Sandbox Game Question

[Squilookle]

Ever tried Bully? I always thought that was Rockstar's attempt at doing just that: taking the GTA formula and applying it to a smaller area with more focus on characters that populate the game.

 

[Auron225]

I think the real problem is the speed at which the map can be traversed in most sandbox games. When you're flying through GTA 5 in your tricked-out Cheetah at over 100mph and disobeying every traffic law in existence, it makes the city seem smaller. I'd imagine that if you actually were to play GTA5 while obeying all traffic laws, stopping for all traffic lights, waiting for pedestrians to cross, etc, then the city would feel a lot larger because it'd take you a lot longer to get to your destination.

That's a good point. Even on a smaller scale, most player-characters would be Olympic runners if they actually existed. I know recent GTA titles have the protagonist get tired quick enough if you do run down several streets, but it's still unnatural how quickly they recover their stamina. Most people irl simply don't have the energy to run around and climb shit at that rate unless they're serious fitness buffs.

Of course, scale & distortion are factors but most people do forget how long it takes to get from A to B in sandbox games if moving at a realistic pace. Try getting a taxi across the city in GTA:V without skipping the ride.

EDIT:

Uhh, quick question. Does Silent Hill count? And if not, why not?

I would have said it does in a scale sense, but then again, it would take longer to navigate Silent Hill when you can't jump on a bike and scoot across it super fast. You're forced to walk everywhere, and any GTA game could feel similar if you were forced to not use any vehicles (even bikes). Buildings certainly felt much more detailed though.

As for a "lively, your actions have effects on all people and the environment" kind of way... well I doubt that's the point you were trying to make anyhow. Silent Hill is anything but lively (or maybe super lively) depending on your definition.