Summary
- Far Cry 5 offers captivating action and exploration, making it engaging to watch.
- Ghost of Tsushima's stunning world and combat make for a pleasing viewing experience.
- Spider-Man 2, Yakuza 0, and Cyberpunk 2077 provide engaging stories and action for backseat gamers.
Games have progressed by leaps and bounds throughout the years, turning what were simple interactive experiences with limited pixels into one of the most immersive entertainment mediums that fans can get invested in. Even the simple act of watching a video game being played has become so engaging that many gamers don't even mind just looking at the action unfold on-screen.
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Those who want to game with a friend or loved one will find the following open-world games to be perfect for them. They do a great job of keeping both the player and other viewers engaged, allowing them to witness how exploration, action, and story combine to form one harmonious loop.
Far Cry 5
The Action-Packed Gameplay And Fun Exploration Is Great To Witness
Far Cry 5
- Released
- March 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Open-World
One thing that fans can comfortably say about the Far Cry series is how captivating the action in these games can be. Far Cry 5 is no exception, and the endlessly spawning cultists will ensure that players will remain busy throughout their exploration of Hope County.
The cutscenes featuring the villains are riveting, and the organic exploration ensures that there's always something to do in the world. This ensures that backseat gamers will find a lot to love about witnessing the chaos of the game unfold.
Ghost Of Tsushima
The Beautiful Open World And Cinematic Combat Is Incredible
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
The beauty of Ghost of Tsushima's world can't be stated enough. The amazing sights to behold on Tsushima Island are so breathtaking that most fans can be forgiven for getting lost in these grand vistas.
It helps that the combat makes for another fun side to the game when it kicks in. Though controlling it can make for a lot of fun, a great deal of enjoyment can also be had by simply watching Jin tear the Mongols apart as he strives to free his home from this barbaric invading force.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Swinging Around New York City And Beating Up Bad Guys Looks Great
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
The majority of gamers who enjoyed Marvel's Spider-Man and wanted more from its sequel were more than pleased by Miles and Peter's joint adventure. It was great to see the two heroes combine their efforts to fight massive threats, although the arrival of the symbiote adds a nasty edge to the proceedings.
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For Marvel fans looking for a great adaptation of Venom, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is simply a must-watch for how it does justice to this iconic villain. Though the game does have some issues regarding the pacing, the great combat and traversal will more than make up for it.
Yakuza 0
The Captivating Story, Incredible Heat Actions, And Goofy Side Content Is Perfect For Backseat Gamers
Yakuza 0
- Released
- January 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Kiryu and Majima's origin stories help Yakuza 0 to be one of the best games in the series, making it perfect for those who just want to watch the narratives unfold. However, there are many sides to this game that are a crime to ignore along the way.
The hilarious substories and mini-games can be incredibly fun to watch, and some of the major side activities, like Real Estate Royale and Cabaret Club Czar, have story arcs of their own. All of this combines to make Yakuza 0 a meaty experience that even non-players can come to love.
Grand Theft Auto 5
A Chaotic Game With Fun Action Set-Pieces And Amazing Humor
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Any modern Rockstar game is perfect for a viewing experience, and Grand Theft Auto 5 is an ideal example to illustrate this. Countless fans love the fun that comes with controlling one of the three protagonists while playing through death-defying missions and attempting pulse-pounding heists, but having control isn't the only way to join in on the fun.
Despite the numerous instances of controversial writing present in the series, many still enjoy the crass humor and amazing performances featured throughout. The story is also very engaging, ensuring that even backseat gamers can get invested without ever needing to touch a controller.
Cyberpunk 2077
V's Journey To Save Their Body Makes For A Memorable Experience
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
After all the bugs were patched out, Cyberpunk 2077 staked a claim at being one of the greatest open-world RPGs of all time. The emotional story at the core of this experience involves V and their struggles to regain control of their body and mind before it's too late.
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The cinematic story and excellent action ensure that Cyberpunk 2077 will leave a lasting impression on the majority of players, regardless of whether they played it or watched it unfold from the backseat. Phantom Liberty adds yet another excellent narrative arc for fans to uncover.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan's Story Is Touching And Incredible To Witness
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
The emotional story of Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of its biggest strengths. While the backseat viewing experience is best when Arthur has high Honor, a low Honor playthrough can also be entertaining in its own way.
The beauty of this world, the cinematic allure of the missions, and the depth of the game's characters all ensure that those invested will have a blast as they either play or watch Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur Morgan is an incredibly well-written character, and just getting to watch his journey unfold without ever controlling him can make for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt's Adventure Is A Tale For The Ages
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Geralt's quest to find Ciri in The Witcher 3 makes for an easy hook that sets the stage for a grand and epic video game adventure. Everything from simple conversations to pulse-pounding action scenes has been developed with a ton of love and care, ensuring that both players and backseat gamers alike will have a blast in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The two expansion packs also have compelling narratives of their own that enrich the backseat gaming experience. By the end of this long and massive adventure, the majority of those who experienced it will gain a newfound appreciation for the Witcher universe and CD Projekt Red.
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