15 Best Open-World Video Games Of The Decade
9. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V was both the first open-world entry in the series, and also the first open world game director Hideo Kojima ever made, and it was a match made in heaven.
MGS' tactical approach to stealth blossomed within a sandbox structure, and planning and executing how to get inside a base and back out without being seen remained compelling over 50 hours.
Thanks to the FOX Engine's buttery smooth game-feel, methodical sneaking was just as satisfying as all-out-combat, and the way the game forced you to improvise on the spot, as well as shake up your tactics as enemies would adapt to your habits, meant it was never a case of repeating the same thing over and over again.
Sure, the 'in betweens' weren't as fleshed out, but that emptiness was worth it for the total freedom that came with each enemy encounter.
What makes this even more impressive is that, arguably, the game isn't even finished. What is in there is so good though that it still manages to be better than most open world games this decade.