Relentless Humor Feel Like A Fever Dream At Times
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is one of the most unique expansions for an open-world game that fans love. Sergeant Rex Colt’s adventures in this retro-futuristic world are as over-the-top and hilarious as they come.
The relentless humor and pop culture references make it seem like the game isn’t taking itself seriously at times, which can make for a bizarre experience. It may not be an outright fever dream, but this short-yet-sweet experience feels like a chapter out of a person’s wildest fantasies and enhances the enjoyment of Blood Dragon in the eyes of many.
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