There have been "open world" games since the 1980s. Just of course, memory limited how big that world could be, and how much you could do in it. The genre as a whole is ancient.

[–] TheMinions@lemmy.world -2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

For sure. AC just popularized it.

[–] Ageroth@reddthat.com 7 points 2 months ago (1 children)

The first ones I can think of is legend of Zelda and final fantasy, but I think there was also Adventure for the Atari before those even. The first Assassin's Creed was 2007, Adventure was 1980

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Which Zelda games were open world (before BotW)? I've always found them annoyingly linear.

[–] subignition@fedia.io 9 points 2 months ago (2 children)

The original Legend of Zelda. You had a large open overworld to explore, and IIRC could do many of the dungeons in any order.

[–] prettybunnys@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Which Zelda game WASNT open world???

[–] subignition@fedia.io 1 points 2 months ago

Skyward Sword in particular was pretty linear despite technically having a literal 'overworld' of sorts.

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 2 points 2 months ago (2 children)

That's cool, I haven't played any of the 2D ones (as you've probably guessed!), are they worth playing now for someone with no nostalgia goggles?

[–] MindlessZ@lemm.ee 6 points 2 months ago

I would say the original Zelda isn't, but link to the past definitely holds up. Honestly most of the 2d Zelda's from link to the past onwards are good

[–] subignition@fedia.io 4 points 2 months ago

It hasn't aged too badly, but it's from an era where you were not necessarily expected to figure everything out on your own -- talking about it with IRL friends or reading tips and tricks in a magazine (or on the early Internet/Usenet) were pretty normal. I would say give it a try but don't be hesitant to look for a guide if you get stuck or lost.