There’s no doubt thatGrand Theft Autois one of the most iconic series in gaming. Since the very firstGTAtitle back in 1997, the franchise has produced numerous hits. It’s also inspired more than a few imitators and can be credited with spearheading the urban open-world genre.
WithGTA 6a long way offyet, andGTA 5focused almost entirely on its online aspect, fans may be looking for a new single-player experience. Fortunately, there are many great games out there that fill a similar niche toGTA. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best on offer.
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Mafia: Definitive Edition
TheMafiaseries began in 2002 withMafia: The City of Lost Heaven. Set in the 1930s, the game follows the rise of aspiring mobster Tommy Angelo.GTAfans can expect all of the organized crime, car chases, and shoot-outs that they’re craving, as well as a classic mafia narrative.
The originalMafiawas remade in 2020 asMafia: Definitive Edition, which is now the most current title in the series. However, 2010’sMafia 2also received a remake earlier in 2020, updating graphics and gameplay for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
It’s unlikely that anyGTAfan won’t have heard ofRed Dead Redemption, but it still deserves a spot here. Rockstar’s other landmark series is set in the Wild West at the turn of the 19th century. While it may not feature as many police helicopters and car chases,Red Dead Redemption 2often feels likeGTA: Wild West.
Players take on the role of outlaw Arthur Morgan as he and the Van der Linde gang rob their way across the country. Just like the laterGTAtitles,RDR2tells a surprisingly nuanced story for a game on the wrong side of the law. It may trade in cars for horses, but it’s clear to see Rockstar’sGTAlegacy while playingRed Dead Redemption.
Saints Row: The Third Remastered
TheGTAseries is definitely not lacking in surreal moments, but for irreverent humor, the king of the castle isSaints Row. Kicking off with theoriginalSaints Rowin 2006, Volition’s series combinesGTA-style open-world urban crime with a unique sense of humor. The earlySaints Rowtitles were often labeled asGTAknock-offs, which caused Volition to double down on their combination of pop-culture references, parody, and self-referential humor.
The most recentSaints Rowgame isSaints Row: The Third Remastered, a graphical update of the third game in the series. However, many players may be more interested in 2013’sSaints Row 4, which mixes up the formula with the addition of superpowers.
Sleeping Dogs
Another title that has too often been dismissed as a mereGTAclone,Sleeping Dogsis an open-world action-adventure titlewith its own unique style. Set in contemporary Hong Kong, the United Front Games title is inspired by classic Hong Kong crime movies.
Players take on the role of Wei Shen, an undercover cop infiltrating one of the biggest Triads in the city. While living a double life as a gangster, Wei Shen is forced to use his martial arts, shooting, driving, and parkour abilities to survive. Ultimately, he is faced with the risks of forming friendships among the criminals he is meant to be investigating.
Grand Theft Auto 5is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are currently in development.
