Unleash Your Inner Villain: Top 8 Open World Crime Games

Open-world crime games provide players with the opportunity to step into the shoes of a villain or antihero, offering a refreshing change from the typical hero-centric gameplay. Drawing inspiration from classic gangster movies like Goodfellas and Heist films such as Ronin and Heat, these games allow players to live out their wildest criminal fantasies without any real-world ramifications. The Grand Theft Auto series and original Driver game helped pave the way for these crime sagas, allowing players to control a gangster or getaway driver in an expansive open world. This list compiles some of the best open-world crime games, giving players the chance to cause chaos and rise to the top of the criminal underworld. One such game is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

It's clear that the developers at Rockstar have a strong affinity for mobster movies, and that's readily apparent in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The game boasts the late Ray Liotta - of Goodfellas fame - in the lead role and references classic films like Scarface, Carlito's Way, and Goodfellas, among others.

As with previous installments in the series, the story is expertly crafted and strikes a delicate balance between dark humor and gravitas as Liotta's character, Tommy Vercetti, ascends the ranks of Miami's criminal underworld in the 1980s. The game also features an impressive roster of A-list talent, including Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, Dennis Hopper, Burt Reynolds, Gary Busey, Lee Majors, and more, making it arguably the most star-studded video game ever created.

The Getaway is a thrilling mobster game set in London, available on PlayStation 2. Drawing inspiration from Guy Ritchie's classic films such as Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, this game offers a refreshing change from the typical open-world crime games set in America. The gritty London setting adds an extra layer of intensity to the gameplay, making it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

.

Additionally, The Getaway boasts a unique storytelling approach with two protagonists whose paths ultimately cross. Mark, a reformed bank robber, is thrust back into a life of crime after his son is kidnapped, while a determined detective sets out to track Mark down. The narrative is expertly crafted and is definitely worth a closer examination.

Note: Placeholder

remains unchanged.

Mafia 2 takes players on a thrilling journey through mid-1940s and early 50s America, as they follow the rise of a World War 2 veteran through the ranks of a crime family based in the fictional city of Empire Bay. This city is a stunning recreation of famous US locations such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit, and serves as the backdrop for a gripping mafia war between three rival crime families. While the open world in Mafia 2 may not be as expansive as that found in the Grand Theft Auto series, the character-driven narrative, complete with twists and betrayals, is sure to captivate fans of classic mob movies like The Godfather Trilogy.

{{video_placeholder_mafia2}}

.

In Cyberpunk 2077, players take on the role of V, a customizable character who must navigate a dangerous world filled with corruption, corporate espionage, and dangerous gangs. The game's open-world setting is full of life, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery in its dystopian cyberpunk landscape. As players progress through the game, they can participate in bounties and intervene during crimes in progress, all while navigating the treacherous streets of Night City. This futuristic metropolis is ruled by various gangs, including the cybernetically-enhanced Animals, the Tyger Claws, and Maelstrom, each of which V must negotiate with or fight against to survive. With its immersive world and action-packed gameplay, Cyberpunk 2077 is a must-play for fans of the RPG genre.

:

Mafia: The Definitive Edition is a remarkable remake that does justice to the original game released in 2002. The game features an expanded storyline and a talented voice cast, enhancing the already excellent script. The visual enhancements are breathtaking, but the game's real strength lies in its character-driven narrative, which is among the best in the genre. The game revolves around Tommy Angelo's journey as he climbs the ranks of the Salieri crime family, culminating in his eventual downfall.

The game takes place during the 1930s in the fictional metropolis of Lost Heaven, which draws inspiration from the likes of New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. While there isn't much to do in the city outside of Free Ride mode, the focus of the game lies in its gripping plot and well-crafted characters, making it one of the most engaging crime dramas in the world of gaming.

.

Featuring three main characters, Grand Theft Auto 5 offers players the chance to play as Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Balancing satirical dark humor with a gripping crime drama and impressive characterization, GTA 5 is one of the most content-packed open-world action games available, with endless side missions and activities to keep players engaged.

The heist missions in GTA 5 were inspired by Michael Mann's Heat, which starred Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, just as they were in GTA 4. Michael bears a striking resemblance to DeNiro's character, Neil McCauley, while Trevor's appearance and behavior are reminiscent of Waingro. Franklin, on the other hand, is an original character and stands out for it. He is sharp, quick-witted, and resourceful, quickly earning the respect and friendship of Michael and Trevor. The popularity of GTA 5 continues to soar, largely due to GTA Online, where players can take on the roles of criminals, police officers, and more in a dynamic, open world overflowing with unique story content.

with proper grammar and punctuation.

Players take on the role of an undercover cop in Sleeping Dogs, which was launched as a spiritual successor to the True Crime series. What sets this game apart from others on this list is the fact that the protagonist, Wei Shen, struggles with going too deep undercover as the criminals he is infiltrating are his childhood friends.

Sleeping Dogs pays homage to classic Hong Kong movies, with nods to John Woo films and martial arts epics featuring Donnie Yen and Bruce Lee. The fighting system in this game is the best in its genre, with combat similar to the Batman Arkham games. Moreover, it boasts an impressive voice cast including Will Yun Lee (Altered Carbon), Emma Stone (The Amazing Spider-Man), Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins), and Lucy Liu (Shazam: Fury of the Gods). {{video_placeholder_1}}

The Grand Theft Auto 4 pack, which includes both the main game and Episodes from Liberty City, is an excellent value for any gamer. In the game, players take on the role of Niko Bellic, a European immigrant. While GTA 4 may not be as heavily focused on cinematic references and nods to gangster movies, fans of cinema will still find nods to hit movies such as Heat and The French Connection.

The expansions for GTA 4 are equally worthwhile, boasting even tighter storylines. The Lost and the Damned follows the vice president of the Lost MC biker club, with its narrative seamlessly intertwining with Niko's journey in the GTA 4 timeline. Fans of Sons of Anarchy will appreciate the opportunity to step into the shoes of an established member of a dangerous biker gang. The Ballad of Gay Tony, on the other hand, focuses on Luis Fernando Lopez, the bodyguard of the titular Gay Tony. Alongside an exceptional cast of characters, this expansion offers even more freedom and side content for fans to enjoy. What's more, it neatly ties up all the loose ends from GTA 4 and the Lost and the Damned, making it a standout expansion that fans will love.