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Characters Deserving of an Open World Video Game

Don't you want to jump into the shoes of your favorite characters and roam around a big world? We certainly do!

As many of you probably know, Grand Theft Auto V came out this week and has a massive world to explore. It's yet another video game which offers a promising open world experience, yet when it comes to comic book characters, we haven't had too many of these. Batman, Spider-Man, and even Hulk have all had the luxury of great video game worlds to explore, but there's so much potential with countless other characters. Because of that, we started wondering what an open world experience would be like for some of the characters we adore. Here's just a few of the ones we'd love to see created one day.

Superman

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"But making a good Superman game is impossible!" Is it really? Why should difficult equate to impossible? Yes, creating a good Superman game would be quite a chore, but given the right team and proper backing, it could be a brilliant time, too.

When it comes to his variety of powers -- heat vision, freeze breath, x-ray vision, etc -- you should be able to quickly switch between them in a tab on the HUD or open up a small menu, momentarily pausing the game and allowing you to scroll through them (like Bioshock and its plasmids). Each can be used for entirely different scenarios and teaching the player how to use them can be delivered in an organic manner as the game progresses.

As for his challenges, there are more than plenty which have been presented in the comics, aren't there? Aside from stopping petty robbers, putting out fires or saving people from terrible accidents, there should be a wealthy amount of villains populating the world. As for fodder, Lex Luthor can have a formidable robotic army protecting the city. Meanwhile, an encounter with someone like Metallo or Parasite could force you to use your powers and avoid close combat, where-as a slugfest with Doomsday could utilize quick time events, therefore avoiding any awkward melee combat. Luthor could also have various plans set in place across the city which would force you from spot to spot, providing different obstacles each time. So on and so on.

It wouldn't be an easy game to make -- not by any measure -- but there's no reason to believe it's impossible, either. Given tight controls, a large environment, and a sharp and passionate team, Superman holds the potential to blow us away just like Batman: Arkham Asylum did when it first came out.

I believe I can play as a man who can fly... just keep flying rings out of it.

Deadpool

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Think the mobility and madness of Crackdown meets the smooth controls and smile-inducing script of Uncharted. Yes, Deadpool already had his own game, but let's be honest, a character like this shouldn't be limited to a linear experience.

This could essentially be a wackier take on the open world genre, offering tons of absurd and hilarious side missions throughout the city. The desire to avoid the redundant would hopefully get the team's creative juices flowing. This also gives a chance to show off Wade's supporting cast. Yes, believe it or not, Wade does have his own cast and doesn't need to rely on cameos -- though they certainly are appreciated. And do you know what would make this especially great? A mission or two where you have to steal some HYDRA tech as Bob and then run for your life. And then when you're safe, you switch to Deadpool and save him from the sea of HYDRA forces.

Remember running around rooftops in one of the Arkham games and then jumping down into the street and beating up a bunch of goons? Now imagine that... but with swords and simplistic yet effective third-person gunplay (basic lock on mechanics, of course). Furthermore, navigating great distances and potential backtracking can be simplified by using a teleporting device (would serve as the game's version of fast traveling).

Wade absolutely has the potential for a game that can be both badass and funny.

Judge Dredd

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Don't you want to walk around Mega-City One as the law? Unlike many open world games, one inspired by Judge Dredd would work best as a first-person shooter. This way it allows the development team to fully immerse us in all of the technology Dredd uses as he engages in shootouts and chasing after criminals. Naturally, being a FPS means melee combat runs the risk of being a bit awkward, but plenty of games have been able to implement serviceable melee attacks in the genre. Plus, it opens the door to jaw-dropping executions while in the heat of combat.

Traveling city blocks and buildings on foot would be perfectly fine, but to offer variety, the Hall of Justice can inform you of crime taking place in other areas. If they aren't too close to your current location, you can hop on the Lawmaster (his bike) and drive around with a third-person view. This would also introduce the possibility of vehicular combat.

If we can't get a Dredd sequel, can we at least get a good Dredd video game?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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Man, just put Rocksteady on this project and it's sure to be magnificent. Their work with Batman proves they can craft amazing melee combat and gritty city environments, and those are the two key elements for a modern TMNT game. The only real challenge for them would be implementing co-op and possibly AI teammates. Considering all they've accomplished, it's safe to say that's something they could tackle masterfully, no? Additionally, having everyone with you at once runs the risk of making matters too crowded in certain environments, so when the time comes, each Turtle can instead have their own variety of solo missions.

Honestly, giving TMNT the Arkham treatment seems like the most logical choice ever.

Silver Surfer

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Okay, it's fair to say this won't happen and is totally far-fetched, but what if instead of an open world... it was an open galaxy? The Milky Way is your playground and you'll encounter all kinds of high level threats as you soar through the cosmos.

Flying aimlessly in such a beautiful location would be tempting, but the game could be given a sense of direction by having it take place when Norrin served Galactus. This way the Devourer of Worlds could call upon you to scout locations and eliminate various threats across the galaxy. This would also give the opportunity for Marvel to fill the game with its variety of alien races and cosmic characters -- characters who tend to not get a lot of focus.

The Power Cosmic offers an absurd amount of powers, but again, this could be reduced to ten or so unique abilities and they can be scrolled through in a tab or selected in a quick pop up menu. As for exploring specific worlds, that could be handled like side-missions in the Mass Effect franchise.

A game like this doesn't seem probable, but a man can dream, right?

Which character or team would you love to see in an open world video game? Share your thoughts below.

117 Comments

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deactivated-5edd330f57b65

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The problem is that no developer cares enough about superman to spend the time making a good game for him. Why go through all that trouble and stress when you could just make a spiderman or batman and be gaurenteed money and success?

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deactivated-5e870e328354a

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JediXMan

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JediXMan  Moderator

O_O Holy crap, an open world Judge Dredd game would be awesome!

I've also liked the idea of an open world Punisher game, Ghost Rider, and even Daredevil.

Also, an open world RPG involving a player-made mutant with the option of joining the X-Men always appealed to me.

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@geekbait said:

@punyparker: This. I'd actually like to see an Ultimate Spider-Man sequel with Miles as the main character, or even a fully-HD remake of the original game with some new content. The comic-style graphics would look really awesome on the current-gen consoles.

Spider-Man comic based,Josh Keaton voiced and Chris Yost written game.......i can imagine myself drooling over the article when i see it.

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Grey56

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Edited By Grey56

Several folks have voiced some good opinions and I'll second them;

- Daredevil
- Punisher
- Constantine (if made into a Mature title)

Great ideas all the way around. Though I will say - Superman would be tough to pull off and I don't know that I'd be terribly interested without a truly compelling story. The scope of a story which could do that would necessitate some serious investment.

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Captain13

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Edited By Captain13
The Brave and The Bold
The Brave and The Bold

With Humor Like This:

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And Gameplay Like This (but multiplayer):

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Obviously it would have to be adapted for Green Lantern and Flash.

Think about it. You could feature combat in any place in the DCU--like on any planet. And you could feature combat in any time in the DCU--stretching back from the hand of time to the 31st Century.

It could be an epic on a scale we've never seen before with two buddies teaming up for the first time.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The Space Marine and The Time Cop. The Brave and The Bold.

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RisingBean

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Edited By RisingBean

I always figured for a Superman game that the initial "learn the basics" level could pit Supes against normal bank robbers or something so that you can just let them shoot you while you decide how to progress and since you are invincible...well it's all ok.

For an urban style sandbox game, for some reason Green Arrow keeps calling out to me. Trick arrows, decent hand to hand and parkour, what isn't to love?

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deactivated-5e870e328354a

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@punyparker: This. I'd actually like to see an Ultimate Spider-Man sequel with Miles as the main character, or even a fully-HD remake of the original game with some new content. The comic-style graphics would look really awesome on the current-gen consoles.

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Kiltro95

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X and Ghost, I've had this idea for a long time of an open world game set in the fictional city of Arcadia from the Dark Horse comics in which their are 2 main story lines one in which you play as Ghost and the other as X both of which intertwine and missions that involve them confronting or interfering with one another, say for example X marked one of the people from Ghost's past. Have the game filled with cameos and Easter Eggs towards other Dark horse cities and characters say in a mission where you got to a museum the Loki Mask is on display, including side missions where you get to play or work with characters such as Barb Wire or Monster.

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GothamRed

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Hawkeye, arching round the world

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KEROGA

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Kick ass!

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Beerminator1

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Now that I have finally seen a great Superman movie, I need to play a great Superman game. Then I can die happily!

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Master_Thief

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YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TMNT do need an open world game

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The_Vein

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Imagine a game where you start as young Clark on the farm for tutorial stuff, a few simple missions, no flight or anything yet since he's still a kid. The Legion could show up as the first arc, Clark gets to fight some goofy future vilains and gain experience to spend on his abilities (yeah in the comics he wouldn't but its a game and people like progression). Next could be teenage Clark with some special powers doing some globtrotting or something, like Birthright, fighting bad guys in Africa with enhanced strength and toughness but no flight or heat vision. The Metropolis Clark with a full on Superman suit and flight and all his options open to him fighting guys like Luthor and Metallo and General Lane. Then maybe he goes to Apokolips with all his powers open for the last act? Could work. Wish someone would make it.

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bunkerbuster05

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Heroes for Hire open world GTA style game. Maybe like Saints Row 4, toned down.

Luke Cage and Iron Fist baby!

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danhimself

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@k4tzm4n: the best part of Out of the Shadows was that 5 minutes you got to run across the rooftops....an open world, Arkhamesqe TMNT game would be amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Wilbertus

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I would love, absolutely love to see an open world for the Flash. Just imagine exploring the world as the fastest man alive! However, I really like the Superman idea put forward in the article, as well!

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ceniza

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Edited By ceniza

The silver surfer one I really liked. Really. I'd imagine the navigation of the galaxy sort of a cross over between Zelda wind waker in the sea scenes, and the oldies star wars games, where dogfights take place in outer space.

I'd like to get into the videogame industry just to help produce that monster.

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Dragonborn_CT

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Edited By Dragonborn_CT

@theacidskull said:

no hulk? -__-

He already have Ultimate Destruction, man :P

Though Prototype is probably the same thing too.

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tikhunt

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How about villains. Someone like Joker running around kidnapping, killing, evading the authorities, fighting batman (and other heroes). Would be cool to have a game where you can alternate between hero and villain in an open world

Kinda reminds me of that Spider-man game on ps2 where you could play as Venom... forgot the name of it.

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kid Apollo

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ive always wanted a New Mutants game. you could switch to different characters whenever you felt like it, kinda like Batman to Catwoman in Arkham city. plus it could give you the option of playing co-op and see which duos work the best

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Miss_Garrick

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Edited By Miss_Garrick

Jack Knight as Starman!! The entire video game would take place in Opal city and have adventures based on the amazing comic series! You would start as David fighting a crime or two, then you would switch to Jack. Also, depending on the adventure, you will play as Ted, Mikaal, Bobo, and the Shade! The series had 80 issues, the game designers could make almost all of the stories work in a open world video game setting! Wouldn't you want to visit Opal City with it's beautiful sights and glorious history and Turk county full of dark secrets? THIS WOULD BE AWESOME!!

Thor with the Warriors Three, Balder, and Sif seeking adventure in Asgard and the other magical realms, but not Earth. I just thought it would be interesting if Midgard never comes up in a Thor game.

Power Man and Iron Fist! Have adventures exploring Times Square and K'un Lun in the 80's!!

Pre- New 52 Amethyst exploring Gemworld, getting to meet the magical variety of people there and fighting Dark Opal.

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superior_prime_maybe

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The idea of silversurfer gave me goosebumps.
Imagine getting a back hand by someone whose finger is bigger than u O.O

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SuperJedi17

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Nightwing,I want to visit bludhaven,or even Chicago,in the digital arena,and then night wing could actually use his acrobatics to get around,jumping from rooftop to rooftop,using various things to back flip,front flip,slide through,etc,to get to the ground floor from the rooftops,and pretty much just give him an Arkham style of gameplay,with more emphasis on his speed and agility(see:Comics,young justice) and a tad bit less emphasis on his Escrima sticks being electric,while taunting your opponents(Verbally) could maybe be a part of the combat system,they get less accurate,more rapidly attacking you,but(in melee) are a bit more powerful.Even if not like that,night wing would need to taunt his opponents,it's part of his strategy,and was sorely missing in Arkham City(Loren Lester or Jesse McCartney providing the voice,or Will Friedle). And in a game like this,it could be set while Damian is Bruce's Robin, just checking in on his former mentor,in bludhaven,somewhat different continuty,available in games,could make these things happen,or it be set while he trying to build himself up as a solo hero.That could be cool.And random crimes,gang territories,etc could be cool thing in a super hero game.

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deactivated-5d3f071d30d9f

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RedQueen

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I've always thought an x-men related open world game would be awesome, like X-Men Legends but more fleshed out, and more open world naturally.

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spidershamrock

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Edited By spidershamrock

Spidey needs another good game, up to the Spider-man 2 standard

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PunyParker

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And Spider-Man.....but a good one this time.

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Scarlet_Spider_Forever

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WarBlade539

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Edited By WarBlade539

How about Punisher? A realistic, Third-person, open world shooter with a mature storyline.

Daredevil

Thor

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bloggerboy

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Superman's powers alone are a good justification for the game.

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dauntes_patron

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How about villains. Someone like Joker running around kidnapping, killing, evading the authorities, fighting batman (and other heroes). Would be cool to have a game where you can alternate between hero and villain in an open world

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deactivated-6212d9bb8a06e

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What about an open world, multiplayer Fantastic Four, X-Men, or Avengers game? You could use the Baxter Building, the Xavier School, or Avengers Mansion as your base, fight PLENTY of awesome villains, and the like, and with the gigantic roster of characters and their respective powers and skills, there's practically no limit to the amount of fun you could have.

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frogjitsu

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All the ideas sound cool, but that Silver Surfer one really strikes a chord with me. Just surfing through the galaxy alone would be cool. Reminds me of spending half the time playing Spidey games just web slinging, or Zelda games just riding Epona or the Loftwing, and attacking stuff.

Just thinking about it, I'd like to rid around in the Turtles' van or blimp around NYC. Especially the blimp.

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LCazT1996

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@med said:

If we are delving into space, then Green Lantern.

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LCazT1996

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I tought Deadpool had a videogame

He does, but not an open world video game.

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Barkley

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Edited By Barkley

I could figure out how to make Superman game I just don't have the tech skills to design a game....first off you have to set what can hurt Superman and cannot.....two words Apokolips weapons..they can injure and hurt Superman....and Darksied has armed intergang....so ordinary thugs can do some damage to Supes...ordinary guns do nothing.....parademons can hurt Supes....Green k can and magic...all will be in the game and throw every Superman villain in the game.....Brainiac too...

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thenexusrebound

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X-men would be a lot of fun.

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fodigg

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Open-galaxy game with Nova would be cool.

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TheManInTheShoe

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I think Superman could be harder because it's not like you often see Superman walk on the street beating up thugs, and therefor it can be difficult to live up to the standards when Superman mostly flies around the skyscrapers.

I would really love an Arkham-styles Daredevil game.

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AllStarSuperman

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Superman

Nightwing

Daredevil

Hit-Girl

Ben 10

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impossibilly

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With the weapons he uses, I think an open world Lobo (non-New 52 version) game would be a hell of a lot of fun. I'm thinking intergalactic GTA.

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Med

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If we are delving into space, then Green Lantern.

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thedevilhunter89

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TOTALLY agree with that last one!

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z3ro180

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Thor but mosly superman

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Techherofan

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A Wonder Woman or Thor game would be nice it could be like Arkham City meets God of War and/or Darksiders.

Green Lantern with Zone of the Enders like combat system might be fun too.

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HushoftheWind

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Silver Surfer or Nova would be an amazing open world game.