What can you expect from games like GTA? Well, there’s tons of action, third-person shooter elements and of course, not to forget the wide-open spaces that allow you to roam freely without any limitations. Developed and published by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto invaded the gaming terrain way back in 1997. It enables you to sink into fictional places that are based on real-life American cities. If you love indulging in the GTA series, then you’ll definitely want to give these alternatives a try.
Here’s another game from the house of Rockstar Games that features various GTA ingredients including action-adventure, third-person shooter, and open-world elements. In Red Dead Redemption, you’ll be pulled into a title that’s set in the early 1900s, which means you’ll be able to slip into virtual cowboy boots, spurs and all. What can you expect from a game like this? Well, you can take complete advantage of all things Old West-like bounty hunting, gun battles, and dramatic train robberies. You can further jump in with your posses via a multiplayer mode, where up to 16 players can form groups of up to 8 individuals each.
2 – Prototype 2
Moving away from the Old West, we now foray into something more modern like Prototype 2. The next inclusion in our games similar to GTA roster puts you in the shoes of Sgt. James Heller, the newly infected protagonist. Become the ultimate shape-shifting weapon and make your way through the wastelands of a post-viral New York Zero. Developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Activision, Prototype 2 unleashed its fury just a few months back. If it’s another open-world sandbox game you’re looking for then do give this one a go.
3 – Mafia 2
Mafia 2 has been compared to GTA in a number of ways. But even though it comprises of action-adventure and third-person shooter elements, it still seems to lack an open-world approach. However, the game has a lot to offer those intrigued by the unforgiving world of the Mafia. You’ll be able to engage in hand-to-hand combat, gunfights and vehicular exploration when you exploit this title.
Prepare to be blown away by an immersive gangster experience and action-packed gameplay that is slapped across a game set in mid-20th century America. You can also groove to the tunes plucked right out of that era.
4 – True Crime: Streets of LA
This particular entrant in our GTA alternatives array resembles the game in question in many aspects. It was also noted to be among the first open-world action games that released post-GTA III. However, in this game, players are on the other side of the law.
And like Grand Theft Auto, this one is also an amalgamation of shooting, high-speed driving, and blood-splattering fights. It even boasts of an all-star voice cast. This includes the likes of Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Ron Perlman, Michelle Rodriguez, and Snoop Dogg.
In Saints Row: The Third, you’ll be transported to the fictional city of Steelport where an urban gang war rages on between the Saints and a trio of gangs namely, the Deckers, Morningstar, and Luchadores. Explore new expansive terrain, indulge in side missions and take part in main missions that reveal a captivating storyline.
On completing assignments, you’ll be endowed with weapons, in-game money, cars and gang respect. Furthermore, the currency can be utilized for customizing outfits, appearances, and headquarters.
6 – Infamous 2
The action-adventure open world fun continues with the mention of Infamous 2. Entering with a surge of electricity, this PS3 exclusive game lets you take on the role of Cole MacGrath as he strives to tap into his dormant powers. During his escapades, he leaves nothing but damage and violence in his wake. You decide the fate of the world here; either to save humanity or destroy it by working with the Beast. The game, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, was released just last year for the Sony platform.
7 – The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Wonder how it would feel like to hurl words such as ‘D’oh’ and ‘Ay, caramba!’ instead of the common abuses that you would normally dish out in Grand Theft Auto? Well, now you can experience all this and more in The Simpsons: Hit & Run. As you might have already guessed, it adopts a less serious approach as compared to the other games similar to GTA featured here.
Based on the American animated sitcom, the quirky title unravels the comical episodes of the most famous family in Springfield and other characters from Springfield, all in a Grand Theft Auto sort of way.
8 – Just Cause 2
Step into the shoes of agent Rico Rodriguez as he embarks on a mission to annihilate his friend and mentor, Tom Sheldon as well as the evil dictator Baby Panay. You’ll find yourself battling across air, land, and sea. You can also control more than 100 vehicles that range from tactical jeeps to jet fighters.
Your adventures in Just Cause 2 will take you to a 400 square mile island nation of Panau that is littered with sandy beaches, snow-capped peaks and scorching deserts. Perform death-defying stunts and journey through the island using your parachute and trusty grapple.
Conclusion
The Grand Theft Auto Series is packed to the hilt with not just one or two genres but a whole bunch of them. You have racing, action-adventure, driving, sheath, role-playing and other such fun-filled elements fitted into the deadly concoction. Then there are also violent and adult themes accommodated within each individual game which further adds to its popularity. But if you’re looking out for various games like GTA, then this is indeed the place to be. Which ones would you opt for if you’re a fan of open-world games?