What IS sandbox?

[Scops]

I just got done writing up an article on this subject on my blog, although I should have probably posed this question to you before I did. I've got my own opinions, but I'm curious, what do YOU think the term "sandbox" means?

Is it a genre or just a design philosophy? Is it a huge map, free roam, a variety of mechanics (shooting, driving, etc), non-linear single-player storylines, or a combination of these?

What games are or are not sandbox? GTAIII is the archetypal example of a sandbox game, but why not Shenmue? Is Burnout Paradise a sandbox game? Hitman: Blood Money (I assume the rest of the series may be considered as well, but I haven't played them)? Assassin's Creed? The Sims?

I suspect that sandbox may be one of those hazy terms that is constantly redefined by the community. So I'm really interested to know, how do you define it right now?

 

[APPCRASH]

A box filled with sand. NEXT!

 

[Redingold]

I think in a true sandbox game you should be able to mess with the environment.

 

[messy]

The gamer is given an area they are free to explore and do what ever they hell they want (within the confines of the game) and can ignore all missions available and is not forced to pursue a certain objective

 

[Insanum]

Its an open enviroment, One that usually has a large free-roam world in it.

Examples inc GTA4, Crackdown & F3.

 

[happysock]

The first zelda was truely sandbox, you could go and do the final dungeon first. That is what I think sandbox is do what you want when you want, none of this sandbox worlds with linear quests

 

[milkoy]

What these guys said.

 

[Deleric]

A box filled with sand. NEXT!

/thread

 

[Mcface]

Its a game that, while giving the player a story line, allows them to complete it at at will, or not complete it at all and still do other things.


the problem with many sandboxes, is they dont give you enough damn toys. (sticking to the theme of course)

Its great if we have an open world, non linear game. but when you give us NOTHING to do in between missions/quests/jobs its really pointless. Games which fall in place here would be Red Faction: Guerrilla.

 

[scnj]

An open world that the gamer can explore at his/her own pace without the pressure of needing to follow a linear path.

 

[Kriptonite]

Sandbox depends on the person. What may seem nonlinear to one person may seem strictly defined to someone else.

 

[Arkhangelsk]

A game where you're free to go where you want and being able to do whatever you want in it, like a sandbox.

 

[Xvito]

I think that the term "sandbox" is an incorrect one. I tend to prefer "open-ended".

 

[jebbo]

The first zelda was truely sandbox, you could go and do the final dungeon first. That is what I think sandbox is do what you want when you want, none of this sandbox worlds with linear quests

Yeh that would be true sandbox but I don't think it could work with the kind of games that are making the money these days. With the focus on clear character progression and story being imo what a lot of gamers want from a big title, the linearity and structure needs to be there - just to direct the action.

My view of a proper sandbox game is when where you can have all your abilities and all the map open from the beginning. No upgrading or unlocking new areas. Just you dropped in a city/forest/fantasy country whatever. The missions tell you where to go but you can pretty much do them all at your own pace and timing except for key story jumping ones. Fallout3 comes close I think.

 

[Scops]

A lot of you guys are going with the large environment and activities. Is Assassin's Creed a sandbox game, then?

What if, when you start a mission/activity, it's strictly scripted, with only one way to finish it. Does that color your opinion of it?

Think about Burnout Paradise. For argument's sake, isn't it just a regular racing game with a free roam thrown in? Couldn't you just as easily launch those events from a menu?

 

[Amishdemon]

A game is sand box in my opinion when there are side quests a main quest a large completely open environment.Items that help the player do the main quest but are not necessary and most importantly the player can blow up the town that the main quest starts or if he pleases blow up anything else.
Or just a game with no goal what so ever so you have to set your own (simcity)

 

[happysock]

The first zelda was truely sandbox, you could go and do the final dungeon first. That is what I think sandbox is do what you want when you want, none of this sandbox worlds with linear quests

Yeh that would be true sandbox but I don't think it could work with the kind of games that are making the money these days. With the focus on clear character progression and story being imo what a lot of gamers want from a big title, the linearity and structure needs to be there - just to direct the action.

My view of a proper sandbox game is when where you can have all your abilities and all the map open from the beginning. No upgrading or unlocking new areas. Just you dropped in a city/forest/fantasy country whatever. The missions tell you where to go but you can pretty much do them all at your own pace and timing except for key story jumping ones. Fallout3 comes close I think.

To be honest it didn't really work back then either, your description pretty much hits the nail on the head though, Oblivion, Morrowind and fallout 3 all come to mind when I think sandbox

 

[userwhoquitthesite]

ok, is it just me, or would it not be awesome to have a game literally concerning a sanbox? like, maybe you have an rts battle with toys by shifitng the terrain, and build them tiny forts. i say awesome

 

[oppp7]

It can either refer to a game where you have a large open area to run around in and do whatever or somewhere where you get to set up the scenery/mobs/etc.

 

[The Austin]

A freaking sweet forge map.


FANBOY ALERT!!!

Errr....

FORGE FANBOY ALERT!!!!