Video Games That Were Bigger Than You Thought

Video games are renowned for their ability to keep players on their toes, filled with unexpected twists and turns that can dramatically alter the gaming experience. From shocking revelations about villains lurking in the shadows to the introduction of mysterious map expansions that open up entirely new worlds to explore, these surprises can significantly extend gameplay beyond initial expectations.

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What might seem like a straightforward narrative can quickly evolve into a sprawling adventure packed with layers of complexity and engaging content. It could be as simple as unlocking a new map area or as complex as dealing with time travel and the afterlife. Either way, these twists make video games much larger than they initially appeared.

Beware of story spoilers ahead.

10

Star Wars Episode 1: Racer Remastered

Race Across The Galaxy

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
• Released: June 23, 2020
• Genre: Racing

One of the most iconic scenes in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is the exhilarating podracing sequence, where Anakin Skywalker races for his freedom on the desert planet of Tatooine. While podracing is a significant event on Tatooine, it’s not often mentioned in the broader Star Wars universe until the release of Star Wars Episode I: Racer.

In this game, you take control of a podracer and compete in thrilling competitions across eight diverse worlds. With 25 unique tracks to navigate and a choice of 23 different podracers, the game captures the excitement of the film while allowing you to experience the high-speed action firsthand.

9

What Remains Of Edith Finch

There’s More And More Of The House And Property To Explore

What Remains of Edith Finch is not a particularly long game. It only takes about three hours to earn every achievement, but its scope and depth are undeniably impressive. You take on the role of Edith Finch, who returns to her family home to unravel the mysteries surrounding a legendary family curse that has plagued her relatives for generations.

As you explore the intricately designed house, you venture into the various rooms of Edith’s deceased family members, each meticulously preserved as they were at the time of their untimely deaths. At first glance, the house appears relatively ordinary, but as you delve deeper, secret passages and hidden areas begin to emerge. You find yourself climbing across rooftops and navigating through a labyrinth of rooms, each revealing unique stories and experiences that reflect the complex and tragic history of the Finch family.

8

Final Fantasy 15

Go Back In Time

Final Fantasy 15 is a massive open-world RPG that allows you to explore the depths of Eos as you avoid the main story of saving the world. Once you reach the final stretch of the game, the open-world mechanics become more linear until you beat the final boss. You’d think this would signal the end of your journey. However, thanks to Umbra, the magical dog, you’re given a unique twist: the option to travel back in time.

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Umbra allows you to return to the expansive open world, access new areas, and tackle challenges you may have missed, all with the boosted stats and upgraded gear you’ve accumulated.

7

Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered

The Map Keeps Getting Bigger

Systems

Released

October 31, 2024

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Horizon: Zero Dawn offers a vast open world that invites players to fully explore the Nora Lands, a region brimming with mysteries, machine creatures, and lore. Early in the game, it feels like the Nora Lands alone could occupy you for countless hours, with its dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and bustling settlements. But as Aloy pursues her mission, the story soon nudges you beyond the Nora borders, revealing new terrain.

As you push westward through mountain passes, you begin to grasp the full scale of the game world. Each new area is not just a backdrop but a carefully crafted landscape rich in environmental storytelling, diverse biomes, and mechanical threats that build the stakes of your adventure with every encounter.

6

Tunic

Release Your Own Doom

In Tunic, you play a courageous fox navigating a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic world. As you explore the ruins, you discover a spiritual plane called the Far Shore. There, you are tasked with collecting crystal keys to free the spirit of a trapped fox.

At first, the goal seems straightforward: find the keys, release the spirit, and complete your quest. But just as success appears within reach, a shocking twist unfolds—the fox spirit attacks, killing you and sending you back to the game’s beginning as a wandering spirit. This twist marks the true start of your adventure as you grapple with the repercussions of your actions and embark on a journey to correct your missteps and bring balance back to the world.

5

Genshin Impact

Teyvat Just Keeps Growing

Teyvat is the expansive world of Genshin Impact, where you take on the role of the Traveler in search of their lost sibling. Your adventure begins in Mondstadt, where you battle a dragon and save the city. As you venture beyond Mondstadt, you quickly discover the vastness of the map, which continues to expand as the developers release new regions.

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The world is not only large but also features areas that are larger on the inside, such as The Chasm and Enkanomiya, offering even more space to explore. Once you’ve completed the main story, you can spend countless hours engaging in character quests, special events, and grinding to enhance your favorite characters, ensuring there’s always something new to experience in Teyvat.

4

Danganropa 2: Goodbye Despair

Dangan Island: Huge Panic At The Heart♡Throbbing School Trip? AKA Island Mode

Danganronpa 2 puts you through a twisted murder mystery set on a tropical island, where a class of students learns that their only escape is by committing the perfect murder. As players solve each case and unravel the secrets of Jabberwock Island, it seems like the game should be over once the final mystery is solved.

However, finishing the main story unlocks Island Mode, also known as Dangan Island: Huge Panic at the Heart♡Throbbing School Trip. In this alternate universe, Usami defeats Monokuma, subverting his diabolical plans. The students are allowed to bond with each other in peace on a beautiful tropical island paradise as you play through a dating sim.

3

Tales Of The Abyss

A False Ending

Tales of the Abyss

Systems

Released

October 10, 2006

Developer(s)

Namco Tales Studio

Publisher(s)

Namco Bandai

Tales of the Abyss is known for its amazing writing and character development. The story follows your quest to stop Van, the Commandant of the Oracle Knights, who is committed to destroying the Score, a prophetic guide that controls the world’s fate.

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Along the journey, you build a team and strengthen your abilities until finally confronting Van at the Absorption Gate. After a hard-fought battle, he falls from the platform into the Gate below. With his defeat, you think the journey is over. Yet, instead of credits, the game continues with a surprising time skip, revealing that this is only the midpoint of the story.

2

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

The Depths Doubled The Map

Systems

Released

May 12, 2023

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom picks up a year after Breath of the Wild, with Link and Zelda embarking on a new adventure across a reawakened Hyrule. As with its predecessor, the world is vast and teeming with secrets, side quests, and challenges that could keep you exploring for countless hours. But the discovery of The Depths reveals that Hyrule’s mysteries extend far beyond the surface.

This underground realm, known as The Depths, is one of the game’s most demanding regions. It’s a dark, inverted version of Hyrule, where familiar landmarks have morphed into mines, and mountains have become foreboding canyons. With dangerous enemies, formidable bosses, and a treasure trove of secrets, The Depths adds a whole new layer of adventure and danger to Link’s journey.

1

Pokemon Gold And Silver

You Can Travel To Kanto After Johto

Pokemon Gold and Silver

Systems

Released

October 14, 2000

After the incredible success of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, Nintendo planned a grand finale with Pokémon Gold and Silver, intending it to be the last in the series. To make it memorable, they packed it with improvements like better graphics, a day-night cycle, and Pokémon breeding. But what truly captured players’ hearts was the groundbreaking post-game content. Rather than just battling in a tower, you could explore another region: Kanto.

Of course, Gold and Silver became such a hit that the series continued. Yet, Gold, Silver, and Crystal remain the only games in the main series to feature two fully-developed regions, making them beloved fan-favorites to this day.

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