The allure of the criminal underworld has been a compelling theme for PC games, offering players a chance to explore the shadowy lives of gangsters. From building a crime empire to navigating the gritty streets as an enforcer, these games span a wide range of gameplay styles, all united by the theme of organized crime. In this article, we delve into the 10 best gangster games that have captured the imagination of gamers who yearn to don the suit of a mob boss or the badge of a law officer on the hunt.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
Taking the criminal underworld by storm, Grand Theft Auto V by Rockstar Games is an unparalleled masterpiece in gangster gaming. It offers a vast open-world experience and an intricate narrative that delves deep into the lives of three distinct criminals. Each protagonist brings a unique perspective to the high-octane escapades within the sprawling metropolis of Los Santos. Players can indulge in a life of crime, from bank heists to extortion, all while dodging the law in a realistic and engrossing city teeming with life. The game's online component, GTA Online, further enhances the experience by allowing players to forge their own criminal empire with friends.
2. Mafia III
Set against the backdrop of 1968 New Bordeaux, a reimagined version of New Orleans, Mafia III presents a gritty and violent narrative exploring revenge and the quest for power. Players step into the shoes of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War vet seeking retribution against the Italian mob for the betrayal and slaughter of his adopted family. 2K Games delivers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of racism and criminality of the era, wrapped within a gameplay experience of territorial conquests, intense shootouts, and a power struggle that feels both personal and expansive.
3. The Godfather: The Game
Immersing players in the iconic universe of Francis Ford Coppola's film series, The Godfather: The Game from Electronic Arts, allows gamers to experience the life of a rising enforcer in the Corleone family. Set in a meticulously recreated 1940s New York City, players have to earn their stripes through loyalty, intimidation, and a string of dirty deeds. Engaging in operations like racketeering, extortion, and violent mob hits, the game bridges the gap between narrative cinema and interactive entertainment while providing a detailed insight into mafia hierarchies and codes of conduct.
4. Yakuza 0
Sega takes players to the neon-lit streets of 1980s Japan in Yakuza 0. As a prequel to the long-running Yakuza series, it throws players into the intricate world of two protagonists – Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima – as they navigate the treacherous territory of the Yakuza crime syndicates. With a blend of brutal beat 'em up combat, deep storytelling, and the possibility to engage in various side activities like running a cabaret club or participating in underground fighting rings, Yakuza 0 is a game that offers both depth and diversion within its portrayal of organized crime.
5. L.A. Noire
L.A. Noire from Rockstar Games flips the script by placing players in the role of a detective in post-World War II Los Angeles. Climbing the ranks of the LAPD, players must solve a series of increasingly complex cases that lead them into the heart of the city's criminal underbelly. The game’s revolutionary facial recognition technology allows for an unprecedented level of interaction in interrogations and searches for clues. Though you're enforcing the law rather than breaking it, L.A. Noire's deep narrative and atmospheric setting ensure its place among the most compelling gangster-themed games.
6. Saints Row: The Third
With a penchant for the ridiculous, Saints Row: The Third from Volition presents a world where gang wars and over-the-top antics reign supreme. Players lead the Third Street Saints, a gang that has become a household brand name, in their fight against rival groups vying for control of the fictional city of Steelport. The game takes a sharp turn into the absurd with outlandish weapons, vehicles, and scenarios that add an explosive layer of fun and mayhem to the mix. It's a far cry from realism but delivers unadulterated joy in a universe where gangster action is synonymous with a good time.
7. Payday 2
Geared towards cooperative gameplay, Payday 2, developed by Overkill Software, lets players orchestrate elaborate heists with friends, taking on the roles of seasoned criminals. From bank vaults to art galleries, the targets are diverse, and the execution requires strategy and teamwork. As players progress, they can specialize in skills and acquire better gear, all contributing to the successful completion of bigger and more lucrative jobs. It’s a test of loyalty and coordination, where trust in your fellow heisters makes the difference between a massive payday and getting caught red-handed.
8. Sleeping Dogs
Alerting players to the neon-drenched streets of Hong Kong, Sleeping Dogs by United Front Games is an undercover tale of loyalty and deceit. You play as Wei Shen, a police officer embedded deep in the Triad organization. The game features a cinematic story that makes players question the line between right and wrong as Wei becomes increasingly entangled in his double life. Blending powerful martial arts techniques combat with thrilling car chases and a rich open world to explore, Sleeping Dogs offers an Asian twist to the gangster genre that's both fresh and engaging.
9. Scarface: The World is Yours
What if Tony Montana survived the epic end of Scarface? The question is answered in Scarface: The World is Yours. Published by Vivendi Universal Games, it resurrects the titular character as he rebuilds his cocaine empire in 1980s Miami. Engaging with the drug trade, avoiding law enforcement, and taking out rivals, players get a chance to live the life of the infamous gangster. Proving that crime does pay, at least in virtual form, this game delves into business management, territory control, and a story of redemption and rage that embodies the spirit of the film.
10. Omerta - City of Gangsters
With a blend of simulation and turn-based combat, Omerta - City of Gangsters from Haemimont Games is a strategic foray into the life of a 1920s prohibition-era mob boss. Set in Atlantic City, players must build their criminal empire through clever management, recruiting and maintaining a loyal crew, and occasionally getting their hands dirty in tactical fights. It's a game that challenges players' strategic acumen as they navigate the complexities of running an illicit operation, outsmarting both the authorities and rival gangs in a bid to become the undisputed kingpin.
Each of these gangster games offers a distinctive take on the world of organized crime, providing players with diverse narratives, mechanics, and settings that cover the spectrum of the criminal enterprise. Regardless of whether you prefer the seat of a feared Mob boss, a cunning Yakuza lord, or a high-stakes heister, these games promise to deliver experiences as compelling as they are thrilling, all from the safety of your PC.