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Sandbox (videogames)




A sandbox style Video Game (or a video game with an optional sandbox mode) is a video game with an open-ended and non-linear style of gameplay. The sandbox analogy is used to describe these games because, like a sandbox, the user is simply allowed to do what he or she pleases to do, given that it involves playing with the provided elements of the Sandbox .

Most simulation games are sandbox-style video games; Role-playing Game s, MMORPG s, and other type of games can be sandbox games as well. The best selling computer game of all time is a sandbox style game, '' The Sims ''.


COMMON FEATURES OF SANDBOX STYLE VIDEO GAMES


  • Never ending gameplay: The user is allowed to play forever. While there is often a plot line or general direction to sandbox games, the user can ignore them completely. For example, in '''', after the player finishes the game, he or she is allowed to continue to play for as long as he or she wishes.

  • Freedom to experiment: The ability to make good or bad decisions. In sandbox games, users can often set their own tone for the game. For example, in '' Darklands '', '' Shadow The Hedgehog '', and '' Fable '' a user can do good deeds and become famous, or perform evil acts and become infamous.

  • Non-linear or non-existent plot. In sandbox games, there is either no plot (as with '' SimCity '') or there is a plot that the user is allowed to ignore (as in ''Morrowind'').



SANDBOX MODE


More traditional style video games can sometimes come with a sandbox mode. Sandbox mode is usually an option that allows a user more freedom by lifting some of the normal rules of gameplay. For example, the player may no longer have to worry about restricting resource requirements, such as having enough money to complete an action.


NOTABLE SANDBOX STYLE VIDEO GAMES



Simulation games



Role-playing games

  • '' Ultima IV '' (an early forerunner in non-linear RPGs)

  • '''' (a modern adaptation of the original Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny.)

  • '' Darklands '' (one of the earliest sandbox RPGs)

  • '' Fable ''

  • '''', mentioned above)

  • '' Fallout Series ''



Online role-playing games



Action/Platform Games



Other