The first ones I can think of is legend of Zelda and final fantasy, but I think there was also Adventure for the Atari before those even. The first Assassin's Creed was 2007, Adventure was 1980

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Which Zelda games were open world (before BotW)? I've always found them annoyingly linear.

[–] subignition@fedia.io 9 points 4 months ago (2 children)

The original Legend of Zelda. You had a large open overworld to explore, and IIRC could do many of the dungeons in any order.

[–] prettybunnys@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Which Zelda game WASNT open world???

[–] subignition@fedia.io 1 points 4 months ago

Skyward Sword in particular was pretty linear despite technically having a literal 'overworld' of sorts.

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

That's cool, I haven't played any of the 2D ones (as you've probably guessed!), are they worth playing now for someone with no nostalgia goggles?

[–] MindlessZ@lemm.ee 6 points 4 months ago

I would say the original Zelda isn't, but link to the past definitely holds up. Honestly most of the 2d Zelda's from link to the past onwards are good

[–] subignition@fedia.io 4 points 4 months ago

It hasn't aged too badly, but it's from an era where you were not necessarily expected to figure everything out on your own -- talking about it with IRL friends or reading tips and tricks in a magazine (or on the early Internet/Usenet) were pretty normal. I would say give it a try but don't be hesitant to look for a guide if you get stuck or lost.