Best Open-World Games for Being a Gangster

As a seasoned gamer with decades worth of virtual mayhem under my belt, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as playing as a gangster in the gritty underworld. From the sleazy streets of Liberty City to the neon-lit districts of Steelport, these games have given me an unparalleled sense of power and freedom.

Video games often allow players to live out their most imaginative scenarios, which explains why certain games provide the opportunity for players to assume roles of morally ambiguous characters who don’t hesitate to break laws. This justification helps explain the questionable actions that players can take, particularly in open-world games where causing chaos and destruction is a key element that keeps players hooked as they progress through the game.

Certain top-rated sandbox games offer an immersive experience where players assume the persona of a criminal operating within the underworld, carrying out activities such as theft, violence, and intimidation to survive. It’s rewarding to witness characters who were once struggling achieve financial success, leading to a luxurious lifestyle, despite the potential sacrifice of personal ethics along the way.

5 Mafia 2

Protagonist: Vito Scaletta, A Mobster In The Clemente Crime Family

Initially, the first Mafia game stood out as an exceptional story-based title that successfully distanced itself from the negative image associated with most Grand Theft Auto (GTA) copycats. Consequently, it’s no surprise that fans were eagerly anticipating the sequel in the series, which delivered on its promise by offering a captivating plot and enjoyable sandbox gameplay, despite the city sometimes appearing sparsely populated. This minor flaw was easily overlooked given the engaging narrative from start to finish.

In this rendition, players assume the role of Vito Scaletta, a war veteran struggling financially who unwillingly gets entangled in criminal activities. Instead of romanticizing a life of crime, Mafia 2 portrays the harsh truths of being a mobster, as Vito gradually loses touch with his loved ones and social circle as he further immerses himself in the underworld. It’s an engaging game with outstanding production values that makes for an enjoyable experience, which is one reason why many critics acclaim Mafia 2 as the standout title in the series.

4 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Protagonist: Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson, A Gang Member In The Grove Street Family

In the 3D universe of Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar Games earned their reputation as masters of open-world games by releasing numerous titles that left an indelible mark. Recognizing the need for the final installment to surpass all previous efforts, they crafted San Andreas, a game boasting the largest open world ever seen in a GTA title before the main series’ fifth entry stole everyone’s breath away. The protagonist of this story is Carl Johnson, or CJ as he’s more commonly known. He was attempting to live an honest life, but was drawn back into trouble following his mother’s demise.

As CJ gradually returns to a life of crime, he steadfastly becomes a trusted associate within the Grove Street Families. However, an act of treachery that strikes him deeply alters the course of the storyline forever. The game takes players on a grand journey, initially barring them from Los Santos. Over time, they manage to regain access and set out to eliminate Ryder, Big Smoke, Pulaski, Tenpenny, and anyone else who poses a threat.

3 Sleeping Dogs

Protagonist: Wei Shen, An Undercover Cop Moonlighting As A Member Of The Sun On Yee Triad Organization

In the game “Sleeping Dogs”, the character Wei Shen, though officially a police officer, finds himself entangled in a world of crime as part of an undercover operation. This immersion into criminal activities makes him, in a sense, a gangster who is required to perform various tasks within the Triads. The game’s combat system, which is its standout feature, draws inspiration from the “Arkham” series and includes intense melee fights, as well as environmentally-friendly takedowns, ensuring that players have an enjoyable experience defeating any adversary they encounter.

The game draws significant influence from Hong Kong action movies, amplifying its visual appeal through fast-paced car chases. In these sequences, Shen performs an Action Hijack, leaping from one vehicle to another, which is satisfying to execute even though the animation sometimes appears a bit rough and immediate. Although the firearm mechanics could use more development, the slow-motion effect activated by moving from cover to cover remains enjoyable and contributes to the overall excitement of this open-world crime game.

2 Yakuza 0

Protagonists: Kiryu Kazuma & Majima Goro, Members Of The Dojima Crime Family

In the Yakuza series, the games are renowned for showcasing smaller, more personalized open worlds that enable players to develop a bond with the cities they traverse. This prequel serves as an excellent demonstration of this characteristic. To captivate newcomers to the franchise, Sega approved a game set in the past, providing ample screen time for both Kiryu and Majima, two standout entries in the series that are delightful to play. Witnessing the growth of these characters and the occurrences that eventually shaped them into the Dragon of Dojima and Mad Dog of Shimano is an enjoyable experience.

Players will find themselves deeply familiar with the districts of Kamurocho and Sotenbori as they traverse these compact yet bustling locales, with combat being a standout feature that greatly enhances the overall gameplay. As players deal damage consistently, they can build up Heat, which allows them to execute spectacular Heat Moves that swiftly defeat ordinary enemies and rapidly deplete their health bars. Additionally, humorous sub-stories and side activities provide a welcome respite from the intense main narrative, making it clear why Yakuza 0 is an exceptional starting point for newcomers to this cherished series, offering insight into what makes this franchise so endearing to countless fans, reminiscent of Kingdom Come.

1 Saints Row: The Third

Protagonist: Playa, The Leader Of The 3rd Street Saints

Initially, the first two “Saints Row” games had their humorous instances, but they were generally serious and failed to shake off the accusations of being mere copies of “GTA.” However, everything changed with the arrival of “Saints Row: The Third.” This game embraced the zany side of “Saints Row” and set a tone that has been cherished by fans since then. You guide Playa as he takes the 3rd Street Saints from a small gang to the most powerful in Steelport.

Experiencing the multitude of outrageous actions players could execute within this game was an exhilarating experience, as they executed unbelievable wrestling stunts and employed questionable toys to embarrass their adversaries. Never before has being a gangster been more enjoyable in a video game, and Saints Row 4 took the series’ madness to new heights by introducing superpowers and extraterrestrial invasions.

2024-10-04 18:34