Recommend me a retro open-world game to explore

[HTBandicoot]

If you can, let me know a game that you would emulate if you just wanted to explore. Sure, there can still be tasks or missions, but you're also allowed to move freely throughout the game and find new things in the game world. I guess you would call this sandbox-style games today?

 

[Yousef]

Probably retro city rampage.

 

[Cu-Neo]

The GTA games specially Vice City, because the city makes me drive a lot while I listen Billy Jean, San andreas too but there I listen Hold the line.
These ones are not emulation, but these games are so old that I think you can run it. The Gothic games and Oblivion (Skyrim is also good to walk and explore) and to an extend Risen (it was made by some of the Gothic team).

 

[LiberoVulpesLiberoVulpes's icon]

Daggerfall is a no brainer.

 

[McDoob]

Minecraft?
-McD

 

[MasterEn]

that's a bit of a tough one. most retro games are linear. rpgs like final fantasy 1-6, chrono trigger and dragon quest/warrior are more open world, but not quite in the style of today's games.
digimon world 1 is kind of open world as well. mega man legends might count.
fire emblem the sacred stones is partially open as well.
that's about all i can think of. others probably know of better ones to name.

 

[Leifang]

Fallout 2 and Baldur's Gate 1, FO1 and BG2 also work but they are more mission-based.

 

[Bonkers225]

Definitely Shadowrun on the Genesis.

 

[ATenderLad]

I guess it depends on the scale, like where you draw the line of "open world." You can go almost anywhere on the map in the original Legend of Zelda right from the start, for example.

 

[Korova]

Shadowrun (Super Famicom) could be one.

 

[RanmyakuIchi's iconRanmyakuIchi]

Fallout 2 and Daggerfall both come to mind.

 

[Stookymalarkey]

You can check out Romancing Saga 3 on the SNES. That game is pretty non-linear.

 

[plaisance]

Shenmue?

 

[DunkeyKong]

GTA games definitely, Vice City have one of the best vibe though

 

[Ezri_Muldoon]

If you can, let me know a game that you would emulate if you just wanted to explore. Sure, there can still be tasks or missions, but you're also allowed to move freely throughout the game and find new things in the game world. I guess you would call this sandbox-style games today?

Daggerfall & Morrowind.
The whole world is yours, good luck.

Uru: Ages Beyond Myst would be good too, although exploration is gated off my puzzles.

If you're into space sims. Freelancer - just focus on trade routes & ferrying cargo.
Wing Commander: Privateer & Elite II does do it better but they're noticeably older.
Elite Dangerous is fully combat optional too, it's just a major time sink.

And honestly World of Warcraft Classic -
Anything pre Cataclysm if you're willing to pay a subscription or go down legally dubious routes. Sure it has combat but you don't need to to do anything other than the occasional click & hotkey. Which can be bound to a mouse

 

[LiberoVulpesLiberoVulpes's icon]

Jogging my memory some more.

Ultima Savage Empire.

Actraiser.

Saga Frontier (Depending which character you pick its how quick you are allowed to just do whatever in the world).

 

[Grumpy_Old_Man]

Star control 2, or the Ur-Quan masters fan remake, An space combat, diplomacy, exploratory, trading kind of game.

 

[McDoob]

Shadowrun (Super Famicom) could be one.

IMHO, the Sega Genesis version was better.

 

[Klonoa7]

 

[sunofpearl89]

Headhunter for Dreamcast has a world that's fun to drive around in.

 

[Korova]

IMHO, the Sega Genesis version was better.

It's the only version I played.

 

[jankusanagi]

*clicks Watch at the top of the thread*

To the OP, if you're also interested in explore by DRIVING around, Rush and any Midnight Club are great for that

 

[McDoob]

It's the only version I played.

You should try the Genesis version. The music is way better.
-McD

 

[Korova]

You should try the Genesis version. The music is way better.
-McD

Hahaha, I'll give it a try then.

 

[UnDubious]

The SNES Shadowrun has more of a computer, point-n-click adventure feel and is more linear. The Genesis version has more direct action and is really free. There's a storyline, basically an investigation into your brother's death, but you're free to look into the leads whenever you feel like it. The rest of the time, there's all kinds of things you can do to get rich in cyberpunk Seattle. Both are worth checking out but I really prefer the Genesis game. It's just a little hard to get started but after that it's fine.