Rockstar Games, famous for vast open worlds, surprises with Liberty City's small map in Grand Theft Auto 3, their first 3D game.
Sleeping Dogs: A compact open-world crime game set in Hong Kong (2 sq. miles). Despite size, it celebrates the city with diverse activities.
From Hong Kong to London in Assassin's Creed Syndicate, a 1.4 sq. mile map packed with activities and rooftops. The captivating aspect: the time period.
Middle-Earth's richly detailed world, like Mordor, seems vast. In Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor, two areas offer intrigue, though the map remains modest.
Hyrule's inclusion may surprise, but we're revisiting its early form in The Legend Of Zelda. NES limits limited full kingdom exploration back then.
Gotham's grandeur condensed in Batman: Arkham City, a 0.38 sq. mile section. Cleverly used interiors expand depth and exploration in this limited space.