Unleash your dark, criminal side and dive into some of the best crime video games ever released!
Have you ever reloaded a game just because you accidentally injured or upset some random, unimportant NPC? It might sound a bit ridiculous, but it might be a sign you’re a genuinely moral person who can’t help but bring your real-world values into your virtual adventures. But let’s be honest — sometimes, we just want to sit on the wrong side of the law, beat up the good guys, steal their cash, and live a life of lawlessness. That’s where crime video games come in. And judging by their huge popularity, it seems like we all love playing the bad guy once in a while.
There’s something undeniably exciting about becoming a ruthless, virtual crime lord, rising through the underworld ranks, and building your own criminal organization. If that sounds like your kind of cathartic fun, we’ve put together a list of the best gangster games where you can fully embrace your inner villain. After all, at GG.deals, we firmly believe that the best way to get that morally questionable thrill of being a bad guy is in the digital world — not in real life!
What are the best gangster games?
Unsurprisingly, some of the best games that let you live a life of crime are sprawling open-world gangster games packed with guns, fast cars, and plenty of side activities to keep you busy. However, even within this genre, we’ve aimed to provide a mix of titles that cater to a variety of tastes. Some games approach crime with a serious tone, while others embrace the absurd, turning criminal acts into over-the-top, humorous escapades. Our first pick falls squarely into the former category, so prepare to get your hands dirty in…
Crime Cleaner
If we ever hit the jackpot and could hire Liam Neeson to narrate our list of crime video games, Crime Scene Cleaner would be the ideal fit. With his gravelly voice straight out of Taken, he’d deliver a line like, “I don’t have any money. But what I do have is a particular set of skills. Skills that make me valuable to people like you. Pay for the girl’s treatment, and I’ll find you. And then… well, I’ll clean up after you.” And boom — there’s the premise of Crime Scene Cleaner.
In this game, you take on the role of a desperate father trying to pay for his daughter’s medical treatment by doing dirty work for local mobsters. And when we say “dirty,” we mean it. Forget the usual gunfights and car chases. In this first-person simulation (and if you’re into that, check out our curated list of simulation games), your job begins AFTER the mayhem. The criminals have already done the damage; your role is to tidy up the crime scene before the cops show up and put the mob behind bars. Despite the grim setting, there’s something oddly soothing about turning a gory mess into a spotless crime scene. It’s engaging, strangely therapeutic, and an unconventional twist on the typical games with organized crime figures.
Driver: Parallel Lines
For fans of open-world gangster games, the Driver series might be a distant memory, often overshadowed by the likes of GTA. But we agreed it would be a disservice not to give at least one nod to this nearly forgotten gem. Enter Driver: Parallel Lines — an almost 20-year-old classic that still deserves its moment in the spotlight.
In Parallel Lines, you step into the shoes of T.K., a talented getaway driver embedded in the criminal underworld. Things take a sharp turn when — and that’s a spoiler alert — T.K. is betrayed, framed, and sent to prison for nearly three decades. Once he’s out, it’s all about revenge, with plenty of shooting, driving, and the classic action-packed combo of shooting while driving. Sure, we’re the first ones to admit that Driver: Parallel Lines hasn’t aged flawlessly. However, for those craving some old-school nostalgia with a gritty edge, it’s a title well worth revisiting.
Saints Row 4
Few things are as satisfying as a well-crafted redemption arc, especially when a real gangster transforms into a hero. And if that journey involves becoming the President of the United States, gaining superpowers, and fending off an alien invasion? Even better! Crazy, right? Well, no wonder since we are dealing with Saints Row IV.
Now, let’s be honest — Saints Row IV isn’t exactly a realistic portrayal of crime life. After all, how many gang members battle for turf using superpowers and mech suits? However, the game does involve some classic criminal activities like mugging civilians and robbing stores to earn cash and experience. If you’re up for some absurd, over-the-top action, SR4 is your game. But if that sounds a bit too out there for you, consider diving into the earlier, slightly more grounded entries in the franchise.
PayDay 2
Assembling a crew of specialists is a classic hallmark of any riveting criminal story. After all, if you want to live a gangster life, you need people you can trust — or at least people willing to get their hands dirty alongside you. Payday 2, a cooperative FPS, takes this concept and runs with it, pushing you and your ragtag crew to team up for some adrenaline-pumping heists and daring robberies.
“But my friends are too soft-hearted to play as hardened criminals,” you might say. No worries! Payday 2 can be played offline with AI-controlled teammates who will support you most of the time. That said, we highly recommend convincing your friends to join the dark side because this is where the game truly shines. The rush of working together to pull off the perfect heist, grab the loot, and fend off the inevitable law response is an experience best shared with a group of trusted allies or even a few reluctant ones.
Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs deserves a spot on our list for three compelling reasons. First, it taps into the ever-popular trope of being an undercover cop infiltrating criminal organizations. Second, every list of games where bad guys play major roles needs at least one morally upright protagonist, and Wei Shen fits that role perfectly. Finally, Sleeping Dogs is simply an exceptional title.
When it comes to storytelling, the game is a true masterpiece of crime drama so that we won’t spoil too much. Let’s just say it kicks off with a dramatic event that goes wrong, setting the stage for escalating tension. Combine this with a vibrant recreation of Hong Kong, stellar voice acting, and a brutal yet fluid combat system – all while Wei Shen grapples with his loyalty to both the police and the criminal underworld. It’s easy to see why this classic crime game has earned its rightful place among the best!
Mafia 2
No list of the best gangster games would be complete without the Mafia franchise, which masterfully captures the essence of being an ambitious mobster in mid-20th-century America. While Mafia 2 may not quite eclipse the legacy of its predecessor — which we have also featured on this list — it remains a great gaming experience worth giving a try.
Set in the vibrant city of Empire Bay, Mafia 2 puts you in the shoes of Vito, a young Italian-American aspiring gangster. As you navigate your way up the Mafia ladder, you’ll engage in classic criminal activities such as heists, smuggling, and taking out rival gang members. Yet, the narrative goes beyond that and also explores Vito’s efforts to care for his family – a task made increasingly more challenging the deeper he delves into the criminal underworld.
Saints Row 3
– What I wouldn’t give for a game that centers around leading a street gang that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is filled with outrageous humor -. If that sounds like you, don’t worry — we’ve got just the game: Saints Row 3. No aliens this time, but the level of wackiness and sheer fun will still blow your mind.
The main goal in Saints Row 3 is to conquer the turf war in the vibrant city of Steelport, all while indulging in outrageous, comedic gameplay. You’ll find yourself performing vehicle stunts, participating in a combat reality TV show, and even jumping in front of cars to commit insurance fraud. Mayhem and destruction are a thing, too, so expect a lot of fighting, complete with crazy weapons like rocket launchers and the iconic Dubstep Gun. Heck, there’s even a melee weapon called the Penetrator, which we shall not discuss in detail due to legal reasons! Check out the game, and if you enjoy similar open-world titles, here is our curated list!
Yakuza 0
Let’s take a moment to journey beyond America and dive into the captivating world of Japan with the Yakuza series. Renowned for its masterful blend of serious crime narratives and lighthearted fun, this franchise has garnered a devoted following — and we’ve even ranked all the Yakuza games here! For this discussion, however, we’ll focus on the prequel that kicked it all off: Yakuza 0.
Set in the 1980s, Yakuza 0 introduces us to two central figures, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, whose destinies are deeply entwined with the titular crime organization. The game delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the often harsh realities of gang life, all while immersing us in the vibrant Japanese culture. Worry not, though – when you want a break from fighting rival gangsters, you can take a break and unwind with a variety of amusing activities, like singing at karaoke clubs or visiting classic arcade game stores.
Mafia
Sometimes, a single, impulsive decision can change the course of your life forever. That’s exactly what happens to Tommy Angelo, a humble taxi driver in 1930s Lost Heaven, and the protagonist of one of the best gangster games and a timeless classic – Mafia. One fateful night, Tommy is roped into a high-speed chase when two members of the Salieri crime family seek his help while being pursued by a rival gang. His quick thinking and driving skills save the mobsters, but that decision pulls him deep into a war between two powerful Mafia families, setting the stage for an unforgettable story.
Now, if you’re hesitant about diving into a game that originally launched over two decades ago, don’t worry—2020’s Mafia: Definitive Edition is here to bridge that gap. This remake stays true to the heart of the original while dramatically enhancing the experience. The game boasts stunning graphics, additional cutscenes that enrich the narrative, and much-needed improvements to both hand-to-hand combat and gunplay. For fans of classic gangster films like The Untouchables, Goodfellas, or Capone, Mafia: Definitive Edition is a must-play.
Grand Theft Auto (Series)
Did you think we’d forget? There’s no way Rockstar’s legendary Grand Theft Auto series wouldn’t make it onto our list. It’s easily one of the most recognizable and beloved crime-focused franchises that, over the years, inspired countless similar titles from other developers. Not to mention, the GTA series also happens to have some of the best open world games ever created, with vast environments that beg to be explored.
There’s not much about the series we can say that you don’t already know. But we’ve always been amazed at how different each installment feels despite the similar mechanics — a testament to Rockstar’s creativity and willingness to push the boundaries.
Take Vice City, set in the neon-soaked Miami of the 1980s, with its warm, vibrant beaches and nightlife. Now compare that to the colder, grittier atmosphere of GTA III or GTA IV, which present more serious, down-to-earth settings. And if you grew weary of the standard rise-through-the-ranks-of-organized-crime plot, then you probably loved San Andreas, which shifted focus to turf wars, loyalty, and bonds with family and friends. And then, there’s GTA V, which elevated the series with its three distinct playable characters, offering an innovative approach to storytelling that set a new standard for the genre.
Upcoming gangster games you should look forward to
At this point, we’d typically thank you for sticking with us and urge you to dive into some of the amazing titles we’ve gathered. But hold on just a bit longer! There are several exciting upcoming gangster games on the horizon that every fan of digital crime should have on their radar — and we’re here to remind you, just in case these slipped past you.
GTA VI
Alright, let’s be honest—there’s no way you missed this one. Officially announced in February 2022, GTA VI has set the gaming world ablaze with anticipation. The official trailer dropped at the end of 2023, has already been viewed over 200 million times! Ever since the reveal, the internet has been buzzing about one thing: GTA VI release date. But, as you may expect, it’s not that simple.
So far, we know that GTA VI is slated to arrive in Fall 2025, exclusively on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, Rockstar’s devs have hinted that potential delays aren’t off the table. As for the PC release, there’s no official confirmation yet, but given the history of previous GTA titles, it’s likely to follow a year or two later.
No deals available for Grand Theft Auto VI yet.
Create alert and get notified for new deals or add it to your wishlist.
Mafia The Old Country
All fans of Tommy guns, cigars, and somber men in long coats—rejoice! We’re heading back to the world of the infamous Italian crime syndicate in Mafia: The Old Country, or as most are calling it, Mafia 4. If you’re wondering about the Mafia 4 release date, we’re afraid it’s still speculative, with 2025 as the most likely target. However, everything is subject to change.
The good news? A short teaser trailer promises more information in December 2024, so we won’t be in the dark for much longer. What we do know is that the game will take us to Sicily, the birthplace of the Mafia, serving as a prequel to the series. This could mean we’ll encounter younger versions of some iconic characters from the earlier games. Beyond that, the details remain scarce—but the setting alone has us excited!
No deals available for Mafia: The Old Country yet.
Create alert and get notified for new deals or add it to your wishlist.
While preparing this news, we found ourselves pondering a question we’d love to hear your thoughts on. Don’t worry, we’re not about to ask which of these two upcoming gangster games you plan to play—because we all know the only acceptable answer is that famous quote from El Dorado: “Both. Both. Both is good.”
But here’s the real debate: with both Mafia 4 and GTA VI seemingly targeting similar release windows, what do you think is the best strategy for the Mafia developers? Once GTA VI drops, it’s almost certain to take the gaming world by storm. Should the Mafia team hold off and release their game later to avoid getting overshadowed? Or should they race ahead, releasing before GTA VI to carve out their spot in the market? Alternatively, are we wrong to paint Mafia as the underdog? Could it be that Mafia 4 will stand toe-to-toe with, or even outshine, Rockstar’s giant?
Let us know your thoughts below! And as always, we hope this list helped you find some new games to try out!
