The Best Indie Crime Games

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of heist games, stealth titles, and action-packed revenge stories. But when it comes to top-down mayhem, nothing quite compares to the iconic experience that is Hotline Miami.

It seems that crime often serves as an intriguing subject in video games and stories overall, possibly due to the built-in tension it provides. Particularly notable are games where criminal actions dominate gameplay, like Grand Theft Auto, which have consistently gained a large following.

Numerous video games centered around crime themes often position players as law enforcers, offering a distinct gaming experience. Titles like “Shadows Of Doubt” are fantastic representations of indie crime games that allow you to take on the role of a cop. Nonetheless, numerous indie crime games let you play as the criminal instead. Although some of these games offer more relaxed or comical experiences, many do not shy away from portraying the harsh violence typical of criminal activities.

5 Turnip Boy Robs A Bank

A Cute And Colorful Rogue-Lite Heist

The Best Indie Crime Games

The follow-up to “Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion” is an incredibly enjoyable and playful game that transitions the series into a rogue-lite format, which significantly emphasizes action over its predecessor. In “Turnip Boy Robs A Bank”, the main focus is on breaking into and robbing a massive bank, as indicated by its title. This entails grabbing as much money as you can while fending off numerous adversaries in a top-down shooter fashion.

As a fan, I wasn’t anticipating a typical gritty, grimy crime caper when I dived into “Turnip Boy Robs A Bank.” But that’s exactly what makes this game such a delightful surprise! The vibrant, colorful graphics coupled with an unexpected mix of humor and crime elements make Snoozy Kazoo’s “Turnip Boy” an enjoyable and laid-back gaming experience.

4 Thief Simulator

A Specific Experience That Delivers On Its Premise

Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Released: 2018
Developer(s): Noble Muffins
Genre: Simulation

In essence, the game titled “Thief Simulator” fulfills its promise by offering a unique gaming experience with minimal additional features. Although this might seem basic, the game excels in executing its primary concept effectively. It achieves this by incorporating various simulated mechanisms, an assortment of tools, and sandbox aspects that add some extra play value to it.

However, Thief Simulator is a relatively uneven experience that’s unfortunately a little rough around the edges. Regardless of this, though, players looking for an intense crime game that focuses on stealth rather than combat should still get a kick out of Thief Simulator.

3 Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine

Stylish And Chaotic Top-Down Heisting With Friends

In this sleek, bird’s-eye view stealth title, gamers are challenged to execute numerous heists, either solo or alongside a group of allies. The game boasts artistic lighting and shadow effects that can occasionally blur the visual clarity, but effectively obscure the player’s presence to heighten suspense. While it’s possible to enjoy Monaco on your own, it’s debatably more frenetic (and entertaining) when engaged in multiplayer online co-op with a few friends.

“In the game ‘Monaco: Who Stole the Show’, players can choose from eight distinctive characters, each offering a unique skill set. This diversity not only boosts the game’s longevity but also introduces strategic elements to the gameplay experience. Each character, in essence, allows players to play their own part during a heist, adding excitement and variety.”

2 Intravenous

A Gritty Action-Stealth Revenge Story

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2021
Developer(s): Explosive Squat Games
Genre: Stealth

In this game that blends elements of action-stealth genres, you’ll find hints of both ‘Hotline Miami’ and classic ‘Splinter Cell’. The game, titled ‘Intravenous’, boasts intelligent AI adversaries, a gripping narrative, and a dark atmosphere. What sets it apart is its unique blend and departure from its inspirational roots. The story unfolds primarily within the criminal underworld, where you assume the role of a vengeful vigilante, on a deadly mission to avenge the death of his brother.

Despite its predictable storyline that might not appeal to everyone, the gameplay in Intravenous stands out as both skillfully designed and consistently captivating. The intelligent AI adversaries play a significant role in making Intravenous enjoyable, often forcing players to think tactically instead of resorting to brute force in each encounter. However, it’s important to note that this game is primarily a stealth-based experience, which means the gameplay tends to be thoughtful and deliberate. If you’re looking for a more action-oriented game, Intravenous might not be the best fit for you.

1 Hotline Miami

A Brutal Killing Spree With The Player At The Helm

Hotline Miami, a renowned top-down shooter, was published by Devolver Digital. It’s famed for its lively pixel-art graphics, intensely violent gameplay, and pulsating vaporwave music. The player’s actions in Hotline Miami are questionable, as the story unfolds subtly through small, sometimes cryptic hints. The main character, Jacket, embarks on a bloody rampage, with the player controlling the action.

As a gamer, I can’t deny that the gritty, sometimes unsettling, dose of criminal violence in this game is seamlessly interwoven with its visuals, audio, and storyline, creating an incredibly immersive experience. It’s this harmonious blend that, to me, makes Hotline Miami a classic, and despite the passage of time, it remains a game worth diving into today. There’s also a sequel, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, but personally, I find the original game more unforgettable.

2024-07-31 04:33