When it comes to gaming, whether it's shooters, RPGs, or roguelikes, some gamers only engage with the most open-ended titles. Not open in terms of open world design necessarily, but open as far as adaptation option goes. These come in many forms, and not all players are the same.
Broadly speaking, customization can include creating a character, designing clothing, following a skill tree, making dialogue choices, and so on. For anyone who wants to a big, customizable game to look forward to in 2025 and beyond, these upcoming games are worth the wishlist on the double. Some of these games are more customizable than others, but overall they look pretty sharp.
Demon Tides
Going beyond the platform
Demon Tides is an upcoming platform game that will also be semi-open world. Players will be able to sail to new islands to face various baddies and platforming challenges. This series started in 2021 with Demon Turfand the sequel looks like the most ambitious game yet, even beyond the open world design.
The description on Steam boasts that there are 50,000 possible combinations for hair and outfits. That number seems extraordinary for anyone who wants more customization options in their platformer to go along with the ability for open exploration.
Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined
Vocations For Days
- Planned release date: 2/5/26
- Planned systems: PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S
The original Dragon Quest 7 was released for the PS1 in 2001 in North America, and while it received a 3DS remake in the meantime, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined looks even bolder. The graphics are almost toy or clay like in design which looks unreal and can make it the best looking Dragon Quest entry so far.
Battles are turn-based and characters can equip different classes called Vocations. The remake even allows characters to use two Vocations at the same time, which is a new addition. Crafting a patchwork of classes is its own brand of customization options, along with some narrative customization to deal with the game's various dysfunctional time puzzles.
Voidling bound
Splicing monsters
- Developer: Hatchery Games
- Publisher: Hatchery Games
- Planned release date: Q1 2026
- Planned systems: PC
There are lots of Pokémon clones out there, but how many monster catching games actually let players create their own companion? Voidling bound is the answer to the missing element, as there are three game mechanics to consider. As an explorer and scientist, players can go out scouting for materials and then, back in the lab, they can use the parts to create their own monsters.
Instead of monsters accompanying players into battle, they are completely controllable on their own in real-time battles. The creatures shown so far don't look as cute as other monster catching games, but the more grotesque and realistic features may attract a different type of player to the game, which is a plus.
Pokemon Pokopia
Ditto becomes a trainer
- Planned release date: 2026
- Planned systems: Nintendo Switch 2
There are many strange ones Pokémon spinoffs out there, like Pokemon Quest, a tactical game based on conquering feudal Japan. Pokemon Pokopia looks even weirder, as players take on the role of a ditto who lost his trainer and decides to transform into a human.
It's a life-sim game where players can befriend different Pokemon and use their powers to farm the land and build a Pokemon community. Bulbasaur's vines can help plant grass, while Squirtle's water attack can rehydrate crops. It looks like a chill game too Pokémon fans who want a little more Minecraft in their monster-catching experience.
Palworld: Palfarm
A more focused Palworld
- Planned release date: TBA
- Planned systems: PC
Palworld is still in Early Access, and yet the developer, Pocketpair, will be releasing a spinoff soon called Palworld: Palfarm. It will be a top-down version of the original Palworld which looks to focus more on the life sim aspect of the experience.
Players can build their city, hunt materials, farm, fish and even get married. There will be multiplayer options, and monsters can still be captured somehow. Combat will be involved, but how deep this mechanic will go has yet to be determined, as this game's announcement is still fairly fresh.
Animula Nook
Grounded junction
- Developer: LilliLandia Games
- Publisher: LilliLandia Games
- Planned release date: TBA
- Planned systems: PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch 2
Animula Nook has a similar art design as Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, with the characters almost looking too good to be in a video game. It looks a bit like a cross between Based and Animal Crossing. Players, as tiny humanoid creatures, will create their city on top of a table in someone's home. They can then venture outside the home to look for materials essential to crafting.
It looks like it could be semi-open world, with some sweet traversal methods being teased, like floating down rivers in teacups. From city building to dressing up to playing music with the townspeople, Animula Nook seems to be bursting with whimsy. It will also be free to play at launch. The only strange thing about the game is that it is unclear if it will only be released on PS5, or if there will be a PS4 version as well.
Chrono Odyssey
Rewind your potential
- Planned release date: TBA
- Planned systems: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
For anyone looking for a customizable experience outside of the smaller life sim games, Chrono Odyssey is worth watching. It is an upcoming giant open world game with an MMORPG design. Players can create their character and then go on adventures alone or with friends on specific missions such as raids.
There is also a lot to do, such as fishing, mining, logging, harvesting, crafting and so on. The combat might be the coolest feature, as players can stop and rewind time mid-fight. Controlling time is a premium ability in gaming, and anyone who wants to know what real power feels like should check this game out when it eventually launches.
