One of the most important aspects of any video game is how the player gets around. This can be simple, like in walking simulators like The Witness, or can involve many complex mechanics that are seen in open-world games like Just Cause 4 and Sunset Overdrive. All of these mechanics aid to improve the otherwise monotonous task of traversing the environment and can even turn it into a joyous and engaging experience.
Nowadays, there are many newer games such as Dying Light 2 that build on older formulas to make traversal even more nuanced and engaging for the player. Here are some examples of games that take traversal seriously.
8 Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is a first-person shooter that was released in 2021 and is the latest addition to the Halo franchise. Being the latest addition to the Halo universe, it adds many gameplay elements that improve the players' ability to traverse environments, which can add exciting new nuances to the gameplay.
In addition to the basic movements such as climbing, sprinting, and sliding, which was seen in previous games, Halo Infinite adds equipment pick-ups that can improve the movement capabilities of Spartans. The grapple shot allows players to grapple onto walls, which can be useful for evading an enemy mid-gunfight, and the thruster allows players to perform quick lateral movements which are good for outsmarting opponents or for jumping that extra distance. Overall, Halo Infinite does a great job of improving its movement mechanics when compared to its earlier predecessors in the series, making it a more fast-paced and competitive-friendly experience.
7 Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a battle royale shooter game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by EA. Like Halo Infinite as previously mentioned on this list, Apex Legends allows players to sprint and climb up walls, which can get pretty creative at high-level play.
Additionally, legends such as Valkyrie allow players to use a jetpack which enables them to get to positions that are good for scouting and firing at enemies. Pathfinder is also capable of firing a grappling hook which can be used to escape dicey firefights or to gain momentum by swinging around objects. All of these abilities feel unique and make the act of just traversing the environment a fun experience.
6 Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a 2D Metroidvania indie game developed and published by Team Cherry. In Hollow Knight, players take control of an insectoid creature who is capable of leaping off walls, dashing forwards, and bouncing on spikes with well-timed attacks.
Widely considered to be one of the best Metroidvanias in recent years, Hollow Knight's traversal is as fluid as one would expect for a game of its acclaim. The Knight's movement is effortless as players can stop and turn easily in midair with pinpoint accuracy. When players get further into the game, they can also unlock abilities such as the Monarch Wings and the Crystal Heart, which allows for mechanics that grant opportunities for even more complex traversal. There are even many areas later in the game that cannot be reached until these mechanics are acquired.
5 Dying Light
Dying Light is a 2015 survival horror game that merges parkour with zombies to create tense and unique experiences. The game stars Kyle Crane, an undercover operative who is tasked with infiltrating the city of Harran to find a missing political figure.
The city is full of tall buildings and disused cars that are purpose-built for smooth parkour gameplay. The day/night cycle also results in the manifestation of enemies called Volatiles. The frantic use of parkour to escape these enemies can create tense and adrenaline-fueled encounters, which adds an interesting layer to the already great traversal mechanics.
4 Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrive is a humorous action-adventure shooter game developed by Insomniac Games. The game is set in Sunset City, a vast open world with eye-popping colors and many objects that can be bounced on or dashed across.
The mechanic that makes this game the most unique when compared to other open-world shooters, however, is the grind mechanic. This allows players to grind on ledges, railings, and even power lines with the assistance of a handy crowbar. If the player wanted to, they could travel the entire length of Sunset City without ever touching the ground by using this mechanic.
3 Just Cause 4
Just Cause 4 is an open-world game created by Avalanche Studios. Similar to other games on this list, Just Cause 4 features the use of a grappling hook to supplement movement, but it also adds a wingsuit that can be used to glide in the air.
Due to the painfully slow movement mechanics on foot and the vast nature of the open world (which should really be traversed in a jet), the necessity of using these items is abundantly clear. Although these items are primarily good for traversal, the grappling hook can also be used on enemies for hilarious outcomes.
2 Mirror's Edge
Mirror's Edge is a first-person platform game developed by DICE and published by EA. Coming out in 2008, it was one of the first games to explore parkour from the first-person perspective.
Although by today's standards the traversal is relatively basic when compared to its sequel, Mirror's Edge still holds a special place in fans' heart's due to its originality and groundbreaking graphics for its time. It isn't certain if games like Dying Light would even exist had it not been for this innovative title's existence.
1 Unravel
Unravel is a puzzle-platformer indie game developed by Coldwood Interactive and published by EA. The game features Yarny, a small and adorable humanoid character made entirely of wool.
The most unique aspect of Unravel revolves around the mechanics of the wool that Yarny himself is made of. Using this, players can latch onto objects, swing from branches, and create bridges between two points to bounce on. This creates the possibility for some unique and complex traversal while being confined to a tiny world.