In gaming, the spotlight often falls upon the protagonists, boss battles, or gameplay mechanics. Yet, it’s the maps that set the stage for these tales to unfold. These landscapes not only serve as battlegrounds and exploration hubs, but also house untold narratives and undiscovered perspectives waiting to be explored.
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In these diverse settings, every ancient ruin, bustling city, or dystopian metropolis has a story, a backstory that’s just as compelling as the main plot. These realms, each with a distinctive charm and a wealth of narrative potential, are just waiting for their own stories to be told.
10The Continent - The Witcher
Set in a landscape teeming with mythical beasts, morally gray characters, and rich lore, the Continent in TheWitcheroffers a perfect backdrop for an engaging spin-off. Imagine a game focused on the daily life and perilous quests of a sorceress from Aretuza, or perhaps the tales of a Skellige warrior braving the treacherous seas.
The Witcher franchise is renowned for its intricate storytelling, and a spin-off could flesh out individual regions or characters in the sprawling world of the Continent, offering gamers a unique perspective on Andrzej Sapkowski’s iconic universe.
9The Metro System - Metro
The catacombs of the Russian metro system from theMetroseries present an incredibly atmospheric setting for a potential spin-off. Its unique blend of survival horror, stealth, and decision-driven narrative makes the Metro series stand out, and there are many untold stories still lurking in the darkness.
A survival game following the life of an ordinary citizen, dealing with daily threats of mutants, rival factions, and scarce resources, could further enrich the bleak yet intriguing world of Metro.
8Lordran - Dark Souls
The world ofDark Souls, specifically Lordran, with its intricate level design andpunishing difficulty, has captivated gamers for years. Every corner of this hauntingly beautiful land hides secrets, stories, and threats.
A spin-off could take a different approach, focusing on the stories of common people or lesser-known heroes trying to survive in this harsh world, while still maintaining the series' trademark challenging combat and exploration.
7Night City - Cyberpunk 2077
Night City, the neon-drenched metropolis fromCyberpunk 2077, oozes potential for riveting narratives. Its stratified society, rife with mega-corporations, rampant crime, and futuristic tech, is the perfect setting for countless stories.
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Perhaps a game about the rise of a corporate executive or the struggles of an independent journalist trying to expose the truth. The scope within Night City is vast and could provide an engrossing cyberpunk tale.
6The Commonwealth - Fallout 4
The post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout series, particularly the Commonwealth fromFallout 4, is ripe for spin-off material. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic, dark humor and gripping narratives about survival in a nuclear-ravaged landscape have always been its strong suit.
A game that delves into the inner workings of the Institute or the struggles of the Railroad could bring fresh experiences and expand on the socio-political commentary that the franchise is known for.
5Eos - Final Fantasy 15
The world of Eos inFinal Fantasy 15, with its blend of fantasy elements and modern aesthetics, is nothing short of compelling. From the grand city of Insomnia to the outlying rural areas, Eos brims with culture and stunning locales.
A spin-off could explore the daily life of a citizen in Insomnia or the journey of an Oracle, enhancing the existing lore and delivering a narrative-driven adventure that Final Fantasy fans would love.
4The Galaxy from Mass Effect
The star-studded expanse of theMass Effectgalaxy is brimming with fascinating alien races, complex political structures, and ancient mysteries.
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It’s a setting where an epic tale of love and loss could be told on a backdrop of interstellar diplomacy or an action-packed mercenary adventure. The potential for stand-alone stories within this realm is vast, with each alien race providing a unique storytelling opportunity.
3Raccoon City - Resident Evil
Raccoon City, the eerie epicenter of theResident Evilfranchise, is a hotbed for thrilling survival horror stories. Potential spin-offs could delve into the initial chaos of the T-virus outbreak or be seen through the eyes of an employee from the sinister Umbrella Corporation.
Moreover, Resident Evil hasleft many questions unansweredthroughout the franchise, meaning that the devs would have plenty of source material to work with. The anxiety-inducing, oppressively tight passageways of this cursed metropolis beckon to be discovered, promising a gaming experience that keeps players in a state of sustained suspense.
2Columbia - BioShock Infinite
The floating city of Columbia, with its steep social divides and religious fanaticism, offers an intriguing stage for a potentialBioshockspin-off. It’s a skyward metropolis of zeppelins and quantum physics, boasting breathtaking views and deep-seated political intrigue
A game centered on the city’s workers, the Vox Populi, or even the Lutece twins could shed new light on this beautifully haunting city in the clouds.
1Kamurocho - Yakuza
A bustling, energetic hub, Kamurocho is the epitome of Japan’s vibrant city nightlife in theYakuzafranchise. It also isn’t just a backdrop to the game’s narrative, it is a character in its own right, integral to the game’s plot lines and directly influencing the experiences of the characters.
The vibrant, neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho could give light to an intriguing spin-off. A game focused on the daily life of a detective or even a business owner could provide a fresh perspective.
