For all you fans of the games like GTA, here’s a list worth checking out, containing titles with similar sandbox gameplay elements.
With a collection of different stories and missions to choose from, these titles offer you the chance to jump into the shoes of a typical criminal of the underworld or an undercover cop, driving the most fanciest of cars and doing things you could never have imagined you could do (in real life at least).
1. Driver: San Francisco
The Driver series returns with this edition titled San Francisco, developed by Ubisoft for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 as well as Wii. One of the main attractions of its gameplay is the shift trait where instead of manually getting out of your car you just ‘shift’ yourself into other cars.
Get ready for some adrenaline pumping driving as every car you control has a boost feature. Along with an engaging story, the first entry to our compilation of games similar to GTA also contains split-screen and online multiplayer.
2. Crackdown 2
If you are looking for more mayhem and cooler weapons, then Crackdown 2 is sure to satisfy your taste. You will be playing an agent who is given the task of restoring law and order to Pacific City, by fighting against a terrorist unit called the Cell and zombie-like mutants called Freaks. In Crackdown 2 you have skills to master in order to advance.
These include Agility, Firearms, Driving, Strength and Explosives skills. This title offers you better action packed thrills with the ability to drive fast armored vehicles and it also has a fun co-op mode with which you can team up with up to 4 friends and play online to improve your skills.
3. Saints Row: The Third
Saints Row: The Third as the name suggests is the third part of the Saints Row series. You will be assuming the role of the leader of the Third Street Gang, and will have the ability to roam freely in the city of Steelport.
This third entry to our compilation of GTA alternatives stands true to its predecessors by offering the same kind of crazy gameplay it’s known for. Wacky weapons, futuristic gadgets and over-the-top action are all waiting for you in this one.
4. The Godfather:
Based on the original movie produced by Albert S. Ruddy, The Godfather published by Electronic Arts, surrounds the main character Aldo Trapani who seeks revenge on a rival family gang that kills his father in front of him.
You have to complete missions and kill your targets in order to advance and gain experience points as a mafia don, and your ultimate aim is to become the don of the Corleone family in New York. The Godfather contains a huge portion of the original star cast in the movie and also the same memorable themes used in the film.
5. Red Dead Redemption:
Another original title by Rockstar is Red Dead Redemption which gives you a real feel of what living in Wild West would have been. Of course, no fast cars or bikes are at your disposal, but different breeds of horses don’t make you feel their absence. Our protagonist goes by name of John Marston, and is a former criminal who’s trying hard to get rid of his past and return to his wife and kid.
Its mission-based gameplay takes the story forward, but its vast open world will most definitely prove to be a distraction with the plethora of activities you can indulge in. These include hunting, helping out strangers and more.
6. Prototype:
Next on our list of games similar to GTA is Prototype which revolves around a central character named Alexander J. Mercer who possesses the ability to changing his body as he likes. He is taked with fighting against enemies that include Military Forces and other infected human beings.
Alex’s weapons include his blade arm, hammer fists and other combo attacks. When you’re not indulging in missions, you can roam around freely in the city of Manhattan that has been recreated by the developers.
7. Just Cause 2:
This title by Square Enix has been a haven for enthusiasts of the open world genre ever since it came out for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in 2010. Its massive world is a delight to roam around in, while its story missions are worth indulging in as well.
Rico Rodriguez, the protagonist character, has been blessed by the developers with a distinct grappling hook, giving him the ability to attach a pursuing vehicle to the ground and perform other such breath-taking acts.
8. Sleeping Dogs:
Sleeping Dogs is a superb new sandbox title which is loaded with a truly complex story revolving around the Triad mafia in Hong Kong. You play as an undercover cop, Wei Shen, who’s sent into the street gangs with an aim of giving out crucial information regarding their activities to the police.
But Wei has his personal grudges to address too, leading him to get fully embroiled in the life of crime that is shown transpiring in Hong Kong. With different types of cars and bikes to drive around and an ability to jump from one vehicle to another at high speeds, this title has plenty to offer. It can be bought now for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Conclusion:
The above list of 7 games like GTA are guaranteed to satisfy your needs for free roaming action punctuated by interesting stories. So go ahead and enjoy yourselves, and do make sure to give offer us your own views of the titles. And do let us know which is your favorite sandbox title.