The video game industry just wouldn’t be the same withoutGrand Theft Auto. The series may have started in 1997 as a bird’s-eye view carnage game that has players steal cars and divulge in a multitude of crimes across different cities, but sinceGrand Theft Auto3, the series leaped into the 3D space, providing players with a new open-world.
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Modern video games haveGrand Theft Autoto thank as the blueprint for their design, and some of the best open-world games wouldn’t be the same without the inspiration from Rockstar’sGrand Theft Autoseries, which continues to deliver, even if players have waited over a decade forGrand Theft Auto6.
8The Simpsons: Hit & Run
If players ever wanted to experienceThe Simpsonsin an open world, thenThe Simpsons: Hit & Runisperhaps the best experience. This game has clearGrand Theft Autoinspiration, from its crime system to the fact that it can steal other people’s cars.
Players might not be able to shoot other characters fromThe Simpsons, but they can kick them repeatedly.The Simpsons: Hit & Runis a great game and a classic for many fans. Exploring Springfield, and its characters, in aGTAsetting is a joy.
7Crackdown
Crackdownmay have faltered from its desire to bestGrand Theft Auto, but that doesn’t stop the game from being one of the bestGTAclones.Crackdownwas inspired byGrand Theft Auto, not only through the gameplay and open-world aspects but from the desire to compete and beatGTAitself.Even if it did not succeed, it’s still a great game.
The competitive nature ofCrackdown’s creation made it a good game, and an open world where players can create their fun within. Players are given the tools and the talents to experience hyper-realism in a world filled with player-caused carnage.
6Saints Row
Saints Rowwould be a game entirely impossible withoutGrand Theft Auto. The open-worldSaints Rowgame may have started as a mereGTA clone, but it has since divulged into the chaos and quirky nature of its own two feet, allowing players to create some bizarre characters, vehicles, and weapons to terrorize the citizens of Steelport and Stillwater.
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The beginning ofSaints Rowmay feel like a grittySaints Rowdesperate to compete withGrand Theft Auto, but the future titles of the series managed to do their own thing, whilst keeping the inspiration fromGTAclear with its open-world city, combat, and vehicles.
5Mafia 2
IfGrand Theft Autotraveled back in time to the 40s and 50s, it’s safe to say that it would look likeMafia 2.Mafia 2takes place in the fictional U.S. city, Empire Bay, with players taking the role of Vito Scaletta, a man who returns from the war with a desire to make a name for himself and take care of his loved ones. After getting involvedwith gangsters and the mafia, Vito has to find a way to not drown in Empire Bay’s crime and corruption.
Players may wish thatMafia 2was not so short, or that the game had more to offer in its linear open world, but it’s still a great experience. The range of vehicles, exciting missions, and characters, makesMafia 2a clearGTA-inspiredgame with gangster style.
4Watch_Dogs
Instead of being armed with a shotgun and a desire to steal cars,Watch_Dogsgives players a phone and the ability to hack technology.Watch_Dogsis an open-world game inspired byGrand Theft Auto. From the gloom of its open-world city to the carnage that unfolds if players commit crimes in the streets,Watch_Dogshas plenty ofGTAmechanics.
Players canrun through Chicago, and battle the fascist corporation of ctOS. Armed with a multitude of weapons, batons, gadgets, and gear, players will begin the task of unraveling the dangers of CtOS, even if the sequel,Watch_Dogs 2does it better.
3Yakuza 0
Players may not be able to steal cars inYakuza 0, but the crime-riddled Kamurocho and Sotenbori leave them with plenty of opportunities to fight.Yakuza 0is chronologically the first game in theYakuzaseries, which was later renamedLike a Dragon. Despite the inspiration fromGrand Theft Auto,Yakuza 0is a unique experience that players need to try.
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Players will find so much joy in the wackiness and fun ofYakuza 0. Fromthe many minigamesof bowling, karaoke, and disco dancing, to the varied combat styles that players can use. Not only is the gameplay a complete joy, butYakuza 0has an immersive story of crime and mystery in 1980s Japan.
2Sleeping Dogs
Players will discover the story of Wei Shen, an undercover cop tasked with dismantling the Triads.Sleeping Dogsis a gritty game set in Hong Kong, and as an undercover cop, players need to do anything they can to avoid blowing their cover, even if that means committing crimes.Sleeping Dogsmay not have the variety ofGrand Theft Auto, buta crime-riddled open worldis an inspiration.
There’s an enjoyability inSleeping Dogs, as players will blur the line between crime and justice as they risk their lives for their undercover role. The combat can be a lot of fun inSleeping Dogs, with players using a variety of gory means to battle their enemies.
1Cyberpunk 2077
Welcome to Night City, a future dystopian location in which everyone seems to be out to avoid each other, or kill each other.Cyberpunk 2077does a great job with its immersion. From the bustling streets to the engaging and complex story of V and Johnny Silverhand.Cyberpunk 2077is inspired byGrand Theft Autoin a multitude of ways but remains independent, a brilliant experience for fans of the open-world genre.
Players can steal cars, battle police, engage in a city-wide chaos, or, simply immerse themselves in Night City. Although, it’s best to wear a bulletproof vest, as carnage reigns supreme with thevariety of gangsthat inhabit the futuristic and fictional heart of California.
