Grand Theft Auto 3 

Rockstar made a big splash in the gaming industry with Grand Theft Auto 3. Thanks to the addition of a new dimension, Grand Theft Auto 3 let players loose into a virtual world that was unlike anything they had seen before. Between a great open-world and fun gameplay mechanics, Grand Theft Auto 3 tells a gangster story complete with all the betrayals and plot twists that one would expect from a story of this ilk. It has definitely aged a bit by modern standards, but there’s still a distinct charm to its world and gameplay that makes it enjoyable to this date.

Mafia Definitive Edition 

2020’s Mafia Definitive Edition soups the 2002 original with a complete reimagining of its visuals from the ground up. It tells the same story through a new lens and features the same complex characters and emotional development arcs that made us fall in love with it all in the first place. Mafia: Definitive Edition is an emotional tale of Tommy Angelo’s journey of rising through the ranks of criminal families, and the action sequences are extremely captivating which will keep you engaged for hours upon hours. 

The Warriors

Based on the 1979 film, The Warriors stands apart from the crowd of other Rockstar-developed open-worlds. And the biggest reason for that is its impressive hand-to-hand combat system that enables player expression, which is quite different from the ranged combat system that we see in games like Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead Redemption. The story also does a great job of showcasing the rivalry between gangs, and the characters are also quite memorable. It might not hold up visually, but The Warriors is definitely worth playing even after all these years.

The Getaway

It’s possible that many wouldn’t know about The Getaway, which is a shame considering it was one of the pioneers of cinematic action experiences of its time. Set against the backdrop of London, The Getaway tells a story of two characters trying to pull off dangerous heists and make it out alive against all odds. With cutting-edge animations and visuals, The Getaway is definitely one of the most impressive games on the PS2 – and it remains a must-play for anyone wanting to experience a good gangster story. 

50 Cent: Bulletproof

50 Cent: Bullet Proof is a third-person action game where the players are put in the shoes of popular rapper 50 Cent as he gets caught up in a criminal drama, and players are left to their devices to solve the mystery surrounding it all. The gameplay can be pretty clunky with aiming that’s not quite as accurate as one would like, but a soundtrack composed of 50 Cent tracks along with some remixes and instrumentals brings a fun vibe to this straightforward shooter game. It’s definitely not a perfect game by any means, but it has a distinct charm to it which makes it worth trying out.

Yakuza 0 

Ryu Ga Gotuko’s Yakuza series is most known for its densely packed open worlds, but equal attention also needs to be shed on its ability to tell surprisingly emotional stories within that format. Yakuza 0 is the first canonical game in the Kiryu saga, which makes it the perfect starting point for fans not used to the franchise. What makes Yakuza 0 so special is its ability to effortlessly switch between emotionally charged scenes and extremely eccentric moments unnoticed, and such instances can be found in abundance throughout its 20 to 30 hour run. 

True Crime: Streets of LA

Released in 2003, True Crime: Streets of LA tried to replicate the elements of Grand Theft Auto – but failed to capture the essence of what made it all so special in the first place. That being said, True Crime does manage to impress in certain aspects including but not limited to a story that changes based on your decisions and a different approach to humor in its writing. Add to that plenty of side activities, and True Crime: Streets of LA becomes a fairly fun time.

Sleeping Dogs 

United Front Games’ Sleeping Dogs might feel like a GTA clone at first glance, but when you look past that initial facade – you will notice that it’s so much more than that. As an undercover cop Wei Shen, you take up the task of bringing down the Sun On Yee gang by infiltrating them from the inside. The story juggles between the two factions, and there are plenty of interesting missions peppered throughout its world that will keep you playing right through to the end.

Mafia 2

Mafia 2 is an excellent sequel that builds upon what came before in new and interesting ways. The story related to Vito Scaletta is chock full of surprises, and the ever-shifting loyalty of important characters will keep you hooked to the edge of your seat at all times. The gameplay variety has also been improved, and while there isn’t much to do outside of sightseeing in the open world, it remains an extremely engaging experience nevertheless. 

Grand Theft Auto 5

It’s safe to say that Grand Theft Auto 5 has transcended from just a regular open-world game to a cultural behemoth, and that’s all thanks to the well-realized open-world of Los Santos. It’s well and truly a playground of possibilities, and while a lot of fun comes from just exploring its sunny beaches and lush forests – you also get a really great story about an unlikely alliance of criminals. In addition to the intriguing story of Michael, Franklin and Trevor, something that one would expect from the series, Grand Theft Auto 5 features a vast assortment of memorable heist missions with set pieces galore.

Watch_Dogs 1

While Watch Dogs was subject to plenty of controversy when it was released in 2013, it’s undeniable that it manages to do more things right than wrong. The hacking mechanics are a perfect fit for the pseudo-stealth gameplay on offer, which adds an extra layer of flexibility to the combat mechanics. Its story about exacting revenge might not be directly related to gangsters, but you will find plenty of fellow hackers that run organized crimes throughout the city to give the same shades of action as other games on this list.

Saints Row The Third 

Saints Row the Third takes place in the neon-lit city of SteelPort as they embark on an over-the-top comical adventure that stays true to its roots. The story takes you on an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that’s full of violence, bloodshed, and obscenity. The gameplay revolves around taking part in different kinds of missions and navigating the city’s underworld which is composed of different gangs and their rivalries. But what makes Saints Row the Third so special is that it doesn’t take itself seriously, which helps it stand out against the rest of its contemporaries. 

Scarface

Games that are inspired from movies tend to have a bad reputation for not standing up to player expectations, but Scarface has proven the naysayers wrong. Directly taking inspiration from the Grand Theft Auto series, Scarface presents a similar open world experience as its contemporaries, and while it doesn’t quite match the level of its aspirations, it definitely has its own charm regardless. The missions do an excellent job of recreating iconic scenes from the movie, but it also introduces a new ending to mix the pot up. It’s not without its quirks, but Scarface does provide a movie-like gangster experience and remains a must-play for people who crave action.

Driver: Parallel Lines

Driver: Parallel Lines thrusts you in the shoes of TK, a driving virtuoso who works for crime lords all while trying to make it big in a city that’s home to all sorts of shady organizations and shoddy activities. Driver: Parallel Lines meshes elements of GTA with Need for Speed, letting you blaze through an open world map filled with different kinds of side activities and points of interest. With its impressive camerawork and realistic car handling, Driver: Parallel Lines is a unique game for open-world fans who are craving to view the world of gangsters from a different angle. While the game might not be a big improvement over prior entries in the franchise, it is still a fun game for people who want to enjoy mafia games.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 tells a very unconventional gangster story. Instead of telling a tale of conquering the world, it shows the gradual descent of the Van Der Linde gang as they try to find their place in a rapidly changing America. Between an excellent cast of well-written characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll to plenty of exciting missions throughout its dozens of hours long story, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one game that’s just unmissable for anyone interested in such experiences.

inFamous 4

The inFamous series is famous for providing a power fantasy like no other, and Sucker Punch did an amazing job of meshing those designs with a well-crafted morality system that has the capability to affect not only the story but also the gameplay. It continues to be fresh even after all these years, and no game has really come close to matching the essence of inFamous. An inFamous 4 could make use of the PS5’s power to render some amazing visuals and explore new gameplay concepts, but with Sucker Punch most likely occupied with Ghost of Tsushima – there’s a pretty slim chance that such a project might see the light of day.

VANQUISH

Let’s get the most obvious pick out of the way first. Coming out at a time when the market was flooded with third person shooters, Vanquish provided something different, injecting flair and style into the combat. Vanquish feels excellent to play, and it’s a shame that it wasn’t played by way, way more people.

Well, this is surprising. Sony has filed a trademark for “Soho Engine” in Europe (spotted by Gematsu on Twitter). On its own, that might mean very little to you, but it possibly hints at a comeback for one of Sony’s most beloved cult properties.

Team Soho was, of course, the developer that made the PS2’s open world crime adventure The Getaway. That may not have been the most critically or commercially acclaimed game back then, but time has certainly been kind to it, and there’s no shortage of people who look back on it with adoration.

So what’s the deal with this Soho Engine then? Well, this is only speculation, but it’s possible that SIE London Studio is working on on a new The Getaway title – perhaps one that’s focused on VR, given the developer’s recent track record. We know that the developer is working on a new PS5 game, and they were, of course, the developers of The Getaway: Black Monday, so it’s certainly possible that Sony has tapped them up for a series revival.

Hopefully, we’ll know more about this sooner rather than later, so stay tuned.

Sony Interactive Entertainment has trademarked "Soho Engine" in Europe https://t.co/h7BZFHXUbY pic.twitter.com/Dy3BRHUoQs

— Gematsu (@gematsu) October 23, 2020

Ico

Are you tired about hearing how underrated Ico was (and still is)? Well, we’re not tired of saying it. Developed by Sony Japan Studio and Team Ico, the story of Ico and Yorda – told deftly through minimalist dialogue and incredible aesthetics – is still underappreciated. In terms of animation, presentation and puzzles, Ico was ahead of its time in 2001. It’s still a shame that it only sold 700,000 copies worldwide as of 2009.

One such example of that is The Getaway series, a briefly-lived gaming franchise inspired by gangs in Britain, and developed by SIE London – a Sony studio, now known as Sony Computer Entertainment London. But for what would seem to be a successful formula, The Getaway’s life as a franchise was cut short abruptly, never making it past a decade. What happened to The Getaway? We’ll take a look in this feature.

It starts with The Getaway, releasing in December 2002 in Europe and in 2003 for North America and Australia, with the game also later being released in Japan with Capcom publishing it. Plans for what would become the first The Getaway game began during the time of the PlayStation, with groundwork being laid for a mission-based free-roaming vehicle title. Over the course of development, it would move onto the PlayStation 2, and this game structure would be scrapped, just a prototype for what would lie ahead. The game was made between Sony London and Team Soho, a Sony subsidiary, now formally a part of SCE London.

A strong motivator for the creation of what would become the first The Getaway game is the desire to seamlessly transition between different areas in the game that the player is nearby. There would be no separating segments of the world of London, the setting for The Getaway, and simply dividing them with “loading walls.” This however was not an easy task, and development took Sony years of effort to accomplish. The Getaway would not be widely playable until E3 2002, following a round of screenshots being posted to promote this ambitious project during the time of E3 2000. All of this time and effort was a significant resource drain on Sony London, and it would see to the closing of two Sony studios, and the cancellation of works-in-progress at Sony in Britain.

The Getaway was all about detail. Early promotional media were praised for the level of detail that they showed off, and the game featured an assortment of real cars and guns that the characters would use to carry out mission objectives. When experiencing the game, the game player is not held back by an intrusive HUD or an abundance of brightly-colored objective markers in game – this allows people to be more fully immersed in playing through The Getaway.

With the great amount of time and money invested into the game, Sony had to hope that the game would sell well to make back what was put into it. Reportedly, it was a million-seller in the United States, and sold more than 600,000 in the United Kingdom – not such a bad start for the franchise. The reviews were a different story – they were essentially “alright” on the whole. While the graphical detail was often praised, the gameplay itself was seen as underwhelming, and the plot and voice acting were also targets of some criticism, with the depictions of racism seen in game also perhaps putting some game players on edge.

What could be said about The Getaway was that, after all was said and done and the game was released, the groundwork was there for a sequel that could maintain the momentum of the first title, existing in a time when games like the Grand Theft Auto series were already popular. It would just need some more attention to refining its gameplay.

This would take the form of The Getaway: Black Monday, releasing in 2004 for Europe and in 2005 for North America and Australia, and for the PlayStation 2. After the criticisms levied at the first The Getaway game, this would be important both for Sony’s investment and for the sake of the franchise itself.

However, what resulted was essentially more-of-the-same as a gameplay experience, though the plot featured new characters and there were more vehicles than the previous game. The cutscenes and cinematic nature of the gameplay experience were highly praised, alongside the voice acting, but the enemy AI were repeatedly criticized. Driving and shooting experiences in the game aren’t significantly improved, held back by flawed vehicular physics or weapon targeting. As with the first The Getaway, while a cinematic delivery framework of a game story existed, the plot and characters were not there to really resonate and take advantage of that framework.

Strangely, Black Monday would seem to more or less cement what The Getaway as a franchise would be known about – games that were primarily there to be experienced, as a movie might be. In a time before the surge of heavily cinematic games with great environmental realism and highly involved dramatic stories, such as the The Last of Us, it’s interesting to see what The Getaway franchise became. It’s hard to think that this game was intentionally prototypical of the type of game that The Last of Us was, but on a superficial level, it’s also not hard to think that The Getaway franchise was a sign of things to come, even if it took the form of underdelivering gameplay experiences.

Interestingly, The Getaway: Black Monday wasn’t supposed to be the last The Getaway game. In E3 2005, tech demo footage for a third The Getaway game was promoted, featuring Piccadilly Circus from The West End of London. This third title would transition away from the PlayStation 2 and move the franchise onto the PlayStation 3, taking place in London after Black Monday.

The tech demo footage, amongst other media touted to promote the not-yet-released PS3 by then- (and newly-formed) Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison, attracted a modest amount of attention, with The Getaway 3 demo’s environments rendered in great detail, and masses of vehicles and people all going about their way. However, this was also the year that the media was quite skeptical of what exactly was on display that could be directly attributable to the PlayStation 3.

Nevertheless, while a screenplay writer hired for the game stated that The Getaway 3 was still in development in March of 2008, the game would eventually be canned, or rather “put to the side,” as stated by Sony in 2009. Sony London would clarify that they shelved The Getaway 3 in favor of working on EyeToy hardware and the SingStar franchise, or the PlayStation Eye as it came to be known for the PS3. But while there was potential that could be delievered upon as seen in the E3 2005 tech demo, The Getaway’s timing and execution were simply off.

Had the gameplay, and to a lesser extent, the plot of the games been more serviceable, The Getaway would be seen as a franchise that marks the game development potential of Sony London, and could very well have continued to this day. But since the gameplay experiences were too underwhelming, Sony London would take their focus elsewhere. Tell us your experience with The Getaway games, if you have any. Can the franchise, if revived, succeed in today’s gaming climate? Does the type of story and world, the tone of the games, have a place for mainstream game players?

Far Cry 4 – Ubisoft Montreal

Why not start with a particular screenshot, featuring co-op gameplay with players in buzzers, that was the focus of a Kotaku article about a professional bullshotter? This Far Cry 4 shot had soft edges on the bullet casings and muzzle flash on guns, an effect which extended to the buzzer’s rotors. That’s only the tip of the iceberg for Ubisoft though so don’t worry.