Best type of Sandbox game

[IamSofaKingRaw]

Do you prefer an Oblivion/Fable(not really but whatever) sandbox game, Fallout New Vegas/3 sandbox game or a superhero InFamous/Prototype sandbox game and why?

I would have included a poll but want to encourage a discussion.

 

[pyrosaw]

Fallout really. I don't really care what type it is, just as long as it has you something to DO.

 

[Beltom]

I prefer Minecraft style sandbox, since it is actually a sandbox. You're dumped in a procedurally generated world which is basically made of lego and are left to do whatever you want.
I would like to ask why you grouped Oblivion separately from Fallout 3 though, since they're based on the same engine and have similar game styles.

 

[Chifishken]

I would like to ask why you grouped Oblivion separately from Fallout 3 though, since they're based on the same engine and have similar game styles.

exactly my thoughts. more similarities than differences in their sandbox-ness...

 

[Radeonx]

Grand Theft Auto is my favorite sandbox series. Being thrown into a semi-real world and being able to do pretty much whatever you want really appeals to me.

 

[Dcocho]

I enjoy more of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky Because of the 7 Factions Constantly rising and dropping in power..

 

[SimuLord]

I prefer a Mount&Blade sandbox. The game pretty much says 'here's the world, do what you want with it', but has enough structure and life in it that it doesn't feel empty (Minecraft) or too restrictive (Elder Scrolls/Fallout, with their invisible walls and obvious path herding.)

 

[Sacman]

I like Deus Ex sandboxes... it's a linear progression with each level breaking down into a very nonlinear structure calling for lots of exploration but always keeping your objectives the heart of what your doing...<.<

 

[IamSofaKingRaw]

Grand Theft Auto is my favorite sandbox series. Being thrown into a semi-real world and being able to do pretty much whatever you want really appeals to me.

Forgot to add that and Saints Row

 

[IamSofaKingRaw]

I would like to ask why you grouped Oblivion separately from Fallout 3 though, since they're based on the same engine and have similar game styles.

exactly my thoughts. more similarities than differences in their sandbox-ness...

You two are right now that I think of it. I was think of the different settings that they are made in thats probably why they weren't paired up.

 

[HellspawnCandy]

A lot of sandbox games can get kinda dull. GTA especcially. Fallout isn't too bad but it still just gets tiresome InFamous was fun. Morrowind was definitely my favorite sandbox game, so many quests, so many interesting places to find neat stuff. Just all around great.

 

[lacktheknack]

Minecraft style. Because there is real sand, and no plot to make you stop playing at any point.

If I want plot, then a Just Cause 2 sandbox... enormous map covered in explosives.

 

[gphjr14]

GTA series is good.
But this gen I'd say Prototype for the over the top moves and smooth platforming.
Since GTA IV had to go the "realistic" route and ruin the game I'd say Saints Row 2 is runner up.

Of all time GTA SA for PC. The ability to mod and add custom soundtracks is the reason why its still on my computer even though I haven't played it in a while.

 

[ProfessorLayton]

Fallout 3 style because half of the fun comes from exploring. I mean, I loved inFamous and had a lot of fun with Saints Row 2, it's just that those feel more like an excuse to cause destruction and run around blowing things up. Everyone had a different experience in Fallout 3. I could talk about a ruined building I found with a working terminal and creepy messages on it that my friend never found and my friend could talk to me about a room with plungers on the walls that I never found. The deepest it gets in other types are "so I went here to blow everything up and then I went there to blow other things up."

 

[SimuLord]

Fallout 3 style because half of the fun comes from exploring. I mean, I loved inFamous and had a lot of fun with Saints Row 2, it's just that those feel more like an excuse to cause destruction and run around blowing things up. Everyone had a different experience in Fallout 3. I could talk about a ruined building I found with a working terminal and creepy messages on it that my friend never found and my friend could talk to me about a room with plungers on the walls that I never found. The deepest it gets in other types are "so I went here to blow everything up and then I went there to blow other things up."

Haha...are you talking about the Dunwich Building? And if so, how weird is it that I thought of it instantly?

 

[Diamondex]

Space sandboxes like Escape Velocity and the X series. One of the least explored and most awesome genres.

 

[Darkguy89]

Prototype and sandbox games like that because the multitude of powers is pure awesome.

 

[C95J]

Fallout 3/Oblivion/Fallout: New Vegas are the perfect sandbox games for me.
Strangely enough all have connections with Bethesda...

I don't think games like Fable II should be classed as Sandbox, they have many restrictions as to where you can go and require a more linear based game. Still a good game but in a slightly different way which is not sandbox.

hmmm... Oblivion and Fallout 3 in different categories... strange. Maybe it is because there are no goblins in Fallout 3.

On a side note, Minecraft is a good Sandbox game, maybe the only "true" sandbox game. True meaning there are absolutely no restrictions as to what you can do within the games limits. You can't do lots of things like Fallout games, but you can immediately do everything within the games limits.

Like if Fallout 3 was like Minecraft as soon as you got out of the vault you could just pick up a Fatman and blow up GNR. Obviously it has to be restricted because of story/gameplay reasons, but since Minecraft has no goals and no story in an open world. It therefore does not have any limitations. So it is a good sandbox game in a different way.