23. Crossing The Bridge To Staunton Island - GTA III
You might take open-world titles for granted these days, but back in 2001 the world was experiencing the birth of the genre itself. And what a debut it was. GTA III revolutionised everything from how we even approach level design, to mission structures, character interaction, mute protagonists and everything in between. However, it was after tens of hours of exploration (and attempting to cross the bridge in the first place, despite some pesky construction barriers) that the game's story finally invited you over. Staunton was GTA III's take on a major central slab of New York City, featuring everything from high-rise skyscrapers to Central Park, long stretches of road and enough hidden stunt-ramps to experience it whilst hurtling through the air in slow motion. It was the moment you realised there was an entire world of content bustling underneath your fingertips, and one of the best level designs that's ever blurred sandbox gameplay with a believable city aesthetic.
