Best Open-World Video Games - Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time laid the foundation for modern-day open-world games. Since Link set out in Hyrule to wander and progress at his leisure, gamers have been addicted to the 'open-world' genre. It's an addictive play-style that often builds up hours and hours of playtime composed of side quests and exploration. I give you, the best open-world games on the Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3, and Xbox 360.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
Console: Nintendo Wii
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 7.5 empty treasure chest out of 10.

While the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series is mostly known for its multiplayer elements and Nintendo loyalty, FFCC: The Crystal Bearers brought something different to the table. This open-world Action RPG came to the table with a fast-paced story, intricate character development, and plenty of intriguing areas to explore. You can literally lose yourself for hours fooling around as Layle the crystal bearer. Use his gravity defying powers to spread mischief, play with your surroundings, and unravel a mystery. The game is only by the omission of full-on multiplayer and a few tedious gameplay segments.

Prototype
Console: PS3 & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: No
Open-World Rating: 5.5 death-defying jumps out of 10.

Released alongside the similar PS3 exclusive, Infamous, Prototype had a hard time differentiating itself from its rival. Though it wasn't as graphically impressive, Prototype surpassed Infamous with its greater gameplay, more entertaining sandbox elements, and more interesting story. In this dark, comic book-styled adventure- this tragic, apocalyptic city is your playground. The variety of powers and enemies are what really make Prototype a lot of fun. While not the most original title- like Infamous it borrow heavily from the Spiderman games, it's still worth a rental. Anyone looking to run, jump, glide, and morph while tearing monsters to pieces on city streets- Prototype is a decent choice.

Bully: Scholarship Edition
Console: Nintendo Wii & Xbox 360
Multiplayer: Yes
Open-World Rating: 6.5 stink bombs out of 10.

Jimmy Hopkins isn't exactly a bad kid- he's just less willing to be pushed around. Upon being sent to a boarding school as punishment for not getting along with his stepfather, Jimmy is faced with a school of strange, almost crazy students and staff, You might not be setting off massive explosions, killing bystanders, or stealing cars- but Bully: Scholarship Edition brings some fantastic gameplay elements to the table. The game does a great job of adapting school-age pranks and tricks into sandbox features. Fire rubber bands, brawl with jocks, and follow Jimmy as he tries to make sense of the some of madness to be found at the academy. Just make sure you pick up the Wii version and avoid the Xbox 360 version- it suffers from freezing and save corruption.

Crackdown
Console: Xbox 360
Multiplayer:
Open-World Rating: 8 rogue agents out of 10.

While most bought it for the Halo 3 key- Crackdown is still a very fun game. Graphically it's a little more bland than what you'd hope for, but the city itself is large with plenty to destroy and explore. There isn't much of a story to speak of- nor are there really any characters that stand out. You are an enhanced special agent tasked with defending the city from rival gangs. As you play you gain greater strength, agility, and endurance. In the beginning you'll be able to jump over fences and throw garbage cans- by the end of it you'll be scaling buildings with ease and flinging trucks over the horizon.