Best Free-Roam Video Games - Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360

If there's one thing gamers love- it's games where you can freely roam and explore. These games, while far and few between, can be highly addictive for their side quests, overall freedom, and depth of gameplay. Some of the best examples of free-roam gameplay released this generation for Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 can be found below.

Yakuza 3
Console: Playstation 3
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 7 english subtitles out of 10.

Like the Wii exclusive, Tatsunoko Vs Capcom, Yakuza 3 didn't appear to have a future outside of Japan. However, thankfully, both these gems saw a US release. The third chapter of former-Yakuza Kiryu's life is a huge step above previous titles. The Japanese themes are authentic and intact- as is the dialogue. The world isn't exactly expansive, but it is gorgeous visually. The different cities all have personality and life. Bright lights, fully featured convenience stores, red light districts, and detailed resturants can all be found in this PS3 exclusive. More than anything else, it's the combat system that shines in Yakuza 3. Grab whatever's on the street as you face-off against street punks, gang members, and Yakuza. It is unfortunate that this is less a Japanese styled Grand Theft Auto and more a cross of Shenmue and Madworld.

Red Dead Redemption
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 9 train robberies out of 10.

While GUN disappointed most gamers on last gen consoles, this Wild West sandbox title does no such thing. Wide open spaces, the ongoing clash between the law and outlaws, and good old fashioned shootouts await in Red Dead Redemption. Although the game is fast becoming overrated as it wins some slightly undeserved awards, it only takes a few minutes of roaming the dusty countryside with your finger on the trigger to see just how impressive John Marston's world is.

Fuel
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 7 huge empty fields out of 10.

Set in an apocalyptic wasteland with nothing but miles upon miles upon miles of space to drive and explore. Fuel has the distinction of having the largest in-game world in any game ever released. Despite this, it isn't always the most interesting. The controls are responsive, the cars are varied, and the environments are nicely rendered. The game's main fault is that there isn't a whole lot to do besides drive around the admittedly massive game world and race.

Animal Crossing: City Folk
Console: Nintendo Wii
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 6.5 friendly neighbors out of 10.

There's always something to do in Animal Crossing- it's playing, even when you aren't. The Animal Crossing series offers a profound amount of freedom. Nintendo's most popular simulation franchise tasks players with moving into a new home with new animal neighbors. Furnish your home, visit friends, fish, catch bugs, explore, dig for fossils, celebrate in-game holidays, search for treasure, customize your character- do whatever you feel like! The town may not be the biggest in-game world, but the freedom is definitely there.

Burnout: Paradise
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 7 high-speed crashes out of 10.

Like Fuel, this racing game is set in an open-world ripe for exploration- the difference being that the trademark Burnout gameplay can be found. The controls are tight and fun, the gameplay is extremely fast-paced, and the city is large enough to keep you entertained for hours. The game's soundtrack is top-notch with favorites from previous Burnout titles. Paradise City can be a lot of fun to cruise around- though the races are admittedly hit or miss. The AI has a tendency to come across as cheap and the much advertised 'no menu system' is more than a little annoying. Pulling up to stoplights and spinning tires to start a race is cute at first, but you'll tire of the chore of seeking them out quickly. While Fuel wins in world size, Burnout: Paradise's gameplay takes the cake.