If you’re looking for a game that has similar game mechanics to GTA, such as open world carnage, reckless driving, and shootout after shootout, the games on this list may be of interest to you.
Chances are, you’ve probably heard of some of them, but there may be some on this list that you missed out on.
Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs will always go down as one of the best open world crime games when it comes to storytelling. The game launched back in 2012 and it still hasn’t been beaten in many ways.
The story is a very key component to Sleeping Dogs, so if you’re looking for something that has a little more depth to all of the mindless shooting, this game will be for you. The game has also been presented to the player in a cinematic atmosphere – the shooting, driving, and open world exploring is as fun to look at as it is to actually play it.
We’re really hoping Sleeping Dogs gets a sequel because it was and still is one of the top open world games to ever bless the video game industry.
Watch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs 2 expanded upon the original Watch Dogs game and took the franchise into a new direction. It fixed all of the mistakes that Watch Dogs originally made and brought forth enough changes to make it stand on its own as an exceptional open world crime game.
Watch Dogs 2 focuses on one very important gameplay mechanic – hacking. Unlike the first game, Watch Dogs 2 provides players with many creative ways to use their hacking ability. Everything you can hack in Watch Dogs 2 can provide meaningful benefit, too.
As you progress through the game, your hacking abilities will improve and you’ll be able to unlock new high-tech gadgets.
Yakuza 0
Out of all of the games that are similar to GTA, Yakuza 0 is the most recent, and it’s also one of the best.
Yakuza 0 continues the Yakuza franchise. This time around, the game focuses on two characters; Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. You’ll alternate between the two as the story progresses.
What makes Yakuza 0 different to most other open world games is that this one has a focus on melee combat and martial arts, as opposed to guns and explosives.
Both Kiryu and Majima have access to a number of different fighting styles. The styles include a mix of fast-paced hands-to-hands combat, sluggish attacks with heavy weapons, and pretty much everything in between.
Saints Row 3
If you’re the kind of person that likes GTA games because of the wacky humor and carnage that goes on around the player, you’ll absolutely love Saints Row 3.
When it comes to Saints Row 3, everything is completely over the top. The storyline is engaging and filled to the brim with jokes and gags. The characters are well-developed and play into this wacky, humorous universe that Volition wanted to create with Saints Row 3.
Saints Row 3 also has a great selection of missions to play through. You’re never left feeling like you’re replaying the same mission concepts. It’s clear Volition worked hard to make things unique and refreshing from start to finish.
Crackdown
We’re all still holding out for Crackdown 3, but in the meantime, why not dust off your old copy of the first Crackdown on Xbox 360?
Crackdown launched back in 2007 and it offered a completely different take on the open world crime genre. In Crackdown, you can control a genetically enhanced human as you smash your way through the city.
The thing that made Crackdown so great was its excellent progression system. Players could upgrade their Strength, Agility, Driving, Explosives, and Firearms abilities by using each ability.
Upgrading these abilities to their fullest would allow you to make super jumps, run fast, and take down enemies with ease.
State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 is the only game on this list that’s not yet out. We thought it deserved a mention because it looks like it could be the best open world game in 2018.
State of Decay 2 is an open world zombie survival game – there’s less focus on taking out cops and breaking the law and more of a focus on building a settlement and fighting against the unrelenting hordes of zombies.
Red Dead Redemption
It comes as no surprise to us that one of the best games that’s similar to GTA is Red Dead Redemption, another open world game from the GTA creators.
The best way to explain Red Dead Redemption is to take GTA and put it into an old western movie. It sounds odd at first, but somehow it works.
Remember, Red Dead Redemption 2 is going to launch later this year as well!
The Simpsons: Hit and Run
How can we not pay homage to The Simpsons: Hit and Run? This title is perhaps one of the most nostalgia-inducing video games on the planet.
The Simpsons: Hit and Run is obviously miles apart from GTA when it comes to blood and violence, but if you’re after a more relaxing family friendly open world game, Hit and Run will do perfectly.
Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 is another open world crime game that’s just too fun to put down. There’s a lot to praise about Just Cause 3 – the story, the huge open world, the graphics.
Honestly, we only care about the amazing grappling hook mechanics. I’m sure many of you can agree when we say that the grappling hook makes Just Cause 3 stand out.
With the grappling hook, you can jump from car to car, pull stunts, attach planes to objects, attach people to the back of vehicles, and pull off all sorts of other tricks.
Summary
What are your thoughts on this list? Out of all of the games that we mentioned, which one is your favourite? In your opinion, are any of them better than GTA?
