This 15-Year-Old WWII Open World Game Is Shockingly Unrated Yet Amazing

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Today, gaming is hugely popular, but it’s important to remember that games have been a part of our culture for quite some time. In fact, open-world games have been around since the ’80s, with numerous expansive titles being launched in subsequent decades. Regrettably, many of these highly praised games didn’t get the recognition they deserved, even when they initially received critical and fan acclaim upon release.

One example of such a game is “The Saboteur,” first made available in 2009 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. A mobile and iOS version followed suit approximately a year later, showcasing some variations in gameplay mechanics. In “The Saboteur,” players take on the role of Sean Devlin, wearing a flat cap, as he battles his way through Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II to seek vengeance for the murder of his best friend. Despite numerous games with comparable settings and themes at that time, some critics found fault with “The Saboteur” for transforming a complex historical period into a playground of explosions. However, the game has consistently garnered positive feedback online.

The Saboteur Is an Open-World Sandbox Game Set During World War II

The Saboteur Takes Place In German-occupied France

One factor that makes “The Saboteur” notable is its historically grounded backdrop. The game is set during World War II and revolves around a character from the French Resistance, working to free Paris from Nazi occupation. Unlike many others in the same genre, The Saboteur distinguishes itself by basing its main character, Sean Devlin, on a real person – Grand Prix driver William Grover-Williams. This historical setting contributes to a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other games within this genre.

In the course of competing in a Grand Prix at Saarbrücken, Germany, Sean Devlin finds himself entangled with the French Resistance. During this event, he has a confrontation with Kurt Dierker, a Nazi racer. Not only does Dierker sabotage Sean’s race, but when Sean and his friend, Jules Rousseau, try to retaliate, they are captured by Dierker. After managing to break free during the Nazi invasion of France, Sean makes his way to Paris and is soon enlisted by a member of the French Resistance to contribute to their efforts.

Starting from then, there are significant assassinations to perform, enemy facilities to demolish, a nuclear testing facility to undermine, resistance members to rescue, territories to free, and an epic confrontation at the Eiffel Tower. Players have the freedom to traverse Nazi-controlled Paris, parts of rural France, and certain German regions. The vast game world and cinematic narrative of The Saboteur made it seem forward-thinking in 2009, and it’s clear why the game still garners positive Steam reviews today.

The Saboteur Has Aged Surprisingly Well

Even Though It Came Out in 2009, The Saboteur Feels Like a Modern Game

Revisiting The Saboteur might be challenging at times, but much like a premium French wine, it has matured gracefully over the years. One of its most striking aspects is how the narrative evolves organically as you advance through the game. Initially, some players may find the graphics underwhelming, with an overwhelming gray palette shaping the world. Yet, this is purposeful. In each region, the absence of color symbolizes the oppressive grip of the Nazis. As districts in Paris are freed, vivid hues gradually reappear, reflecting the liberation of those areas.

In the game, “The Saboteur,” Paris serves as an impressive setting with more than 1,000 targets such as sniper posts and checkpoints for players to eliminate. Destroying these targets not only offers a great sense of achievement but also simplifies subsequent missions in those zones. Furthermore, the game includes a stealth system enabling silent takedowns and the utilization of enemy attire for covert operations. However, combat is seldom avoidable.

Talking about combat, The Saboteur stands out in an unusual way. Apart from missions, players roam around a sandbox world with an alert system reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto. As Sean traverses the city, helping civilians and assaulting enemy fortresses, he may provoke escalating responses, such as tanks and even zeppelins. The open-world design invites exploration of hidden clubs and a variety of activities scattered across Paris.

How Did The Saboteur Sabotage Itself?

The Saboteur Deserved to Be a Bigger Hit

Despite The Saboteur receiving a mediocre reception, neither a flop nor a success, Pandemic Studios, its developers, ceased operations soon after launch. One potential reason for its lackluster performance might have been its authenticity, as the handling of vehicles in the game felt as if they were driving on ice. This could reflect the poor control mechanics prevalent during that time, but this explanation didn’t satisfy some critics and players alike.

In addition, The Saboteur encountered technical difficulties. The voice acting often had rough patches, which was particularly annoying in a game that relies heavily on story and cinematic elements. Furthermore, there were instances where the enemy AI performance was noticeably poor, with Nazi characters seemingly oblivious to the player even when they were very close by.

The Steam release of The Saboteur isn’t an updated version, so many of its original flaws persist unless players use external fixes. Yet, despite these issues, it’s a game that’s worth revisiting, particularly for fans who enjoy open-world gaming. The Saboteur successfully created a city teeming with hidden spots, engaging activities, and the freedom to navigate the entire map, whether by blending in on the streets or sneaking across rooftops. It offers a captivating experience for those seeking adventure and a taste of mischief in 1940s Paris.

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2025-04-28 06:33