20 Most Underrated Open-World Video Games Of The Decade (So Far)

2. The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings

Despite its third instalment being one of the best games of the generation hands-down, The Witcher series initially hit its stride in the second instalment.

A far more learned experience than Wild Hunt, Assassins of Kings has more methodical gameplay, forcing you to ensure your blades are coated in the right oils for certain monsters, role-play Geralt in more specific ways, brew potions, spend time meditating and treat each combat encounter like a proper challenge.

There's even a point where you're asked to make a choice - one that splinters the remainder of the story into two completely separate games replete with characters, environments and much more. Whichever you choose means the other half will be locked off, yet for a developer to commit to such a decision and do so with the utmost confidence, is an innovation in narrative design that can't go unrewarded.

If you played and liked The Witcher 3, give its predecessor a go - Geralt's second adventure is an altogether different beast.