Unique Crime Games That You Should Try

As someone who’s been a die-hard fan of crime games for as long as I can remember, I have to say that my life has taken a thrilling turn with these unique masterpieces. Each one offers a gripping narrative, immersive gameplay, and an unforgettable journey into the dark underbelly of society.

For several decades now, crime-themed video games have been a prominent feature within the gaming industry. These games explore virtually every facet of the illicit realm, offering players a unique glimpse into captivating characters who navigate life beyond legal boundaries.

Leading game developers, notably Rockstar Games, have significantly contributed to the widespread popularity of certain genres, particularly with their colossal Grand Theft Auto series and Western tales like Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2. It’s clear that crime-themed games captivate a vast number of gamers globally, a trend that’s unlikely to wane anytime soon. Here are some distinctly engaging crime games every gamer should give a try.

5 Payday 2

A Solid Sequel To The Original Payday

More customization options compared to the original Payday.
22 different crew members.

Two years on from the initial Payday incident in Washington, the renowned Payday gang is planning another series of daring heists. Much like the original game, players can pick a member from the 22-strong crew for their mission, and assemble a team of up to three additional members.

Instead of its forerunner, Payday 2 boasts significantly expanded customization possibilities, both in terms of gameplay mechanics and visual aesthetics. The levels are intricately designed to be more complex and demanding, while the graphics have been refined for a smoother experience. Payday 2 delves deep into the lives of gang members executing multi-million dollar heists, portraying the moral complexities, struggles, and unsavory aspects of their criminal activities.

4 Mafia: Definitive Edition

The Ultimate Organized Crime Experience

Includes all games in the Mafia franchise.
Car chases and shootouts in the middle of 1940s New York City.

In any given time period, companies under the Take Two umbrella, including Rockstar Games and 2K among others, consistently excel at crafting captivating characters, gripping narratives, and delivering an exceptional gaming experience when it comes to creating top-tier crime games. The first installment of Mafia, released in 2002, found itself competing with popular titles like Grand Theft Auto that had already gained a massive following among gamers worldwide.

In my gaming experience, what truly made Mafia stand out was its immersive 1940s New York atmosphere, teeming with the emergence of the notorious crime families. It’s like stepping into a time machine, giving players an authentic glimpse into the life of a mafia enforcer during that era. The game doesn’t disappoint with its adrenaline-pumping vintage car pursuits and gunfights, making me feel like I was living through the golden age of organized crime.

If you’re a fan looking forward to experiencing the Mafia storyline, the most cost-effective choice would be Mafia: Definitive Edition, since it encompasses all the Mafia games in one package.

3 Sleeping Dogs

An Exciting Undercover Cop Story

Different vehicles for transportation.
Exciting undercover cop story infiltrating a dangerous Chinese triad.

The game Sleeping Dogs offers numerous appealing aspects, from its open-world design to an engaging narrative. Once you start playing as Wei Shen, an undercover officer with both American and Chinese heritage who’s trying to penetrate the Sun On Yee Triad, it might be challenging for players to pull themselves away from the game and attend to other daily tasks. Throughout the story, players will encounter various side missions, main objectives, and activities that delve deep into the world of organized crime.

Just like I do in Grand Theft Auto games, Sleeping Dogs gives me the chance to traverse its open world using a variety of vehicles – boats, cars, motorcycles – each offering unparalleled freedom and swift transportation. What truly sets this game apart is its dynamic melee combat system, which lets me string together multiple attacks and pull off jaw-dropping combos with some practice and quick reflexes.

2 Yakuza 0

An In-Depth Look Into The Japanese Mafia

Goro Majima shines as a character.
Tension between Yakuza factions adds a nice layer of depth to the game’s story.

1. “Regardless of when they take place, crime games are consistently engaging. For instance, the appeal of ‘Scarface’ since its debut has shown that there’s something captivating about delving into the nightlife and criminal underworld of the 80s. This is part of what makes ‘Yakuza 0’, set in Japan in 1988 and prequel to the original game, so impressive. In this title, players follow Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they navigate the power struggles between various Yakuza groups.”

The game boasts impressive combat systems, a captivating narrative, and varied cutscenes that are both amusing and stylish. Charactor Goro Majima generally remains composed and strategic, favoring intellect over brute force when he can. In essence, Yakuza 0 stands as a noteworthy achievement in the series, establishing a lofty benchmark for future installments.

1 L.A. Noire

A Great Detective Story Set In 1940s Los Angeles

Amazing detective story that will have players questioning every word witnesses say.
Enticing 1940s post-war setting.

Post the conclusion of World War II, decorated war veteran Cole Phelps, holder of the Silver Star, opts for a change and settles back in Los Angeles, seeking a more ordinary existence. He finds employment with the LAPD as a beat officer, eventually being promoted to detective after successfully resolving a perplexing homicide case. Partnered with Finbarr Galloway in the Homicide division, he climbs the ranks by solving intricate murder mysteries that appear almost insolvable.

Through his journey within the LAPD, Cole finds himself transferred to the Vice division, leading him into a narrative filled with drama, deceit, and plenty of detective tasks. In this game, players engage in questioning suspects, jotting down their statements, and making judgments on whether they’re telling the truth or not. Deception is rife in this remarkable detective game from the last decade, L.A. Noire, and so far, no other game has managed to surpass its greatness.

2024-08-17 06:05