Unleashing the Crime Boss in You: Top 5 Games Similar to Mafia 2: Definitive Edition

Mafia 2: Definitive Edition is an iconic action-adventure video game that brings players into the gangster world of the 1940s and 1950s. Your journey, however, need not end here. Enthralling stories, high-stakes power struggles, and a thrilling blend of strategy and action await you in these five enthralling games that rival the enigmatic world of Mafia 2.

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Arguably one of the most successful and popular games to date, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V offers unparalleled depth and variety, making it a top Mafia 2 alternative.

Gameplay

Similar to Mafia 2, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) offers players a wide open-world setting. Unlike Mafia 2, which strictly follows its story mode, GTA V offers players more flexibility and freedom. Players can commit crimes, engage in random activities, and participate in side missions. GTA V also includes a multiplayer mode called GTA Online, enabling numerous players worldwide to interact online.

Story and Setting

Set in a fictional city, Los Santos, inspired by Los Angeles, the game's vibrant graphics and detailed landscapes give an immersive experience. The game is centered on the exploits of three lawbreakers striving to pull off high-stakes robberies while facing heavy scrutiny from the authorities. The intricate plot and complex characters add to the gripping narrative.

2. Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs is another action-adventure game where players navigate the dangerous underworld of Hong Kong. Its emphasis on storyline and compelling gameplay offers a comparable experience to Mafia 2: Definitive Edition.

Gameplay

Sleeping Dogs has a unique combat system emphasizing hand-to-hand fights, complemented by environmental interactions. Police chases, car thefts and triad activities meld with the game's story progression. The game incorporates a leveling system reminiscent of role-playing games, adding a strategic dimension to the gameplay.

Story and Setting

In the video game Sleeping Dogs, you assume the role of a covert law enforcement officer dispatched to penetrate the ranks of the Sun On Yee, a dominant triad organization in Hong Kong. As you climb ranks, the line between loyalty to your job and the criminal world begins to blur.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

If you're hooked on Mafia 2's crime-themed narrative but wish to indulge in a different setting, Red Dead Redemption 2 is your game. The wild west atmosphere brings a fresh perspective to the crime-genre gaming scene.

Gameplay

Red Dead Redemption 2 provides players with an open-world environment teeming with life. Everything from your horse’s stamina to the main character’s appearance can be controlled. It’s not all cowboys and tumbleweeds; you’ll find robbing, shooting, and fishing side activities.

Story and Setting

You step into the boots of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang and an outlaw, set in the waning years of the 19th century. As your gang runs from the law following a botched heist, you must navigate the treacherous terrain and internal conflicts threatening your gang’s survival.

4. L.A. Noire

For gamers who enjoyed the crime-solving aspect of Mafia 2, the detective-based L.A. Noire presents an interesting alternative.

Gameplay

L.A. Noire deviates from typical open-world crime games by emphasizing crime-solving over criminal committing. Playing primarily as a detective, you're tasked with solving various cases through investigating crime scenes, questioning suspects, and analyzing evidence.

Story and Setting

You play as Police officer Cole Phelps as he climbs the LAPD hierarchy, solving increasingly complex cases. Set in a beautifully recreated 1940s Los Angeles, the game weaves a thrilling narrative navigating corruption, mystery, and justice.

5. Godfather Series

Reliving one of the greatest crime sagas ever told, this series takes you through a dangerous, yet compelling, mafia universe.

Gameplay

Godfather Series offers exciting gameplay where you build your reputation through various criminal activities and missions. The strategic territory control and intimidation tactics provide an intense mobster experience.

Story and Setting

You're a foot soldier trying to make a mark in the Corleone Family. The game expands the original story from the Godfather movie and offers familiar sights, characters, and events.

Bottom line

These five games echo the thrilling life of crime and power in Mafia 2: Definitive Edition. Immerse yourself in their captivating stories, thoughtfully crafted characters, and compelling gameplay. Exciting adventures and nerve-racking power struggles await you - time to step into the shoes of another criminal mastermind!