Best Open-World/Sandbox Driving game?

[BigBiker05]

So I'm looking for a good open driving game. Right now I'm playing Mafia II and it seems too linear and the city is actually small with dead space that really prevents it from being that much of an open world. I played saboteur awhile ago and loved it, however it didn't have that much to do after you beat the story, did get a lot of hours in though.

I also played one of the GTAs and it had turf wars that gave a lot of stuff to do. I think you played a black guy and started on a culdesac. In saboteur you could destroy nazis and help spread the resistance and the nazis would always try and push back. This made the map always changing and fun.

So anyways, you guys no of any other games in this genre? I'd also love character building so RPG elements are a plus. I don't think I've played any of the PC GTAs besides the one mentioned, so if those are worth playing let me know.

Thanks guys.

[TheCarpe]

You're referring to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, my personal favorite of the series. GTA4 is alright but it really felt like it took one step forward and three steps back when compared to SA.

I'd recommend Fallout 3. There's not so much driving, but it's got tons of open-world exploration potential and the RPG elements you're looking for.

[BigBiker05]

I've already done several play-throughs of Fallout 3... and I can't think of any driving.

[Thom Yorke Obliterator]

You're referring to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, my personal favorite of the series.

That's a good one. I'd say the best "GTA" game is Red Dead Redemption, which is ironically the most stripped down of the whole lot. They really nailed that one.

[BigBiker05]

And is also, sadly, not on PC. I can't wait to get to try that game out. Drive buy shotgun kills "on a horse *****".

[OldMan]

I'm with Carpe on that, Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas are very good games. Very open, lots to explore and do, good RPG elements but no driving. The Fallout series has, in my opinion, been quite good.

Borderlands is quite good as well. Not so much RPG as FPS, but the graphic style is nice and there are tons of quests, side quests, and loot to find. There are vehicles in the game as well, and the DLC adds a few more vehicles.

And take it back a notch, Elder Scrolls Oblivion is great. Very RPG, huge area to explore, no real driving, but you can find creatures to ride.

These games are pretty open, I'm sure there are lots more, don't be afraid to look into some older games as well, the graphics won't be cutting edge, but the game play and story are usually worth it. Fallout 2 is a perfect example, amazing game, and there is a car!

Hope that helps!

[Thom Yorke Obliterator]

It's great stuff, a totally immersive world. I'd give it an edge over Fallout 3 because it has a more consistent level of challenge. You reach a point in F3 where you just Rambo through it. In RDR you're always vulnerable.

[unknown]

step1: get minecraft
step2: download hovercraft mod
step3: ???????
step4: profit

[BigBiker05]

Hmm, let me try to reiterate this again.

What is a good open-world/sandbox driving game for the PC?

[unknown]

just look it up its a mod where u get a flying car and u can shoot at stuff and minecraft is almost infinite, so thats pretty open ended

[Stevo]

Fallout 3

[Boss Llama]

Bring back Interstate 76!

[OldMan]

Groove Champion FTW!
I miss Interstate 76! What a great game.

The new Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is not bad, there is a free drive mode that lets you explore the map.

Have you tried the old MS Midtown Madness games? And the old Monster Truck Madness... they were pretty fun. And don't forget Big Red Racing, totally old school.

[Pine]

I hear fallout 3 is a pretty good game in this genre.

[crimsonshootingstar]

Mercenarys was awesome as was the sequel and you can drive in those.