Mafia 1
- Released on: September 6, 2002
- Developer: Illusion Softworks
- Platform: Windows, PS, Xbox
If you enjoy a mafia story in the style of “The Godfather,” you will definitely be happy with Mafia. The game tells the story of two mafia families controlling the fictional city of Lost Heaven. Protagonist Tommy has had enough and wants to get out. Based on this, the game narrates the story of the ex-mafioso through flashbacks.
In the style of the cinematic model, Tommy is further drawn into the vortex of violence and honor throughout the course of the story. The Lost Heaven of the 1930s is atmospherically implemented. We can steal cars as usual, but we have to reckon that their tank may not be completely full. Old-fashioned, indeed.
In contrast to “GTA,” “Mafia” is less sandbox and more a narrative-driven gangster epic. There are hardly any side activities or distractions from the criminal everyday life. This is not a problem due to the excitingly staged story.
Thanks to the remake, the “Definitive Edition” of the game, Mafia can still be wonderfully played today. It is the ideal alternative for those who prioritize the story in such games.
Here’s the review of “Mafia: Definitive Edition” on Gamestar.
Just Cause 2
- Released on: March 26, 2010
- Developer: Avalanche Studios
- Platform: Windows, PS, Xbox
The complete contrast to the narrative-driven campaign of a Mafia is probably Just Cause. Here, the story surrounding agent Rico Rodriguez is intentionally put on the back burner. Whether anyone has actually played through the campaign can be questioned.
It’s much more fun to play the game when you leave the mission paths and create chaos uncontrollably. The huge open world, an island in the middle of the Pacific, can be destroyed in every possible way. Almost everywhere something can explode, and especially the grappling hook along with parachute typical for the series allows for spectacular stunts.
Just Cause 2 is therefore for the type of player who also has little interest in the story in GTA, but rather prefers to drive around the game world and create chaos. Because let’s be honest: Stealing a car, driving around, performing stunts, inciting enemies against themselves, and launching them into the air with a rocket launcher is the first thing most of us did in GTA.
Here’s the review of “Just Cause 2” on Gamestar.
Lego City Undercover
- Released on: March 18, 2013
- Developer: TT Fusion/Nintendo SPD
- Platform: Windows, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, PS, Xbox
A game that is often overlooked as an alternative to the adult, brutal “GTA” lifestyle is Lego City Undercover. At its core, it’s a child-friendly but by no means simple variation of the beloved gameplay principle. The story revolves around a police officer who, as the title of the game suggests, acts undercover.
While most other Lego games are based on a license, such as Star Wars, in this case, the in-house Lego City universe serves as the template. This means: a colorful block world full of creative ideas. The plot and dialogues are charmingly written and do not skimp on slapstick and references to pop culture. Even GTA itself gets its due, for example in the game’s intro, which references GTA 4.
Although the game is, as is often the case with Lego, quite simple to play, numerous costumes that can be found throughout the game world additionally motivate players to combat crime in Lego City. So for those who want something less serious, but charmingly playful, this game should be chosen.
Here’s the review of Lego City Undercover on Gamestar.
Since the announcement of the sixth part, GTA 5 is also experiencing a renaissance. Both on Twitch and YouTube, as well as privately, many players have returned to the now ten-year-old game. Are you one of them?
- 1
- 2
