Best Open-World Games That Focus On Building A Criminal Empire

Taking over an entire open-world map, one territory at a time, is a surefire way to tickle the brain’s dopamine receptors. And what better way to do it than alongside a lovable crime family? Sandbox games seem tailor-made for this kind of premise, yet, surprisingly, they remain few and far between.

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The 2000s, however, were this type of game’s heyday. Every developer wanted a piece of that tasty Grand Theft Auto pie, feeding the audience’s insatiable hunger for open-world mayhem. While many clones strayed away from gangster fiction, some embraced the crime-laden chaos wholeheartedly, and without a shred of remorse.

1

The Godfather 2

A Sequel That Builds On Its Empire Mechanics

The Godfather II

Systems

Released

April 7, 2009

ESRB

mature 17+

While it never quite lived up to its legendary namesake, The Godfather 2 video game still delivers some solid thrills. Especially when it comes to building a mafia empire.

Players control Dominic as he sets his sights on becoming the Don of the Corleone family in New York City. To achieve this, they’ll compete with rival families, recruit gang members, conquer territories, and extort store owners in classic protection rackets. A standout feature allows players to command a crew of made men, assigning roles and promoting them from soldato to underboss. Another neat addition is the “Don’s View,” an interactive map that lets players survey their growing criminal empire in all its glory.

2

Saints Row: The Third

Third Time’s The Charm

Systems

Released

November 6, 2012

ESRB

m

Continuing the long-held traditions of previous Saints Row games, this installment once again sees players eliminating rival gangs and seizing their turf. This time, the gangs in the player’s crosshairs are the Morningstar, Luchadores, and Deckers, collectively known as the Syndicate, in the new city of Steelport.

Players can purchase cribs and businesses to generate passive income, gradually expanding their control over territories. As their empire grows, they’ll take over entire neighborhoods and, ultimately, the city itself. While this entry may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it still stands far taller than the 2022 reboot.

3

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Simple Yet Addicting Empire Building

Released

October 29, 2002

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence

Managing a hard-earned criminal empire as Tommy Vercetti in the neon-drenched paradise of Vice City is one of gaming’s best experiences. While not overly complex or taxing, this feature is something fans would welcome back to the series with open arms.

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Players can purchase properties across the city to manage, including a nightclub, a taxi company, and even an adult film studio. Complete enough side missions at these upstanding establishments, and Tommy will generate a steady income, fueling his rise to the top and funding even more chaos.

4

Saints Row 2

GTA Clone That Goes Further

Open-World

Third-Person Shooter

Released

October 14, 2008

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

Here players have the best Saints Row game, the one that perfected the formula it so lovingly borrowed from Grand Theft Auto. Players can recruit gang members and call on them in a jam, complete missions, and wipe out enemy strongholds (San Andreas flashbacks, anyone?). Of course, there’s also the usual property buying and discounted items, but this time, players can even see their custom character appear on billboards, which is a nice touch.

That said, these games take a more straightforward approach to building a criminal empire. Becoming top dog simply means gaining control of the city’s neighborhoods through story missions and side quests. But that doesn’t make it any less satisfying to watch the map slowly turn purple as players take back Stilwater for themselves.

5

The Godfather

It Insists Upon Its Criminal Empire

The Godfather

Released

March 21, 2006

ESRB

m

Despite having fewer features, the original Godfather game remains the superior experience. It treats the source material with the respect one would give a Don on the day of his daughter’s wedding.

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Like its successor, players extort protection money from businesses across post-war NYC, strong-arming their way up the ranks. This time, the story is told through the eyes of original character Aldo Trapani, a rising enforcer with a personal vendetta, seeking vengeance for his father’s murder while carving out his own place in the Corleone family.

6

Kenshi

Become Your Very Own Immortan Joe

Systems

Released

December 6, 2018

ESRB

nr

Kenshi is the most unique entry on this list, blending open-world RPG and RTS mechanics against a cold, post-apocalyptic backdrop. If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. And out of all that player freedom emerges one surprising feature: empire building.

In the game, players can recruit NPCs from the world’s various factions and species into their squad. After thieving, smuggling, and selling nefarious goods in the wasteland, a ragtag group can grow into a full-blown settlement. Sure, crime doesn’t really exist in a lawless, post-apocalyptic world—but it’s close enough…

7

Scarface: The World Is Yours

The Criminal Empire Is Yours

Released

July 25, 2006

ESRB

m

Scarface: The World is Yours is a video game adaptation that completely goes against the core themes of the film it’s based on. While the original told a tragic story of hubris and greed, the game sequel tosses all that out the window and instead asks: What if Tony survived the climactic shootout? And not only that, what if he rebuilt his criminal empire with a triumphant, almost happy ending?

Besides telling people to “say hello to my little friend,” players will spend a large chunk of their time taking over rival gang territories, slanging yayo, and building up their reputation through brutal, high-stakes missions. All of this to get Tony back to the heights of power fans saw in the film—minus the downfall.

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Creating and managing an illicit empire can be very rewarding in video games. These titles offer some of the best experiences.