1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platform: PlayStation 3
US Release Year: 2011
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox), Role Playing (RPG) (Elements)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: 2K
Synopsis: Just as the headman's axe is about to end your criminal life, a beast from legend, long thought dead, appears: a dragon. As you escape, the key to your destiny is awoken: you are a dragonborn with the ability harness the power of the powerful enemies. Yet you must not only deal with these age-old creatures but also a kingdom in turmoil as the future of the Empire of Tamriel hangs in the balance on the outcome of the choices you make.
2. Minecraft
Platform: PC
US Release Year: 2009
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox)
ESRB Rating: E10+
Developer: Mojang AB
Publisher: Mojang AB
Synopsis: A game limited only by your imagination as you take control of an avatar to create and destroy various blocks in a 3D environment. Whether you create structures or works of amazing artistic design is up to you as you share your creations across multiplayer servers across many game modes.
3. Red Dead Redemption
Platform: PlayStation 3
US Release Year: 2010
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Rockstar Games
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Synopsis: At the turn of the century the Old West gives one last, final breath. Into this world steps former outlaw John Marston who has become a government pawn to track down his old gang in order to save his family.
4. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Platform: PC (Steam)
US Release Year: 2007
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox), Role Playing (RPG) (Elements)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios
5. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Platform: Xbox 360
US Release Year: 2006
Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox), Role Playing (RPG) (Elements)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: 2K
6. Fable II
Platform: Xbox 360
US Release Year: 2008
Overall Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox), Strategy (Simulation), Role Playing (RPG) (Elements)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Synopsis: Set once again in the land of Albion, 500 years after the original Fable in a time of colonization, castles and firearms. Growing up in the slums of Bowerstone, Sparrow, along with his sister Rose, want more than anything to live in Castle Fairfax. A magic box seemingly grants their wish, but Lord Lucien has his own plans shooting Rose and Sparrow. Ten year later, Sparrow must find the three heroes and prevent Lord Lucian from rebuilding the Tattered Spire and gaining untold power. Once again, choose a righteous or evil path to reach your goal.
7. Grand Theft Auto III
Platform: PlayStation 2
US Release Year: 2001
Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox, Third-Person Shooter)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: DMA Designs
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Synopsis: A nameless criminal robs a bank but is betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina. Left for dead, he survives and is imprisoned, only to be freed thanks to an impromptu escape. Utilizing a few key contacts around Liberty City, he will rise through the ranks of the criminal underbelly of the city, all the while thinking of revenge.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platform: Xbox 360
US Release Year: 2011
Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox), Role Playing (RPG) (Elements)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Publisher: 2K
Synopsis: Just as the headman's axe is about to end your criminal life, a beast from legend, long thought dead, appears: a dragon. As you escape, the key to your destiny is awoken: you are a dragonborn with the ability harness the power of the powerful enemies. Yet you must not only deal with these age-old creatures but also a kingdom in turmoil as the future of the Empire of Tamriel hangs in the balance on the outcome of the choices you make.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Platform: Nintendo Switch
US Release Year: 2017
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Action/Adventure, Sandbox)
ESRB Rating: E10+
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Synopsis: The first open-world Zelda game - plunge in to the wilderness, climb the highest peaks
or dive into the depths as you make your way across the land battling enemies that are
varied and dangerous. Hunt for ingredients to sustain you, uncover over 100 Shrines
of Trials and take on the puzzles inside to uncover items and rewards to aid your
adventure. Attire is everything - outfit yourself to survive harsh cold or brutal deserts,
maker yourself more stealthy or powerful. Assign the right weapon for the job - each
enemy has its own strength and weakness - almost anything can be used as a
weapon, but make sure you're prepared as every weapon can break. Use amiibos to
help on your journey - compatible figures can help you on your journey.
10. Red Dead Redemption
Platform: Xbox 360
US Release Year: 2010
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Genres: Action (Sandbox)
ESRB Rating: M
Developer: Rockstar Games
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Synopsis: At the turn of the century the Old West gives one last, final breath. Into this world steps former outlaw John Marston who has become a government pawn to track down his old gang in order to save his family.
