Top 10 open world games

There's nothing wrong with tightly-scripted video games, but sometimes, you just want to mess around without stressing so much about reaching the next level. If you're looking for that kind of wide-open adventure -- where gamers can explore and progress without restrictions -- try roaming about in these terrific titles.

Grand Theft Auto IV:- No series is better known for its open-world games. While every GTA game has embraced the sandbox formula, the series hit its peak with this installment, setting sales records and becoming one of the most critically-acclaimed titles of all time. Driving cars and boats is fun, but helicopters? That put this one over the top.
Fallout 3:- Like GTA, the Fallout series has deep open-world roots. When Bethesda took over the franchise, though, it became even more immersive. You’ll find the wastelands teeming with life, memorable characters and interesting opportunities. As a bonus, the core storyline is a solid one as well.
The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion:-Since 1994’s Arena, the Elder Scrolls franchise has been all about open-worlds. Oblivion was the crowning achievement, boasting an astonishing number of quests and characters. Well balanced and well-liked, it's engaging enough to capture the hearts of people who generally don’t like the role-playing genre.
Assassin’s Creed:- Ubisoft hit upon something magical with this franchise, letting people carry out a series of assassinations in the 12th century. Beyond that, though, players could explore villages, saving threatened citizens or hunting down Templar enemies who aren’t on their kill list. The sequel was an even bigger hit – and a new installment, due this fall, was one of the most popular games at E3 2010.
Elite:- Published in 1984, Elite was arguably the first open-world game. It’s horribly outdated today, but it was revolutionary at the time, letting players assume the role of a space trader, then freeing them to explore planets and trade materials they had mined or pick fights with other ships. If it weren’t for Elite, games like GTA might never have existed.
Driver:- A series of terrible sequels have dulled the legacy of this franchise, but the original Driver for the PlayStation was among the first 3D open-world games and shared some plot points with games that would follow it. Players assumed the role of an undercover cop who was trying to infiltrate the mob by completing missions in four cities.
inFamous:- Cole MacGrath is a bike messenger caught in an explosion that devastates several city blocks and gives him electrical super-powers. From there, players are given the choice to be good or evil in this PS3-exclusive superhero game. A sequel is due out early next year.
Red Dead Redemption:- Western games, historically, haven’t done well. But Red Dead changed that with its open-world gameplay. Forum-posters may have jokingly called it "Grand Theft Horse” when it was unveiled, but the game has become a critical darling, with review scores that have even surpassed GTA.
Super Metroid:- This 1994 SNES classic may not seem like an open-world by today’s definition, but it allowed you to play at your own pace, exploring the planet Zebes as you wanted to, rather than forcing you to constantly march forward. It's widely considered one of the best games ever made.
Saint's Row:-While initially viewed as a GTA clone, the Saints Row series has flourished with its improved mapping system and graphics. Is it derivative? Certainly. But it’s also an entertaining franchise that stands on its own merits and has collected a loyal following. A third installment is expected late next year.