The island of Panau is in now ways one of the biggest open world maps, although measuring in at over 1,000 km2 it represents itself very well. The island is supposedly meant to be situated in South East Asia possibly near the Malay Peninsula and draws its influence very heavily from that region. The look and feel of the urban areas along with the natural surroundings of the island, closely resembling that part of the world. Of course been the game that it is the developers can’t help adding in several different climate zones onto the one small island. The player can very quickly transition from artic like conditions on the island’s northern mountains to the lifeless deserts in the South. The best way to explore the islands diverse climate is of course by grappling hook, who needs to drive cars or fly planes when you can just hook up to a passing vehicle and go along for the ride.
Without a doubt one of the best features of the game were the challenge becomes how long the player can propel themselves without ever touching the ground. Simply just using the grappling hook to gather momentum and launching the parachute to gain some extra height. Starting off in the mountains and making your way down to the coast via hook and parachute can be far more rewarding then any of the set missions or tasks. Which is what is at the heart of a true open world game, how long the player can keep themselves entertained outside of the set mission structure. Panau is a playground for those who want to explore and have fun for no more a simpler reason then “Just be-Cause”
