Ranking the best Rockstar games that aren't open world

Key conclusions

• Red Dead Revolver paved the way for the Red Dead Redemption series, which focused on revenge in the Wild West.
• Manhunt enthralls players with survival amidst the murders, showcasing what could have been a great open-world game.
• Beaterator offers players music production capabilities, showcasing Rockstar's versatility beyond open-world games.

Rockstar games could be called the king of open world games. The studio is well known for developing complex stories that include likable characters, adrenaline-pumping missions, and a variety of vehicles, weapons, and NPCs for players to interact with. But what about those games from the developer that do not allow such freedom?

While perhaps 80% of Rockstar Games' portfolio consists of open-world games, some of the developer's titles provide players with an amazing story and engaging experience despite their obvious limitations in terms of freedom. Here best rockstar games that aren't open world.

5 Red Dead Revolver

Wild West A story of revenge

• Red Dead Revolver laid the foundations of Art Red Dead Redemption franchise
• Red Harlow seeks revenge for the murder of his family at any cost

Few games can be considered the foundation of some of the most successful franchises in modern gaming history, and Red Dead Revolver proudly wears this title. Serves as a precursor to massive hits such as Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2this title follows Red Harlow as he seeks revenge for the murder of his family at the hands of his father's partner's henchmen.

This game is fun and challenging with amazing combat mechanics with firearms and shootouts that players have come to expect in the history of the Wild West. Although it doesn't have any open-world mechanics, it's unlikely to be missed. Red Dead Revolver deserves a top spot in the Rockstar Games Hall of Fame as well as without it Red Dead Redemption the franchise may never have existed.

4 Hunting

A death row inmate struggles to survive as he plays a twisted game

• James Earl Cash must avoid criminals who are out to kill him on camera
• While the game could have been a great open world, it still shines for what it is

While Hunting the franchise doesn't get as much love as it used to, it's still beloved by tons of players and remembered as part of a great era in Rockstar Games' trajectory. Hunting The action takes place in the fictional settlement of Carcer City and tells the story of the main character James Earl Cash, who has to take part in a series of films about murders and other crimes. As gang members and other criminals try to kill James, he will have to survive and fend off every threat he faces throughout the game.

Many players claim that due to its concept, Hunting could have been an amazing open world game. And while that's true, the fact that it has limited mechanics in this regard doesn't take away from the wonderful experience it provides, especially for players who are new to the game.

3 Beater

A music production game with star collaboration

• Developed in collaboration with producer Timbaland
• Players can create their own rhythms and loops

2009 was an amazing year. EDM music took the world by storm, becoming a mainstream genre that most teenagers and adults listened to, and it helped various DJs and producers become stars. Rockstar Games and producer Timbaland saw this as an opportunity to create Beatera music mixer that allowed players to create their own loops and create incredible beats with ease.

​​​​​​While the game doesn't have a complex plot or over-the-top gameplay mechanics, it does its job very well and provides an overall entertaining experience suitable for musicians and non-musicians alike. of course Beater doesn't have any open world mechanics as it doesn't even have exploration. However, the possibilities are endless when it comes to what players can create and how catchy their jams can be.

2 Table tennis

Fun table tennis simulator

• A table tennis simulator with fun challenges
• Players can choose between exhibition and tournament mode

I like it Beater, Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis not really story-heavy or driven by characters with deep backstories. Instead, the title focuses on table tennis simulation and all the surrounding subtleties. With different methods of serving and returning the ball, players can develop different strategies and hone their skills to defeat their opponents and become the champion. While the AI ​​available in the game wasn't very advanced compared to what players can see in modern titles, it still presented a significant challenge and forced players to spend hours in the game to improve.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis has two main modes: exhibition and tournament, in which players face different opponents on different circuits. Whether players are looking for tough competition or just want a friendly table tennis match, this title can give them both. It goes without saying, but since the concept of this game doesn't involve an open world mechanic, there isn't one.

1 Max Payne 3

An exciting conclusion to an amazing trilogy

• The game takes place nine years after the events Max Payne 2
• A large arsenal of weapons for a variety of combat operations

Max Payne 3 loved by millions of players around the world as well GTA and Red Dead Redemption franchise may have been one of the great engines behind Rockstar Games' rapid growth. Max Payne 3 follows protagonist Max Payne nine years after the events of the prequel. Working as a bodyguard for a wealthy man, he will find himself in various situations of extreme danger and mass action. This title is proof that when a game is created with care and attention to detail, the lack of open world mechanics and the limited freedom that comes with it doesn't matter.

With a wide variety of weapons and exciting missions to complete, Max Payne 3 still manages to deliver an unforgettable experience to newcomers, even more than 12 years after its initial release.