Best Games Based in Los Angeles

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For a while now, Los Angeles has held the title as the heart of U.S. entertainment (apologies to New Yorkers), be it movies or grand theater performances. But there’s much more to the city of angels than just Tinseltown, and these games perfectly showcase its other aspects.

Beyond its expansive coastlines dotted with palm trees, elegant boulevards, and expensive real estate, Los Angeles also harbors a rich tapestry of California’s various subcultures. This diverse mix includes artistic enclaves in Venice Beach and Little Tokyo, as well as infamous criminal groups residing in Compton and Inglewood.

Given its reputation as a hub for entertainment, it’s not surprising that the city has gained such prominence in popular culture. Interestingly, though, Los Angeles is not frequently depicted as a backdrop in video games.

Here are some exceptional games that each offer a distinct take on the enchanting cityscape of LA, yet they all manage to portray it flawlessly, ensuring its unique charm is easily identifiable and admired. Thus, these top-notch games, set in the city of angels, are worth their own grand premiere.

8. Midnight Club: Los Angeles

A Street Racing Classic

Back in the day, when Need for Speed, Burnout, and Test Drive Unlimited were dominating the PS3 scene, Rockstar’s Midnight Club: Los Angeles caught my eye as something truly unique. It had a vibe reminiscent of Midtown Madness, but with its own distinct style that set it apart.

Looking back at its 2008 origin, the virtual city inside the game remains visually stunning, especially during twilight hours and at night, offering a breathtaking view. The diverse track designs guarantee multiple opportunities to explore every corner of this digital landscape.

In Midnight Club Los Angeles, you won’t find a lifelike Assetto Corsa experience. Instead, it focuses on delivering an enjoyable, arcade-oriented racing experience while inviting you to fully immerse yourself in its intricately designed open world.

In this game, I’ve stumbled upon an incredible level of detail when it comes to personalizing my rides. It’s not every day you find such depth in vehicle customization, even among today’s top-tier racing titles.

7. True Crime: Streets of LA

Retro Double Agent Action

The True Crime series stands out for its gripping narrative, thrilling fight scenes, and the blend of powerful martial arts, accurate shooting, and brutal high-speed pursuits.

Even though True Crime: Streets of LA is now considered a classic from an earlier era, it made a lasting impact on those of us who experienced it during its initial release.

Originating from the same minds behind Sleeping Dogs, True Crime: Streets of LA offers an exhilarating, narrative-focused experience in which you assume the role of a secret agent who finds himself stuck between ruthless gangsters and the authorities.

Incorporating thrilling hand-to-hand combat and firearm skirmishes alongside pulse-pounding car chases and a profound narrative, True Crime: Streets of LA truly shone among the many outstanding action games of its time.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say that although it doesn’t quite match up to heavyweights like Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row, the True Crime series has a vibe similar to games such as Driver or Max Payne. It definitely stands tall among its peers.

6. Parasite Eve II

A Tech Leap

First released back in 1999, Parasite Eve 2 was quite innovative for its era and offers a unique perspective of Los Angeles compared to other games. This sci-fi action-adventure game puts players in the shoes of Aya Brea, who is investigating an incident where deadly mutants have broken free within the city limits.

With a stationary camera angle, this game offers an immersive, narrative-focused journey that follows a mostly straightforward path. However, it’s brimming with exciting action scenes and puzzles to solve, making for an engaging exploration of hidden mysteries.

Speaking about its chilling and rather gory themes, Parasite Eve 2 was truly visionary for its era. It’s still awe-inspiring how seamlessly 2D components blend with 3D elements, making the visual experience just as captivating today.

Despite being visually outdated and challenging to obtain today, it remains fondly remembered as a trailblazing game from the early years of the PlayStation.

5. Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines

A Bloodthirsty RPG Masterpiece

One of the outstanding early examples of an open-world RPG is the classic game Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines, which takes place in Los Angeles. In this intricate vampire title, players are immersed in a world filled with feuding factions, diverse vampire species, and blood-soaked intrigue.

The game boasts a rich, self-contained history exclusive to the Vampire The Masquerade world. Familiar landmarks like Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown will be evident, but you’ll have the opportunity to traverse them only under the cover of night.

Despite being almost two decades old, as it first came out in 2004, certain modifications have helped keep the game feeling somewhat contemporary. An eagerly awaited new installment is planned soon, potentially breathing fresh life into the series.

Beyond its intricate world design, what truly sets this title apart is its comprehensive character creation tool and role-playing game (RPG) elements. The various vampire factions and character customization options mean that each gamer gets a distinct and personalized adventure.

4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

A Love Letter To LA’s Underworld

To many enthusiasts of the Grand Theft Auto series, San Andreas symbolizes the zenith of the PS2’s golden gaming period. It offers an engaging narrative and a vast map that encompasses more than just Los Angeles (Los Santos), extending to San Francisco (San Fierro) and Las Vegas (Las Venturas).

In this adventure, you take on the role of a former member of the Grove Street gang, CJ, as you set off on a grand voyage across three bustling cities. Along the way, you’ll cross paths with a diverse array of individuals, ranging from crooked cops to influential Triad leaders.

The classic San Andreas game authentically embodies the ’90s urban vibe, incorporating elements like towering billboards and carefully chosen tracks across every radio station that collectively set the scene.

In addition to the newly launched Grand Theft Auto Definitive Edition Trilogy, you can now get a revamped edition of the game with enhanced graphics and gameplay tweaks.

3. Dead Island 2

Zombie-Mashing Mayhem

Deep Silver’s Dead Island 2 had been planned for release in 2015 initially, but the decision to spend more time perfecting it proved to be a wise one. The game offers an incredibly realistic depiction of contemporary Los Angeles that is nothing short of breathtaking, and several well-known landmarks and locations are accessible for exploration.

Notable spots encompass The Beverly Hills Hotel, Venice Beach, and Hollywood Boulevard, each exhibiting a strikingly realistic look.

Regarding the zombie-slaying action, it significantly improves upon the original game. The FLESH system, in particular, makes every confrontation feel distinct, and the impact of each weapon is shown in a gruesomely realistic manner.

This game primarily focuses on close-quarters fighting, a style that tends to provide a more rewarding experience compared to firing guns. However, it offers ample room for personal playstyle, allowing you to choose and employ the weapons that suit your preferences best.

2. L.A. Noire

A Retro Detective Masterpiece

L.A. Noire, created by Rockstar in the 1940s setting, offers an unusual perspective of Los Angeles that is seldom seen elsewhere in its detective storyline.

As I, a humble patrolman, dive headfirst into the gritty underbelly of this sprawling cityscape, I’ll climb the ranks from a mere beat cop to a seasoned detective, handling ever-escalating cases that push my limits. The pulse-pounding action isn’t just about high-speed pursuits, shootouts, and clue-gathering; it also offers a one-of-a-kind, riveting interrogation system that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Though the open-world setting might fall short on engaging side quests and interaction, it’s undeniably rich in detail and immersive due to its authentic 1940s ambiance, making exploration an appealing experience.

Beyond its vintage allure, L.A. Noire offers an engaging narrative and numerous intriguing cases to unravel. Among detective games, it stands out as one of the finest available, and the open-world aspect enhances its appeal.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5

A Masterful Recreation of The City of Angels

Without a doubt, one of the most renowned video games produced by Los Angeles developers is Grand Theft Auto V. Launched in 2013, this game has achieved an astounding milestone with more than 200 million copies sold, largely due to its robust online components.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that the consistent growth and prosperity of this game is largely due to the frequent content updates it has received throughout the years. Most recently, PC gamers were treated to an enhanced edition, making the experience even more immersive and enjoyable!

The narrative revolves around a team of diverse bank robbers operating in today’s world, executing intricate and stunning heists across the metropolis known as Los Stantos. Notably, it is widely regarded as the most authentic and accurate portrayal of a city within any video game so far.

Beyond the city, an expansive surrounding region is equally inviting to discover, offering intricate details similar to the city itself. The game’s wildlife interacts naturally among themselves, while a bustling underwater seabed adds authenticity to the Grand Theft Auto 5 simulation of California and Los Angeles in particular, providing an immersive experience for players.

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2025-03-11 17:10