Top Open-World Games for Building Your Criminal Empire

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Summary

  • Building a criminal empire in sandbox games triggers dopamine levels and remains popular despite being few and far between.
  • “The Godfather 2” and “Saints Row: The Third” offer exciting empire-building experiences in the crime genre.
  • “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” and “Saints Row 2” provide simple yet addictive empire-building gameplay with unique features.

Conquering piece by piece an expansive open-world setting stimulates the brain’s dopamine centers in a satisfying manner. Who wouldn’t prefer doing it while accompanying an endearing criminal clan? Sandbox games appear to be designed for such a plotline, but it’s intriguing that there are relatively few examples of them.

In the 2000s, this particular game genre experienced its peak popularity. Developers were eager to get a slice of the popular Grand Theft Auto cake, constantly supplying players with open-world chaos that they couldn’t get enough of. Many imitations veered away from gangster narratives, but some fully dived into the crime-ridden turmoil without an ounce of regret.

1. The Godfather 2

A Sequel That Builds On Its Empire Mechanics

Although it didn’t fully match the greatness of its famous title, “The Godfather 2” video game offers a decent dose of excitement, particularly when you’re involved in creating a powerful mafia dynasty.

In this game, users guide Dominic through his ambition to be the head of the Corleone family in New York City. To reach this goal, they’ll engage in competition with rival factions, enlisting street thugs, expanding territories, and utilizing old-fashioned protection schemes like shakedowns. A notable aspect allows players to manage a team of trusted associates, delegating tasks and advancing them from soldier to underboss. Another appealing detail is the “Don’s Perspective,” an interactive map that enables players to observe their expanding criminal organization in its entirety.

2. Saints Row: The Third

Third Time’s The Charm

In the spirit of maintaining the established gameplay patterns from earlier Saints Row titles, this latest version invites players to take out rival gangs and claim their territories. The opposition this time around consists of the Morningstar, Luchadores, and Deckers, collectively known as the Syndicate, in the fresh urban setting of Steelport.

As a gamer, I can tell you that in this game, I can buy properties like cribs and businesses to earn passive income. Over time, I’ll gradually extend my control over territories, taking over entire neighborhoods, and eventually, the city itself. Although it might not reach the greatness of its earlier versions, it’s still way above the 2022 reboot in terms of gameplay and experience.

3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Simple Yet Addicting Empire Building

Experiencing the challenge of ruling a criminal empire earned through hard work, set against the vibrant, neon-lit backdrop of Vice City as Tommy Vercetti, remains one of gaming’s most cherished moments. This aspect, though not overly complicated or demanding, is something that fans would be thrilled to see return in future installments of the series.

In simpler terms, players have the option to buy various businesses scattered throughout the city, such as a nightclub, taxi service, and an adult entertainment studio. By successfully completing tasks at these establishments, Tommy can earn a consistent income, which will help him climb the ladder of success and further fuel mayhem.

4. Saints Row 2

GTA Clone That Goes Further

In this game, players experience the finest edition of “Saints Row,” where it refined the formula it borrowed so fondly from “Grand Theft Auto.” Players have the ability to enlist gang members for assistance in tough situations, complete missions, and eliminate enemy bases (does “San Andreas” ring a bell?). Naturally, there’s also the customary property purchasing and item discounts, but this time around, players can even spot their custom character on billboards, adding a personal touch.

To clarify, these games adopt a direct strategy when constructing a criminal empire. Achieving the highest rank is accomplished by seizing control of Stilwater’s districts through main storylines and additional tasks. However, this doesn’t diminish the pleasure experienced as one observes the map gradually transform to purple as players regain control of Stilwater.

5. The Godfather

It Insists Upon Its Criminal Empire

Regarding the original “Godfather” game, even though it may lack some modern features, it still offers an unparalleled gaming experience. It honors the source material as if it were a Don attending his daughter’s wedding – with utmost reverence.

Similar to its successor, characters in this tale extract ‘insurance’ fees from businesses throughout post-war New York City, using force and intimidation to climb the hierarchy. However, instead of a third-person account, we delve into the narrative via Aldo Trapani, an ambitious enforcer with a deeply rooted vendetta, aiming for vengeance over his father’s death while establishing his own position within the Corleone family.

6. Kenshi

Become Your Very Own Immortan Joe

In a distinctive manner, Kenshi stands out on this list, combining role-playing game (RPG) and real-time strategy (RTS) mechanics against a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape. To put it simply, it’s complex, and that complexity gives rise to an unexpected aspect: the ability to build empires.

In this game, players have the option to enlist non-player characters (NPCs) belonging to diverse factions and species within the world, forming part of their team. As these teams engage in activities such as theft, smuggling, and dealing illicit goods across the wasteland, they can gradually develop into a thriving community or settlement. Although lawlessness prevails in this post-apocalyptic setting, the actions taken are reminiscent of criminal activities…

7. Scarface: The World Is Yours

The Criminal Empire Is Yours

Scarface: The World is Yours is a video game spin-off that significantly deviates from the central themes of the movie it’s derived from. Contrary to the original’s somber narrative about pride and avarice, the game sequel discards these elements entirely and instead proposes an intriguing question: What if Tony made it through the final gunfight? Moreover, what if he restored his criminal dominion with an uplifting, almost joyful conclusion?

Players will primarily engage in two main activities: one is expanding their influence by capturing enemy gang territories, dealing drugs, and boosting their reputation via dangerous, high-risk missions. The ultimate goal is to restore Tony’s power to the levels seen in the movie, excluding any potential downfall scenarios.

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2025-03-15 04:34