10 Game Worlds We Can't Wait To Explore

Games can transport us to new worlds, letting us get lost in all they have to offer. Whether we are changing their course with our choices, seeing the tantalizing sights, or getting lost in the endless activities they provide, every world holds its own allure. Here are 10 worlds on the horizon that we think will provide exciting and unique opportunities for exploration.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The world of Temeria is violent and full of surprises, and Wild Hunt lets us dig deeper into it than ever before. This is CD Projekt RED's first open-world adventure, and the team wants to create a map that exceeds Skyrim in size. Geralt will need to travel on horseback and sail to reach new lands, but even more exciting is bringing the choice-and-consequence gameplay to such a big setting. Shades of gray abound, and Geralt needs to make decisions that will alter the world around him. Certain locales could vanish or thrive based on your choices. The world is alive with distractions around every corner; townspeople shout for your help, thieves try to lure you to the dark side, and you never know when a wild animal might charge at you. You decide how much to get involved, and these encounters are rarely predictable. One minute you might think you're helping a man get medicine only to you learn he killed his comrade for treasure.

Mad Max
Mad Max's wasteland has always been ripe for video games. Plenty of games have been inspired by it (most notably Gearbox's Borderlands series), and there was even an NES game based on Mad Max 2 way back in the day. With a new film on the horizon, Mad Max is once again attempting to capitalize on its amazing atmosphere. This revival could be just what we've been waiting for. You have a badass car called the Magnum Opus to cause havoc with, complete with tire-shredding rims, flamethrowers, and a spiked grill. Cruising through the wasteland and its baddies is fun, but you also have a harpoon to demolish walls and sniper towers. This harpoon can even drag rival drivers for the ultimate punishment. The adrenaline rush of Max Mad seems to be alive from what we've seen from the game so far, and we are excited to take down enemy outposts, show the baddies who's boss, and drive into The Big Nothing.

Xenoblade Chronicles X
Set on the backs of warring giants, the world in Monolith Soft's original Xenoblade Chronicles was imaginative and vast. Xenoblade Chornicles X already appears to take things even further on a planet called Mira. To navigate Mira, you use enormous mechs that can fly, cross water, and even transform into vehicles like motorcycles. Landing on an alien planet, you never know what your next locale will hold. For instance, the first human colony you see is a Neo Los Angeles, complete with bustling traffic, people shopping, fancy houses, and other vibrant structures. This city is labeled as humanity's last hope. Not exactly what you'd expect, right? That's what's so appealing; Xenoblade is unique in its combination of fantastical elements like mechs and dinosaurs, while still offering down-to-earth elements that players can relate to, making it look like a blast.

Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain
We've waited a long time for Phantom Pain, but if we've learned anything from its mastermind Hideo Kojima, it's that the upcoming adventure will be anything but ordinary. The stories have already become increasingly bizarre, so it'll be interesting to see how Kojima tops his previous creations. We've already seen hints of this zaniness with the Fulton Air Recovery System (which lets you capture goats), and boxes that turn into women to distract guards. More importantly, this open world is the studio's most ambitious attempt for the series. A slew of destinations from sprawling deserts to lush jungles have already been shown off – with the promise of horseback riding, vehicles, and rock climbing. The open-world also sports dynamic weather changes and day-and-night cycles. Sneaking around these environments should be just as interesting as the crazy antics found within them.

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Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward
Ever since Final Fantasy XIV's inception, Ishgard has been closed off to players, enticing them with the possibilities of what's behind the gate. Heavensward is our chance to find out. This expansion adds mounts like chocobos, dragons, and griffins, which is a good thing since Ishgard is full of floating islands (a callback to Final Fantasy VI). These islands hold their own secrets and discoveries, along with the main plot, which has you discovering what led to the thousand-year Dragonsong War. Expect a high-fantasy setting with plenty of dragons. The expansion also has a new race, more jobs, and new raids with multiple difficulty options. If you've been playing the MMO, you already know this expansion is a pretty big deal, and finally having new content that the main story has been building to is exciting in its own right.

Firewatch
Entering the Wyoming wilderness as a fire lookout to gain some life perspective is intriguing in itself, but Firewatch also boasts a unique art style that captures the beauty of nature. Sunsets and starry skies contrast wonderfully, showcasing a different allure to the world. Firewatch also proved it has plenty of surprises in store in a recent demo. Whether it's stumbling upon skinny-dippers or suspicious figures, you never can anticipate your next finding. Even more surprising is just how funny the game actually is; you have a natural rapport with your supervisor, Delilah, who is your only connection to the outside world. Exploring the wilderness is fun, but reporting your findings to her is a definite highlight. She has a comment for everything and a different perspective. Firewatch is all about exploring to unravel the bigger story, and the world has this uneasy feeling to it – as though someone is watching you – making it even more gripping to explore.

Everybody's Gone To The Rapture
There's something intimate about Everybody's Gone To The Rapture, but also unsettling. The creators of Dear Esther have crafted a more interactive story this time around that connects to its world in a unique way. The game takes place during the end of the world and the narrative revolves around six characters in a small British colony. As you explore the quaint town, you find connections to these people through items and landmarks, learning more about them through what's been left behind. You're in the middle of a beautiful, normal locale, but something bad has happened. The silence and solitude of the world is evident, but it's even more distressing knowing there's not a happy ending here. However, maybe there's something to be said about these people's lives, and that's enough reason for us to want to subject ourselves to this bleak scenario.

Just Cause 3
The fictional world of Medici looks like a tropical vacation dream. This Mediterranean paradise features beautiful sights, from emerald waters to large, clear skies. It invites relaxation, but true to the series, Just Cause 3 entices the adrenaline junkie to discover its dangers. You'll explore caves, scale buildings, and use your grapple hook and parachute in tandem to gracefully navigate the world. You'll also be able to test out a new wingsuit to really get acquainted with the open air. As fans expect, insane physics and action-packed stunts are the real lure, but Avalanche Studios is upping the ante by offering more guns, vehicles, and destruction than before. A beautiful backdrop is one thing, but being able to create mayhem in it is just as delightful.

Ghost Song
If you're a of Super Metroid and Dark Souls, take note of Ghost Song. You start on a mysterious moon called Lorian V. From the get-go, it has an eerie and desolate feeling and you must explore to find out more about it and who you are. Similar to Metroid, it's fun to stumble on a hidden path or a find a new power to harness. Strange characters also roam this place and they have their own stories – even your character has a deeper story than what's on the surface, and it focuses on family and finding closure. However, even more interesting is how Ghost Song forces you to figure out the answers and play your own way; you don't need to discover everything to complete the game, and it won't hold your hand. The world allows you to have your own experience and explore it how you see fit.