because they were one of the 1st to do an open world fps which was unique and then they built on that and improved it. but yeah they kinda ruined shit when they just copy pasted this concept into everything they make anymore. I really liked far cry 3 and 4(4 more so than 3)
I also liked watchdogs but it felt like a tps far cry which wasn't too bad gameplay wise but the story was kinda meh(then again ubi isn't good at storytelling)
that's a good point. fantasy and scifi are great for rpgs storytelling setting and gameplay, the contemporary world doesn't lend itself to good rpg'ing mostly due to lack of good storytelling it always seems to rely on fantasy and scifi elements which makes it cliché.
the only good story elements for contempo is corruption and conspiracy. I had more thoughts on this subject but lost them.